Cheeseburger Soup
Creamy, hearty cheeseburger soup combines ground beef, vegetables, and melted American cheese for a comforting meal perfect for chilly days and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cups American cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and cooked beef; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Stir the flour mixture into the soup and bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then reduce heat.
- Add cubed American cheese, milk, salt, and pepper; cook until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat and blend in sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or add more cheese. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to substitute dried basil and parsley with their fresh counterparts. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on this cheeseburger soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheeseburger soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional shredded cheese and chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. This hearty soup also pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Noodle Casserole for a comforting dinner. Enjoy with your favorite condiments like pickles or mustard for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheeseburger Soup contains roughly 1375 calories, with 33g protein, 240g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1888mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheeseburger soup in advance?
Yes, you can make cheeseburger soup ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point before adding the sour cream, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and stir in the sour cream just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses. Keep in mind that melting properties may vary, so for a smooth consistency, opt for cheeses that melt well. Mixing in some mozzarella can also give a nice stretchy texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and nutrition. This variation will still be delicious and hearty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).