Name: Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter or coconut oil); 2 onions, diced; 5 stalks celery, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 5 carrots, diced; 4 large potatoes, chopped; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 lbs ground beef, browned; 2 tsp dried parsley; 1 tsp salt; 10 oz shredded cheddar cheese; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Easy Cheeseburger Soup delivers the coziest comfort food vibes, all wrapped up in a warm, hearty bowl. This rich, comforting soup brings all the cheesy, savory flavors of your favorite burger—no bun required. Imagine rich, savory broth loaded with tender potatoes, carrots, and ground beef, then swirled with melted cheddar for that irresistible creamy finish. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings big flavor with minimal fuss—cozy, family‑friendly, and perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re craving the flavors of your favorite burger or just want a satisfying, flavorful soup, Cheeseburger Soup has everything you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for this Cheeseburger Soup because it delivers all the familiar, craveable flavors of a cheeseburger—melty cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fresh veggie goodness—in a warm, comforting soup form. It’s convenience meets nostalgia: everything comes together in one pot (or a couple, if you’re making homemade broth), saving time and cleanup. Plus, you can customize it with all your favorite burger toppings—like pickles, crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, or even a swirl of hot sauce—making each bowl uniquely delicious. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Perfect for chilly evenings, picky eaters, or anyone craving a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil — or feel free to swap in butter or coconut oil, if preferred
2 onions, diced
5 stalks of celery, diced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
5 carrots, diced
4 large potatoes, chopped into bite‑sized pieces
6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store‑bought)
2 pounds of ground beef, browned and drained as needed
2 teaspoons dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
10 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

(Optional) Make broth: If you’re starting from scratch, prepare your homemade chicken broth—Instant Pot or stovetop—then strain.
Sauté the base: Heat your oil (or butter or coconut oil) over medium heat in a large pot. Sauté the diced onions and celery until they become tender and fragrant, around 3 to 5 minutes.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two, being careful not to burn it.
Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced carrots and chopped potatoes.
Add broth: Pour in your homemade (strained) or store‑bought chicken broth. Bring the mix to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Brown the beef: While the veggies are cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat. Break it into bite‑size pieces, cook until fully browned, drain excess fat, and then add it into the simmering soup.
Season: Sprinkle in the dried or fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the broth for that creamy, cheesy finish.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger accoutrements.

Helpful Tips

Keep it creamy: Stir in the cheese off‑heat to prevent clumping or separation—add it slowly and stir continuously.
One‑pot efficiency: To save dishes, use the same pot throughout—start by sautéing veggies, then add broth, simmer, and finish right there.
Even cooking: Chop potatoes and carrots into uniform sizes for consistent tenderness.
Avoid curdling: Grainy texture often occurs when cheese is added over high heat or melted too rapidly.
Homemade broth bonus: If making broth in the Instant Pot, go straight from shredding the chicken to making soup in the same pot—efficiency at its finest.
Quick cool down: Add a handful of frozen peas or green beans to the hot soup—this cools slightly while crisp‑tenderizing the veggies.

Substitutions And Variations

Vegetarian twist: Swap ground beef for cooked lentils or plant‑based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cheese options: Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses if you want a milder or creamier profile.
Health‑minded tweaks: Use half‑and‑half or milk in place of some cheese for a lighter version—add gradually for creaminess.
Flavor boosts: Enhance the burger flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of mustard for extra tang.
Veggie upgrades: Add diced bell peppers or leeks along with the onions and celery for extra dimension.
Spicier version: Add cayenne pepper, a drizzle of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Low‑sodium swap: Use low‑sodium broth and cheese, then season carefully to control salt levels.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of broth or milk if it thickened too much.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the soup to cool fully, then divide into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags.
Reheating tip: When reheating, stir in a bit of broth or milk, as cheesy soups can thicken in the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 654 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 34 g
Total Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 119 mg
Sodium: 1,895 mg
Potassium: 1,572 mg
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 6,846 IU
Vitamin C: 51 mg
Calcium: 339 mg
Iron: 4 mg

(Note: values are estimates and can vary based on brands and measurements.)

Serving Suggestions

Garnish each bowl with classics like extra shredded cheddar, crispy crumbled bacon, diced tomato, diced onion, chopped green onions, pickle slices, or a dollop of sour cream for layers of cheeseburger authenticity.
For an extra creamy touch, swirl in some cream or a bit of melted butter at the end.
Serve alongside toasted buns, cornbread, or a crusty baguette to soak up every cheesy, meaty drop.
A simple side salad—like baby greens with vinaigrette or coleslaw—helps brighten the plate and balance the hearty richness of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Soup

Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in the slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Add the cheese at the end and stir until melted. Be sure to stir occasionally if it gets too thick.

Can ground turkey or chicken be used as a beef substitute?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well. You may want to add extra seasoning—like a pinch of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce—to boost flavor since these proteins are milder.

Is this soup keto‑friendly?
This recipe includes potatoes and carrots, which are naturally higher in carbohydrates. To make it keto‑friendly, omit potatoes and carrots and use low‑carb veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or chopped cabbage. The cheese and ground meat provide a satisfying boost of protein and healthy fats.

Can I make it gluten‑free?
Yes—just double‑check the broth brand to ensure it’s gluten‑free, and use naturally gluten‑free cheese. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten‑safe.

Why does my soup get grainy when cheese is added?
Grainy texture often occurs when cheese is added over high heat or melted too rapidly. To avoid that, remove the pot from heat, shred cheese finely, and stir it in slowly until fully melted. You can also stir in a bit of cream or milk to smooth the texture.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for joining me on this cozy, flavorful cheeseburger‑in‑a‑bowl adventure with Cheeseburger Soup! I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth and satisfaction it does for me—melting cheese, savory beef, hearty vegetables, and all the burger fixings you love, all in one bowl. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers a hug in every spoonful. Whether feeding family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this soup is a winner. Happy cooking, enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite—and thanks for being part of our food‑loving community. Here’s to simple comfort, big flavors, and the joy of sharing delicious dishes.

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