If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, then this Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect dish for you. Creamy, rich, and loaded with beefy goodness, this soup will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Stick around for the full recipe, including ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions on how to perfect this dish. Whether you’re cooking for the family or want to impress guests, this cheeseburger soup is sure to be a hit.
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger Soup combines all the mouthwatering elements of a cheeseburger into a delicious and hearty soup. Imagine biting into a cheeseburger but in a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. This dish contains ground beef, potatoes, Velveeta cheese, and crispy bacon, making it a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors. The soup is perfect for chilly days, game nights, or any occasion where comfort food is needed.
Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup
To create this delightful Cheeseburger Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:
Vegetables:
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds hearty texture and bulk to the soup.
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated: Brings sweetness and color while adding to the nutritional value.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Liquids and Bases:
- 1 ½ cups water: Helps to cook the vegetables and serves as the soup’s base.
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules (about 4 cubes): Intensifies the beefy flavor.
- 2 ½ cups milk (divided use): Creates a creamy consistency in the soup.
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained: The star of the show, adding the essential "cheeseburger" element.
- ½ pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled: Gives a smoky crunch and extra flavor.
Other Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent to create the perfect soup consistency.
- 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed: This processed cheese melts perfectly and gives the soup its creamy, cheesy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Cheeseburger Soup is that it’s easily adaptable. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to customize the recipe to your taste:
- Ground beef: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
- Velveeta: If you're not a fan of processed cheese, try using shredded sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and healthier version.
- Carrots: If you’re not a carrot lover, feel free to replace them with celery or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used as substitutes for regular bacon.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Cheeseburger Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and cubing 2 cups of potatoes. Peel and grate 2 carrots, then chop 1 small onion. Mince 1 clove of garlic. Set the vegetables aside as you prepare the soup base.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks to avoid clumps. Once browned, drain the excess grease and remove the beef from the pot. Set the cooked beef aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the prepared potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon granules (or about 4 cubes). Add ½ teaspoon of salt to season. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make the Soup Base
In a separate bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of the milk until smooth. Gradually add this flour mixture to the pot with the simmering vegetables, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This step will help thicken the soup.
Step 5: Add Ground Beef and Cheese
Return the browned ground beef to the pot, then add the remaining 2 cups of milk. Stir well and allow the mixture to heat through. Once warm, add 8 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Add Bacon and Final Touches
To finish the soup, stir in the crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s break it down into a simpler version if you're a visual learner or prefer shorter instructions.
- Brown ground beef and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic) in water and bouillon until tender.
- Thicken the soup by adding a flour-milk mixture.
- Add ground beef and the remaining milk.
- Melt Velveeta cheese into the soup.
- Stir in bacon and season to taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the vegetables: Keep an eye on the vegetables to avoid mushy potatoes and carrots. You want them tender but not falling apart.
- Not draining the ground beef properly: Excess grease from the beef can make the soup oily. Always drain the fat after browning the meat.
- Skipping the thickening step: Whisking the flour and milk is essential to achieving the correct creamy consistency. Skipping this can leave your soup watery.
- Not stirring the cheese enough: Velveeta melts beautifully, but you need to keep stirring to ensure that it melts evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your Cheeseburger Soup can take it from good to great. Here are some tips:
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
- Serve this soup in warm bowls to keep the soup hot.
- Top each bowl with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
- For a complete meal, serve the soup alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup
- Bread bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This adds a rustic, comforting touch.
- Cheeseburger toppings bar: Create a toppings bar with shredded lettuce, pickles, extra bacon, and jalapenos for guests to customize their bowls.
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to make sure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly:
- Prep ahead: You can brown the ground beef and chop the vegetables in advance to make the cooking process quicker.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Freeze it: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients except the milk, flour, and cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the milk, flour mixture, and Velveeta cheese.
Can I use a different cheese besides Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta melts smoothly, you can use cheddar, Colby Jack, or even gouda for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles, and use vegetable bouillon instead of beef bouillon.
How can I thicken my soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is too thin, whisk together an additional tablespoon of flour with some water or milk and add it to the soup. Cook until it thickens.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Cheeseburger Soup recipe that combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth and comfort of a soup. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your family and friends, this soup is sure to deliver. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and endless variations, you’ll want to make this dish a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintThe Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This rich and flavorful Cheeseburger Soup recipe combines ground beef, bacon, Velveeta, and vegetables for a deliciously hearty meal. The combination of cheesy, meaty goodness with a creamy base makes this soup an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for any season. Ideal for family meals or gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules (about 4 cubes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 2 ½ cups milk (divided use)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- ½ pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, water, beef bouillon, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- In a separate pan, brown and drain ground beef, then add to the pot.
- Stir in 2 cups of milk.
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the remaining ½ cup of milk, then stir into the soup.
- Add Velveeta cheese cubes and stir until melted.
- Stir in cooked bacon. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add more or less Velveeta depending on how cheesy you want the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer after adding the flour mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
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