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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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Introducing Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

When you’re craving all the juicy flavor of a cheeseburger but want something warm and comforting, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe hits the spot like no other. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with those classic burger vibes — crispy bacon, melty cheddar, hearty potatoes, and that tangy mustard kick. Trust me, once I made this, I couldn’t stop telling friends how insanely crave-worthy it is!

This soup is perfect for chilly nights when you want something that feels like a big, delicious hug. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers or even meal prep—you can whip it up in under an hour and savor that sizzling, savory goodness anytime. You’ll love how it balances creamy comfort with bold burger flavors, making it the ultimate bowl of pure joy.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor-Packed: That perfect combo of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy mustard makes each spoonful unforgettable.
  • Easy Steps: Simple cooking techniques that anyone can nail—even if you’re a kitchen newbie.
  • Reliable Results: Follow the steps and you’ll get that creamy, hearty texture every single time.
  • Flexible: Swap veggies, try different cheeses, or make it lighter with milk instead of cream.

Ingredients You’ll Crave

The image shows several small glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients: bright orange cubed carrots, chopped pale green celery, crispy brown bacon bits, chopped white onions, creamy butter, shredded orange cheddar cheese, white flour, and black pepper with yellow mustard in tiny bowls. There is a larger white bowl filled with four whole brown potatoes, and a dark bowl filled with raw ground meat that is pinkish-red. Next to the bowls are two clear glass containers, one with a creamy white liquid and the other with a translucent pale yellow liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7
  • 5 strips bacon (chopped) – Crispy bits add irresistible smokiness and texture.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef – The meaty base packs hearty flavor without too much grease.
  • 4 tablespoons butter – For that rich, velvety sauté base.
  • ½ medium onion (chopped) – Adds savory depth with a touch of sweetness.
  • 2 ribs celery (chopped) – Freshness and a little crunch.
  • 2 medium carrots (chopped) – A subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves) – Brings that punch of aromatic flavor.
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the soup to creamy perfection.
  • 4 cups chicken broth – The flavorful liquid foundation.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – For luscious creaminess that makes each bite dreamy.
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – Tangy zing that brightens the dish.
  • 1 pound Russet potatoes (about 2 large; peeled and diced) – Tender bites that give great substance.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp and melty, the star cheeseburger flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Adds a fresh, zesty lift at the end.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – To season perfectly.
If you want to shake things up, swap the cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda to bring some flair. For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with whole milk. Feel free to use turkey bacon or ground turkey for a leaner protein choice without sacrificing flavor.

Gear Up Before Cooking

Getting the right tools ready means your cooking process flows like silk. Because this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe involves multiple cooking steps—from crisping bacon to simmering tender potatoes—having the right pan and prep gear will save you time and keep things tidy in the kitchen.

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Tools You’ll Need

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heating and simmering the soup without hot spots.
  • Sharp chef’s knife: For chopping your bacon, veggies, and potatoes precisely.
  • Mixing bowl: Handy to drain fat from cooked beef before adding back in.
  • Whisk and spatula: Whisk for gradually blending the broth and flour; spatula for breaking up beef.
  • Optional: Immersion blender if you prefer a smoother soup texture—great for blending part of the potatoes.

Step-by-Step to Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Bliss

Now the fun part – let’s get cooking! This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe guides you through sizzling bacon, browning beef, and simmering those veggies into a creamy, bowl-licking broth. I love how each step layers on flavor and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow along and you’ll have a crave-worthy soup in no time!

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large pot over medium-high and cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden, about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat—if it starts to sputter too much, turn it down to medium. Scoop out the bacon and drain on paper towels to keep it extra crispy.
  2. Brown the beef: In the same pot (leave a little bacon fat for flavor), add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up and cook 4-5 minutes, until it’s no longer pink and just starting to brown. Transfer to a bowl and drain any excess fat to keep your soup from getting greasy.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Melt butter in your pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots, cooking 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to release a sweet aroma.
  4. Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. This little step unlocks a ton of flavor.
  5. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well, cooking for about a minute. This blends the flour into the butter and veggies, setting up that creamy soup base.
  6. Stir in liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add cream, yellow mustard, diced potatoes, and the cooked beef. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to medium-low heat. Partially cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened beautifully.
  7. Pro Tips for Success

    Keep the heat moderate to avoid scorching the butter and flour mixture. If the soup thickens too fast, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Taste as you go—season with salt and pepper after adding cheese to avoid over-salting. And don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens all the rich flavors perfectly.

  8. Finish with cheese and lemon: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and fresh lemon juice. If your soup feels too thick, gently blend in a bit more broth or cream until you hit your preferred creamy texture.
  9. Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls and crown each serving with those crispy bacon bits you cooked at the start. Dive in while it’s piping hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

Flavor Variations for Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup that has many layers of ingredients. The base layer is thick and pale yellow with a smooth texture. Mixed in are soft chunks of pale potatoes and orange carrots, with small bits of browned ground meat spread evenly throughout. On top are scattered crispy dark brown bacon pieces and thin strips of melted bright orange cheese. There are small green herb bits sprinkled for color, and a dusting of black pepper. On the right edge, a wooden spoon rests partially submerged in the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7
  • Add diced pickles and a dash of hot sauce for that classic cheeseburger tang and kick.
  • Swap Russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to give it a subtle sweetness and twist on tradition.
  • Use smoked paprika and chipotle powder in the base for a smoky, spicy edge.
  • For a lighter dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese.
  • Mix in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami and meaty texture.
  • Top with chopped green onions or fresh chives for a pop of fresh color and mild onion crunch.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring so the cheese doesn’t stick or clump.
  • Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and reheat slowly on the stovetop when ready. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much after thawing.
  • Meal prep tip: Cook everything except the cheese and lemon juice ahead of time, then stir those in fresh when reheating to keep the cheese melty and vibrant.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe FAQs

  • Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Absolutely! Just crisp it up before adding as a topping to keep that signature crunch.
  • Can I substitute milk for heavy cream? Yes, though the soup will be less rich. Whole milk or half-and-half works best as lighter alternatives.
  • Do the potatoes have to be peeled? Peeling gives a smoother texture, but you can leave skin on for more rustic, earthy flavor and added fiber.
  • How do I prevent the cheese from clumping? Remove the soup from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until fully melted.
  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? You can, but I recommend sautéing bacon, beef, and veggies first for best flavor. Then combine everything and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

A creamy and comforting cheeseburger soup featuring crispy bacon, ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheddar cheese all blended into a deliciously hearty dish perfect for chilly days.

  • Author: Katie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meats

  • 5 strips bacon (chopped)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • ½ medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 ribs celery (chopped)
  • 2 medium carrots (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 pound Russet potatoes (about 2 large; peeled and diced)

Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Others

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. If the pan gets too hot, reduce the heat to medium. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, using a spatula to break up the beef until no longer pink. Remove the beef to a bowl and drain the fat.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in the pot, then add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well until it is mixed throughout, creating a roux base.
  6. Combine Liquids and Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Then add the heavy cream, yellow mustard, diced potatoes, and the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine.
  7. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover partially and let simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  8. Add Cheese and Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh lemon juice. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
  9. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into serving bowls and top each serving with the crispy bacon from the first step. Enjoy your comforting cheeseburger soup!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat for a less greasy soup.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour during the roux step or reduce the amount of chicken broth.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with beef broth.
  • Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture that softens nicely; you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes if preferred.
  • Adjust the level of cheese to increase creaminess or garnish extra cheese on top for presentation.
  • Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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