Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like your favorite burger transformed into a warm, creamy bowl, you’re going to love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s packed with savory ground beef, crisp veggies, melted creamy cheese, and the perfect balance of spices that come together to mimic that classic cheeseburger flavor in every spoonful. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or an anytime treat, this soup is a total crowd-pleaser that brings the best of cheeseburgers into a luscious, hearty soup form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps things straightforward yet flavorful by using simple, everyday ingredients that each play their part in delivering rich taste, satisfying texture, and attractive color. From crispy bacon to creamy Velveeta, these staples come together beautifully.

• Bacon (6 strips): Adds irresistible smoky, crispy bits that top the soup.
• Onion (1 small, chopped): Provides a gentle, sweet base flavor.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped small): Offers a mild crunch and fresh balance.
• Carrot (1 large, peeled and shredded): Brings subtle sweetness and color contrast.
• Lawry’s seasoning salt (1 tsp): Elevates the overall savory depth perfectly.
• Dried parsley (2 tsp): Adds a fresh, herbal note to lighten the richness.
• Cracked black pepper (to taste): Gives just the right spicy kick.
• All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the soup to that creamy, velvety consistency.
• Ground beef (1 lb, lean preferred): The heart of the soup delivering that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Intensifies the umami and adds subtle tang.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Brings complex, savory depth.
• Yellow mustard (1 tbsp): A hint of tangy bite reminiscent of a burger condiment.
• Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (1 tbsp): Boosts that rich beefy broth flavor.
• Water (4 cups): The soup base, bringing all ingredients together.
• Velveeta cheese (8 oz, cubed): Melts perfectly smooth for that classic cheeseburger cheese taste.
• Iceberg lettuce (1/2 head, shredded): Fresh, crisp garnish for texture contrast.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds acidity and vibrant color.
• Chopped pickles (1/2 cup): Gives that bright, tangy crunch you expect with a burger.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Extra cheesy goodness as a finishing touch.
• Buttery dinner rolls: Perfect for dipping and rounding out the meal.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cutting the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for easy cooking and even crispiness. Place all the bacon in a large 6-quart pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but keep the flavorful bacon grease in the pot; it’s the secret start to building rich flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the bacon crisps, chop your onion and celery into small pieces, and shred the carrot. Heat the bacon grease back to medium and add the onions, celery, and shredded carrot right into the pot. These veggies develop sweetness and softness that create the perfect base for the soup.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the Lawry’s seasoning salt, dried parsley, and cracked black pepper. Stir everything well and let it sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. This step layers in key seasonings that brighten the soup and enrich its savory profile.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour

Evenly sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir to coat. This will help thicken the soup later, achieving that creamy, comforting texture we all look for in a cheeseburger soup.

Step 5: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly into the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown completely until no pink remains, about 5–10 minutes. If your beef releases a lot of grease, gently ladle some out to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and Better Than Bouillon Beef Base. These ingredients are what turn simple ground beef into that mouthwatering cheesy burger flavor we crave.

Step 7: Pour in the Water and Cheese

Add 4 cups of water, then gently fold in cubed Velveeta cheese. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat while scraping the pot’s bottom to lift those flavorful browned bits. Stir until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy broth.

Step 8: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the soup time to thicken up and all the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a velvety, rich finished dish.

Step 9: Garnish Generously

Ladle the soup into bowls and lavish it with the crispy bacon, shredded iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pickles, and a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. These garnishes bring freshness, crunch, and that beloved cheeseburger burst with every spoonful.

Step 10: Serve With Fresh Dinner Rolls

Don’t forget to serve your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with soft, buttery dinner rolls. They’re perfect for dipping and make this hearty meal even more satisfying.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Topping your soup with shredded lettuce, crispy bacon, pickles, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese isn’t just about looks — it adds incredible texture and layers of flavor that bring the nostalgic cheeseburger experience alive in each bite. Don’t be shy with the toppings!

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with soft dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness. A simple green salad or steamed veggies also complement this rich soup nicely, balancing out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in mini bread bowls for an extra fun twist, or offer a topping bar where everyone can customize their garnishes. Adding pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onion strings can give the soup an exciting extra kick for adventurous eaters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the cheese from drying out. Give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate everything.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup, but note that the texture may change slightly due to the cheese. For best results, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags, and consume within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Velveeta is great for creamy meltiness, you can substitute it with processed cheese or even a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef base. You might also want to skip the bacon or use a smoky vegan bacon alternative to maintain some depth.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the veggies on the stovetop, transfer everything into a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except cheese). Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then add cheese at the end to melt before serving.

What’s the best ground beef to use?

Lean ground beef is preferred to avoid excess grease but still keep that rich beef flavor. Using too fatty meat might make the soup oily, so if needed, drain some fat during cooking.

How spicy is this soup?

It’s mild, focusing on cheesy, savory flavors rather than heat. You can adjust the pepper to your taste or add hot sauce or jalapeños if you want a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe enough if you want the cozy, nostalgic feel of your favorite burger in a comforting bowl. It’s super simple to make with accessible ingredients and delivers rich, satisfying flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. So, gather your ingredients, follow along, and get ready to savor one of the best homemade soups you’ll ever try—cheesy, hearty, and just pure deliciousness!

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