There’s something incredibly comforting about a big, creamy bowl of boldly flavored, hearty soup that tastes like a cheeseburger in spoonable form. This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is your golden ticket to a quick and cozy dinner that everyone—from picky eaters to soup lovers—will devour.
Made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and aromatics, this creamy cheeseburger soup is a dreamy one-pot meal. It’s packed with everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, minus the bun, and plus the comfort of a warm, hearty chowder.
Let’s bring the diner to your kitchen—with cheese, beef, and a lot of heart.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- 🍔 Burger-in-a-Bowl – It tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger, but cozier and creamier!
- 🧀 Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – Melted cheddar and cream cheese add rich, luscious flavor.
- 🥔 Hearty & Satisfying – Potatoes and beef make it incredibly filling.
- ⏱️ Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- 💵 Budget-Smart – Ground beef and veggies keep this dinner affordable.
- 🧒 Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and fun—kids ask for seconds.
- ❄️ Great for Meal Prep – Holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- 🥄 Versatile – Add toppings, switch cheeses, or make it low-carb easily.
Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s everything you need for this quick cheeseburger soup recipe—plus some expert tips and swaps:
- 1 lb ground beef – Use lean (85/15) for best flavor without too much grease. Sub with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Adds depth and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a savory, aromatic boost.
- 4 cups beef broth – Provides rich umami. You can use low-sodium broth and adjust salt.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds acidity and balances richness.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrained – Brings a mild kick.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning – Adds herbaceous complexity.
- ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper – Season to taste.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled & cubed – Yukon Gold or Russet work best for creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded carrots – Natural sweetness and color.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and tang.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk preferred; avoid low-fat for optimal texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that signature cheeseburger flavor.
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped green onions.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Step by Step
1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns.
- Drain excess fat—this prevents the soup from becoming greasy.
- Stir in chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Soup Base
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and green chilies (don’t drain).
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cubed potatoes and shredded carrots.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
📌 Scientific Tip: Simmering gently ensures potatoes don’t break apart and the starch thickens the broth naturally.
3. Make It Creamy
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted.
- Pour in the milk and stir gently—don’t boil after this point to avoid curdling.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
🧠 Sensory Cue: The soup should be velvety and thick enough to coat the back of a spoo
Pro Tips & Voice Search FAQs
### What’s the secret to the creamiest cheeseburger soup?
Use full-fat dairy. Soften your cream cheese and use whole milk or half-and-half for best texture. Stir slowly after adding cheese to avoid separation.
### Can I make easy cheeseburger soup low-carb?
Yes! Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead. It keeps the soup thick without the starch.
### What cheese is best for cheeseburger soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal. You can also mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby for extra melty flavor.
### Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Yes, but skip the milk/cheese in the base if freezing. Add dairy after thawing and reheating for best texture.
Best Ways to Serve It
Serve this beef cheeseburger chowder with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- A side Caesar or wedge salad
- Pickles or burger-style toppings on the side
- Internal Link: Try it alongside our Burger Salad Bowl with Special Sauce
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~410 kcal |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without dairy for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
🧠 Reheat Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth to thin it back to creamy perfection!
FAQs About Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except dairy). Cook on low 6–7 hours. Stir in cheese/milk before serving.
Can I add pasta?
Absolutely! Add cooked elbow macaroni or shells at the end for a mac-and-cheese vibe.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a large pot and adjust cooking time slightly, especially for potatoes.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Variations of Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Low Carb: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Tex-Mex: Add black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bacon Lovers: Add cooked bacon directly into the soup or on top.
- Vegetarian: Sub meat with plant-based ground and use veggie broth.
Final Thoughts & CTA
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just a soup—it’s a full cheeseburger experience in a comforting bowl. It’s rich, savory, creamy, and perfect for chilly nights, cozy dinners, or family get-togethers. Once you try it, it will become your go-to soup recipe for all seasons.
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Soup – A Comforting, Creamy Bowl of Joy
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 onio
Instructions
Browning the Beef and Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon until it’s crumbled. You want it to be nicely browned, as this adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Leaving the grease in will make the soup too oily, so this step is important.
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly during this step.
Building the Soup Base
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced green chilies (undrained). The liquid from the tomatoes and chilies adds extra flavor, so don’t drain them!
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Add the cubed potatoes and shredded carrots to the pot. Make sure the potatoes are cut into relatively small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
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. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.