If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of rich, comforting flavor, let me introduce you to Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. This soup brings the nostalgic taste of a classic cheeseburger straight into a cozy bowl, blending creamy cheese, tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and just the right hint of seasoning. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a little culinary comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food that everyone at your table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple, yet each plays an essential role in creating the rich, creamy, and satisfying texture that makes this soup so irresistible. From the savory ground beef that provides hearty depth, to the cream cheese and cheddar that lend a luscious creaminess and bold flavor, every component is carefully chosen for maximum comfort and taste.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the meaty, savory base that’s so essential to cheeseburger flavor.
- Medium yellow onion, chopped (1): Adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the savory notes beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Gives a subtle punch of aromatic flavor.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Builds a rich and flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz can): Introduces a subtle acidity and vibrant color.
- Diced green chilies, undrained (4 oz can): Adds a mild kick and complexity.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a hint of herby goodness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle spice without overpowering.
- Peeled and cubed potatoes (4 cups, about 2 large): Give heartiness and substance with a creamy texture once cooked.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Contributes subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): The secret to a silky, indulgent texture that melds all the flavors.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the soup slightly and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, plus extra for topping): Infuses the soup with cheesy richness and a sharp bite.
- Optional toppings: Cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions for extra flair.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it browns evenly. This step creates the soup’s meaty backbone and adds that irresistible burger aroma. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Next, toss in the chopped onion to the pot, allowing it to soften and turn translucent over about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking draws out the onion’s natural sweetness, layering extra flavor into your soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir it in, letting it cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Garlic is a small but powerful ingredient that will infuse the soup with warmth and a subtle kick.
Step 4: Pour in Broth, Tomatoes, and Chilies
Now it’s time to pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and diced green chilies with their liquid. These ingredients create a flavorful, slightly tangy, and mildly spicy broth that sets this soup apart from ordinary cheeseburger flavors.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings pull all the flavors together, giving the soup a cozy, herby background that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Step 6: Add Potatoes and Carrots
Once your broth is seasoned, stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes along with the shredded carrots. These veggies add wonderful texture — the potatoes become meltingly tender while the carrots offer a subtle crunch and sweetness.
Step 7: Simmer Until Soft
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. This simmering lets all those flavors marry beautifully and the potatoes fully soak up the broth.
Step 8: Blend in Cream Cheese
Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the softened cream cheese. You can whisk it in or use an immersion blender to create a smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent and luxurious.
Step 9: Add Milk
Pour in the milk and stir until it’s fully incorporated. This softens the cream cheese further and lightens the texture just enough to keep the soup rich but not heavy.
Step 10: Melt in Cheddar Cheese
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. This step transforms the soup into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece that truly earns the title of Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe.
Step 11: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream, and fresh green onions if you like. These final garnishes add texture, flavor, and a touch of fun to each bite. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get creative with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. Crispy bacon bits provide smoky crunch, while a dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast. Chopped green onions offer a fresh, peppery bite that balances the richness perfectly. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with simple sides that complement but don’t overshadow it. A warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dunking. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness. Even classic French fries on the side will echo the cheeseburger vibes for a fun and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls — they make each serving feel extra special and deliciously rustic. You could also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese and crispy bacon on top tableside for a dramatic presentation that invites everyone to dig in with excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes just as good the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Store any leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, let it cool to room temperature to keep the flavors fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe, but keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture and avoid curdling the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger taste, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a unique twist. Just ensure whatever cheese you choose melts smoothly for the best texture.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the diced green chilies, but it’s generally quite mild. You can adjust the heat by using mild or hot chilies based on your preference.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based crumble or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cream cheese and cheddar keep it creamy and satisfying.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes helps achieve a smooth texture, but if you prefer a bit more rustic feel and extra nutrients, you can leave the skins on — just rinse them well before cubing.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is thinner than you’d like, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce some liquid. Alternatively, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe to bring instant coziness to your day. It’s simple to make, packed with flavors everyone loves, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a longtime fan of cheeseburgers or just looking for a soul-soothing meal, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it become your new favorite comfort food classic!
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is simple to make and packed with classic cheeseburger flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup milk
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
Seasonings and Optional Toppings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked. 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 builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma and depth of the soup.
- Add Broth and Canned Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes and diced green chilies, bringing acidity and a slight kick to the soup.
- Season the Soup: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to balance and enrich the flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and shredded carrots to the pot, which provide texture, sweetness, and heartiness.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk thoroughly or use an immersion blender to make the soup smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Milk: Pour in the milk and stir until combined, which lightens the soup and adds a silky texture.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, infusing the soup with cheesy richness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the cheeseburger 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 taste and texture.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly or add a tablespoon of flour when browning the beef.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for an even richer texture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stove or microwave.
- Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt content more precisely.
- Adding cooked bacon crumbles as a topping adds smoky flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
