There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This dish combines all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger, transformed into a creamy, cozy soup that warms you from the inside out. Rich ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and a hint of spice from green chilies come together to create a dish that’s satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner on a chilly night or want to impress friends and family with a crowd-pleaser, this soup checks all the boxes for an irresistible and easy-to-love meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, making this soup both hearty and deliciously cheesy. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese blend, every item is essential and easy to find.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base that echoes your favorite cheeseburger.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant boost that enhances all the savory flavors.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds subtle acidity and moisture to balance richness.
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained: Gives a mild, smoky kick to awaken the palate.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Infuses herbal notes that complement all the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes): Bring heartiness and a comforting texture to the soup.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Introduce a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens and enriches the broth without overpowering.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping: The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable cheeseburger appeal.
- Optional toppings (cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions): Perfect for customizing your soup with extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it turns a rich brown color. This step builds a flavorful base by caramelizing the meat’s natural sugars. Once browned, drain off any excess grease so your soup isn’t too oily but still full of meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add your chopped onion to the pot. Let it cook down until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This process brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, balancing the savory beef. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant—this little addition lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Broth, Tomatoes, and Chilies
Now it’s time to pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the green chilies, which add just the right amount of smoky heat. Stir these together to combine all the ingredients, preparing the soup base that will simmer and develop flavor.
Step 4: Season and Add Vegetables
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, which add depth and balance. Then add the cubed potatoes and shredded carrots. These vegetables not only bulk up the soup but introduce a lovely mix of textures and tastes that keep it interesting and satisfying.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and everything is melding together into a harmonious bowl of goodness.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Base
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese. Use a whisk or an immersion blender to blend the cream cheese into the soup until smooth and velvety. This is where your soup transforms into that irresistible creamy texture we all crave.
Step 7: Add Milk and Cheese
Pour in the milk and stir to combine, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted fully, giving the soup its trademark rich, cheesy flavor that brings you back to your favorite burger joint’s classic taste.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe into bowls and dress it up with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, sour cream, and chopped green onions if you like. These toppings add texture and bright flavor, elevating the experience even further.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup itself is packed with flavor and texture, garnishes take it from delicious to unforgettable. Crispy bacon crumbles bring a smoky crunch, sour cream adds a cooling tang, and fresh green onions provide a pop of color and bite. Customize your bowl with any or all of these for an extra-special treat.
Side Dishes
This soup is filling enough on its own but pairing it with crusty bread or a warm baguette helps soak up every bit of cheesy broth. A crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables can also provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini mason jars for single servings at parties. You can also top it with crumbled potato chips for an unexpected crunch that echoes the fries that often accompany cheeseburgers. Presentation makes the dish feel even more special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any soup left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors again without the effort of a fresh cook.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully for longer storage. Just let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup has thickened in storage, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives this soup its classic cheeseburger flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked cheese for unique twists. Just ensure whatever cheese you use melts smoothly.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a gentle kick from the diced green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chilies depending on your preference or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This way, you still get that rich, savory depth without any meat.
What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, heavy cream or a bit of sour cream can be used to achieve creaminess, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be comfortably thick but still ladleable—think of a hearty chowder. If it gets too thick after resting, simply stir in a little extra broth or milk to thin it out before serving.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying bowl. It’s straightforward, made with accessible ingredients, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and discover how this scrumptious soup can quickly become a new family favorite on chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting hug in food form.
Print
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 classic cheeseburger flavors into a creamy, hearty soup. With ground beef, diced tomatoes, potatoes, cream cheese, and plenty of cheddar cheese, it’s a delicious, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
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
- 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 becoming too oily.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, which brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, to enhance the soup’s aroma and taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and diced green chilies with their juice. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Add Vegetables: Add the peeled, cubed potatoes and shredded carrots to the pot, which will add heartiness and subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Blend Cream Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to mix until the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir until well combined, which lightens the texture while adding creaminess.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the soup is velvety smooth.
- 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 the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes during cooking.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and cheddar for the richest taste; lower-fat versions may affect texture.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add more diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
