Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: A Comforting Spin on an All-American Classic
There’s nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of warm, creamy Cheeseburger Soup, especially on a chilly day. This hearty, comforting recipe captures all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, flavorful seasonings, melty cheddar, and a touch of tangy Worcestershire sauce—in every spoonful. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for your family.
Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filling your kitchen, while potatoes simmer to tender perfection in a deliciously seasoned broth. As the shredded cheddar cheese melts into the soup, it creates a velvety texture sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cheeseburger soup is as visually inviting as it is tasty. Get ready to dive into this comforting dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy with a hint of smoky paprika.
- Texture: Creamy broth with tender potatoes and hearty ground beef.
- Aroma: Sautéed onions, garlic, and melted cheddar create an irresistible fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: A golden, creamy base dotted with chunks of potatoes and pops of green parsley.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with easy-to-follow steps.
- Special Equipment: A large pot and a wooden spoon.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This soup is simple and straightforward, requiring only basic cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering. Even new cooks will feel confident tackling this recipe!
- Category: Comfort food perfect for casual dinners, family meals, or potlucks.
- Cuisine: Inspired by classic American flavors with a fun twist.
- Cost: Budget-friendly ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese make this an affordable meal for any night.
- Season: Best enjoyed during the fall and winter months, but delicious any time of year.
- Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or game-day celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Bold Flavors for Every Palate:** The savory beef, smoky paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese combine to create an explosion of flavor in every bite. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy depth that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger.
2. **Quick and Easy Prep:** Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
3. **Nutritiously Balanced:** With protein-rich beef, fiber-packed potatoes, and calcium-filled cheese, this soup provides a balanced combination of nutrients for a wholesome dinner.
4. **A Comfort Food Classic:** This soup’s creamy texture and warm, cozy flavors make it the ultimate comfort food—ideal for chasing away the chill on a cold day.
5. **Customizable for Any Diet:** From keto-friendly substitutions to vegetarian options, this recipe can be adapted to suit almost any dietary need.
The Recipe
Classic Cheeseburger Soup
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Ladle
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Simmer Soup Base: Add beef broth, whole milk, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water. Slowly stir the mixture into the soup. Continue stirring until the soup thickens.
- Blend in Cheese and Finish: Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Remove from heat, then stir in sour cream for a rich, creamy finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Swap smoked paprika with regular paprika if it’s not available.
- Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently over the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.