Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one warm, satisfying bowl. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy broth, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this hearty soup is thick, rich, and incredibly delicious. Every spoonful is loaded with juicy beef, onions, peppers, and gooey cheese, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknight dinners. This one-pot recipe comes together easily with everyday ingredients and is ideal for feeding the whole family. Serve it with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or crispy crackers for a complete meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week, this Creamy Cheeseburger Soup delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Crumbled cooked bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the butter, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Dairy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, mixing until well combined. Do not allow the soup to boil.
Step 5: Season
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Melt the Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and gradually stir it into the soup until completely melted and smooth.
Step 7: Add the Cheddar
Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and creamy.
Step 8: Simmer
Allow the soup to gently simmer for 8–10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
Step 10: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, green onions, parsley, or crispy bacon. Serve hot with toasted bread or crackers.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips
- Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Keep the heat low after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
- Add diced potatoes or cooked pasta for an even heartier meal.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds extra depth of flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat while stirring frequently.
Q&A
Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups can separate after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Can I substitute ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent lighter alternatives.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack also work well.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 6
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 455
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one warm, satisfying bowl. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy broth, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this hearty soup is thick, rich, and incredibly delicious. Every spoonful is loaded with juicy beef, onions, peppers, and gooey cheese, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknight dinners. This one-pot recipe comes together easily with everyday ingredients and is ideal for feeding the whole family. Serve it with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or crispy crackers for a complete meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week, this Creamy Cheeseburger Soup delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients For the Soup
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
- Crumbled cooked bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the butter, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Dairy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, mixing until well combined. Do not allow the soup to boil.
Step 5: Season
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Melt the Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and gradually stir it into the soup until completely melted and smooth.
Step 7: Add the Cheddar
Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and creamy.
Step 8: Simmer
Allow the soup to gently simmer for 8–10 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
Step 10: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, green onions, parsley, or crispy bacon. Serve hot with toasted bread or crackers.
Tips, Notes & Q&A
Tips
- Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Keep the heat low after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
- Add diced potatoes or cooked pasta for an even heartier meal.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds extra depth of flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat while stirring frequently.
Q&A
Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups can separate after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Can I substitute ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent lighter alternatives.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack also work well.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 6
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 455
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg