Cheese Burger Soup: The Comfort Food Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed

Imagine the best cheeseburger you’ve ever had. Now picture it in a bowl, steaming hot, creamy, and packed with flavor. That’s cheeseburger soup—no bun required.

This isn’t just soup; it’s a full-blown meal that hits every craving. Kids love it, adults devour it, and your slow cooker does most of the work. Why settle for a plain old burger when you can drink its delicious essence?

Let’s get cooking.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Cheeseburger soup combines the best parts of a burger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and savory toppings—into a spoonable masterpiece. It’s rich without being heavy, customizable, and ready in under an hour. The secret?

A creamy base with sharp cheddar, a hint of mustard, and crispy bacon for texture. It’s like a hug for your stomach, and who doesn’t need that?

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for maximum flavor)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth (store-bought is fine, no judgment)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better)
• 1 cup diced potatoes (because fries belong in a burger)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (unless you’re a monster who skips them)
• 1/2 cup diced celery (for a tiny bit of virtue)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is not the time for skim milk)
• 2 tbsp butter (because of course)
• 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon, fight me)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste, but be generous)
• Optional toppings: bacon bits, pickles, extra cheese, or a dollop of ketchup (don’t @ me)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain the grease unless you’re into that.
2. Sauté the veggies. Add butter, onions, and celery to the pot.

   Cook until soft—about 5 minutes. Pretend you’re a gourmet chef.

3. Add potatoes and broth. Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the cream and cheese. Reduce heat to low.

   Add heavy cream, shredded cheese, and mustard. Stir until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

5. Season and serve. Hit it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, pickles, or whatever makes you happy.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Freezing? IMO, the texture gets weird, but if you must, freeze for up to a month.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Benefits of This Recipe

This soup is protein-packed, kid-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. It’s also a sneaky way to hide veggies (celery haters, rejoice). Plus, it’s faster than grilling burgers and works year-round.

Rain or shine, cheeseburger soup wins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes. Mushy potatoes = sad soup. Check them at 12 minutes.
• Using pre-shredded cheese. It contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly. Grating your own is worth the effort.
• Skipping the mustard. It adds tang and depth.

  Trust the process.

Alternatives

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb version. Vegan?

Try nutritional yeast and coconut milk—but don’t call it cheeseburger soup to purists.

FAQ

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then dump everything except the cream and cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3.

Stir in cream and cheese at the end.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. FYI, it thickens as it cools, so err on the side of slightly too thin.

Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar?

Sure, if you enjoy the taste of nostalgia and neon orange. It’ll melt beautifully but taste… different.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yep, as long as your broth and mustard are gluten-free.

Check labels to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food hack—easy, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers. Now go forth and eat your burger with a spoon.

You’re welcome.