Warm up your evenings with the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl: Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup! This rich, velvety creation brings together juicy ground beef, tender vegetables, and a blanket of melted cheddar for a flavor-packed experience that’ll have you coming back for seconds. I still remember the first time I whipped up this soup on a chilly autumn afternoon—my kitchen filled with the gentle sizzle of beef browning, while the sweet aroma of carrots and onions danced in the air. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of 30 minutes (plus a quick 5-minute rest), this beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches.
Every spoonful is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The tender potatoes and grated carrots add a subtle sweetness and heartiness, while a hint of dried basil and parsley brings a warm, herbal note. As the cheddar cheese melts into the creamy base, you’ll notice how each bite feels like home. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with your favorite crusty bread or a crisp side salad. Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner for two or feeding a crowd, this soup delivers on flavor, ease, and that irresistible cheeseburger vibe—no grill required.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s chat about the star players that give this soup its mouthwatering depth. Each ingredient has a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness—so here’s why they matter:
- Ground beef
Brings a savory, meaty backbone to the soup. Browning it releases those caramelized bits that deepen the overall taste.
- Olive oil
Provides a heart-healthy fat for sautéing. It helps prevent sticking and infuses a gentle fruitiness into the aromatics.
- Onion
Offers a sweet, pungent foundation when diced and sautéed. It melts down, softening the soup’s texture and flavor.
- Garlic
Delivers a robust, aromatic punch. A couple of cloves, minced finely, add that crave-worthy savory note.
- Carrots
Add natural sweetness and a pop of color. Grated carrots cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout.
- Potatoes
Serve as the starchy, comforting element. Diced potatoes become tender and help thicken the broth naturally.
- Chicken broth
Forms the flavorful liquid base. It carries the beef and veggie flavors while keeping things light.
- All-purpose flour
Acts as a thickening agent. Whisked with milk, it creates a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Milk
Contributes a gentle creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese. It blends seamlessly when combined with flour.
- Cheddar cheese
Introduces gooey, tangy richness. Shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the hot soup, giving it that signature cheesy pull.
- Worcestershire sauce
Adds a subtle umami depth. Just a splash enhances the meaty flavor and ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper
Fundamental seasonings that bring out all the ingredients’ best qualities. Adjust to taste for perfect balance.
- Dried basil
Provides a mild, sweet-herb fragrance. It complements the savory elements without overpowering.
- Dried parsley
Lends a fresh, grassy note. It brightens the soup and adds a touch of color.
- Sour cream
Rounds out the creaminess with a tangy finish. Stirring it in off heat ensures a silky consistency.
HOW TO MAKE HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. This recipe unfolds in straightforward steps that build flavor from the ground up. You’ll appreciate how each technique—browning, sautéing, and simmering—contributes to a luscious, cohesive soup that feels both indulgent and homey.
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains. Once perfectly cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set it aside, leaving those flavorful drippings behind.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its savory aroma.
3. Stir in the grated carrots and diced potatoes, letting them cook for roughly 5 minutes. Keep the mixture moving so nothing sticks and each piece starts to soften.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until completely smooth. Slowly drizzle this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and to help the soup begin to thicken.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir well. Let the soup simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness—usually 3–5 minutes.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley. Mix continuously until the cheese melts fully and the seasonings dissolve into a harmonious blend.
8. Turn off the heat and fold in the sour cream. Stir until it’s completely incorporated, giving your soup a final velvety finish.
9. Ladle the hot, creamy cheeseburger soup into bowls and enjoy! For a decorative flourish, top with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
When it comes to serving this sumptuous soup, presentation and pairings can elevate the experience from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re dishing it out for a cozy family dinner or a casual lunch with friends, these ideas will help you shine.
- Serve with a crusty baguette or sourdough. Dip thick slices into the soup to soak up every cheesy, beefy drop—perfect for sopping up that creamy broth.
- Dust the tops with freshly chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits. The bright, sharp bite of scallions or the savory crunch of bacon adds delightful contrast.
- Offer a side of crisp garden salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A light, tangy salad cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between spoonfuls.
- Present in bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch. Hollow out small round loaves and ladle the soup inside—guests can break off edible bowls as they eat!
HOW TO STORE HEARTY CREAMY CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Planning ahead? This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Proper storage ensures you’ll have delicious leftovers without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool slightly before sealing to preserve creaminess and prevent condensation.
- Portion into single-serving containers for easy reheating. This saves time on busy days and reduces waste by thawing only what you need.
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Leave some headspace for expansion and lay bags flat to save space. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. If the soup has thickened too much, whisk in a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
CONCLUSION
From the first creamy spoonful to the last melty strand of cheddar, this Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is guaranteed to become a go-to comfort classic in your recipe collection. We’ve covered everything from ingredient insights and step-by-step instructions to serving ideas and storage tips, so you’re fully equipped to whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes. Feel free to print out this article or save it in your digital cookbook—having it on hand means you can dive into cozy, satisfying meals at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget, there’s an FAQ section waiting for you below if you have any lingering questions about substitutions, technique tweaks, or ingredient swaps.
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Leave a comment if you added any personal twists—maybe a dash of hot sauce or a swirl of pesto—and let me know how it hit the spot on a chilly night. If you need help troubleshooting anything, from achieving the perfect thickness to maximizing cheesy stretch, drop your questions or feedback. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious bowls of creamy cheeseburger goodness!
Hearty Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
Description
This creamy cheeseburger soup combines tender beef, veggies, and cheddar in a delightful blend of flavors. It's the ultimate cozy dish for any mealtime!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
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Add grated carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the pot.
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Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer until it thickens.
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Stir in cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
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Lastly, turn off the heat and add sour cream. Stir until fully incorporated into the soup.
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Serve hot and enjoy your creamy cheeseburger soup. Optional: garnish with additional shredded cheese or green onions.
Note
- For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapenos during step 2.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version.
- The soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Make the soup ahead and refrigerate; it often tastes better the next day.
- This dish is perfect for colder weather, providing comfort in every bite.
