If you have ever dreamed of capturing the magic of a juicy cheeseburger in a cozy bowl, then you are in for a treat with this Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. It’s a creamy, savory, and loaded-with-flavor soup that combines the best parts of your favorite burger—melty cheddar, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and zingy tomatoes— all simmered together into one soul-satisfying meal. Whether it’s a chilly night or you just need a hug on a spoon, this soup brings comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully, each playing a vital role in balancing richness, heartiness, and vibrant flavors in this soup. From the savory beef to the creamy cheese, every element adds a perfect note to the final dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that gives the soup that classic cheeseburger meaty taste.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, aromatic boost to the flavor profile.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings bright acidity and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Provides herbal notes to complement the meat and veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Gives just enough peppery warmth.
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes): Creates hearty substance and smooth texture as it cooks.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides luscious creaminess and rich texture.
- 1 cup milk: Helps keep the soup silky and smooth.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping: The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor.
- Optional toppings: Cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions to elevate every bite.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown beautifully and develop rich flavor. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant — this combo forms the aromatic backbone of the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, Green Chilies, and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes and diced green chilies. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, creating a savory, slightly tangy broth that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Carrots, Then Simmer
Next, toss in your peeled and cubed potatoes along with the shredded carrots. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
Step 5: Blend in Cream Cheese and Milk
Remove the pot from heat, then add the softened cream cheese. Whisk it in thoroughly or use an immersion blender to get a luxuriously smooth texture. Stir in the milk next, ensuring the soup is creamy and perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts entirely, creating that irresistible cheesy richness that’s the heart of this Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, topping with extra shredded cheddar, bacon crumbles, sour cream, or green onions if you like. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your soup adds an exciting extra layer of flavor and texture. Crispy bacon crumbles bring smokiness and crunch, sour cream adds tangy creaminess, and sliced green onions provide a fresh, peppery note that balances the rich soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully alongside simple sides like crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a crisp green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while a salad cuts through the richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or small, individual crock bowls for a cozy presentation. You can also sprinkle on crushed potato chips or toasted croutons for an unexpected yet delicious contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, it stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but keep in mind the cream cheese and dairy might change texture slightly. For best results, freeze the soup prior to adding the cream cheese and cheddar, then add them fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking and blending the cheeses smoothly back into the soup. Avoid high heat to keep the texture creamy and delicious just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based “beef” alternatives or extra beans and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that still feels hearty and flavorful.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Absolutely. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for unique flavor profiles that pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
Definitely! If you enjoy heat, add extra diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking to give your soup a spicy kick.
What’s the best way to peel potatoes quickly?
Using a vegetable peeler is the easiest and fastest method. For cubing, cut the peeled potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly in the soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients except the cheeses in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream cheese and cheddar at the end, stirring until melted.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is truly a game-changer for cozy home cooking. It takes just simple ingredients and a bit of love to transform them into a dish everyone will rave about. So grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and a flavorful tomato broth into a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a delicious way to enjoy your favorite cheeseburger flavors in a cozy soup form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
Optional Toppings
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Sour cream
- Green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, which develops a sweet and flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aroma.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes and diced green chilies to add a spicy, tangy dimension.
- Season the Soup: Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to layer in savory flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in the peeled and cubed potatoes and shredded carrots, which will provide heartiness and nutrition.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cream Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Add softened cream cheese, then whisk or use an immersion blender to blend it into the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Milk: Pour in the milk and stir well to combine, creating a silky texture.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated, making the soup rich and cheesy.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk or add more cream cheese.
- Use an immersion blender carefully to avoid over-pureeing; leaving some chunks adds texture.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Potatoes can be substituted with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the level of diced green chilies based on preferred spice level.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
