Creamy Cheeseburger Soup

All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, and savory seasonings—wrapped up in a warm, creamy soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl. This Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family on chilly nights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheeseburger in Soup Form – All the taste, none of the bun.
Rich & Satisfying – Thick, creamy, and full of flavor.
One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal prep.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters will go back for seconds.
Meal Prep Friendly – Reheats beautifully and freezes well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Optional: chopped green onions, crumbled beef bacon, shredded lettuce for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through.
2. Drain excess grease if needed and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add olive oil (if needed) and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

1. Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the cooked beef back into the soup pot.
2. Pour in the roux mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in sour cream and simmer on low for another 5 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or crumbled beef bacon if desired.
2. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or even a side of fries for a fun twist.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Use Sharp Cheddar – Adds bold cheesy flavor.
Dice Potatoes Small – So they cook evenly and quickly.
Don’t Skip the Roux – It makes the soup creamy and thick.
Add Pickles – Chopped pickles or pickle relish add a true burger vibe.
Cook Low & Slow – Once the cheese is in, keep heat low to avoid curdling.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – The best for dipping into the creamy broth.
With a Side Salad – Adds a crisp and fresh balance.
As a Bread Bowl – Serve inside a hollowed loaf for extra fun.
With Fries – A fun nod to the classic cheeseburger combo.
Topped Like a Burger – Lettuce, tomato, or even a dollop of ketchup/mustard for creative flair.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter version.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour for the roux, and double-check all ingredients.

3. Is this soup low-carb?
Not as written, but you can replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb option.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but for the smoothest texture, shred cheese fresh from a block.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook beef first, then add all ingredients (except cheese and sour cream) to the slow cooker on LOW for 4–6 hours. Stir in cheese and sour cream at the end.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger, transformed into a comforting, cheesy bowl of happiness. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re warming up on a cold night or feeding a hungry family, this soup hits the spot every single time.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your burger-in-a-bowl creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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