Description
All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger wrapped up in a warm, creamy, and satisfying soup! This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is rich, hearty, and packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup delivers big, comforting flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
For the Broth & Creaminess:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Hearty Additions:
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes, peeled & diced small
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Crisp the Bacon:
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Brown the Beef:
- In the same pot, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter in the pot, then add onion, celery, and garlic.
- Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Base:
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Create the Broth:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer the Potatoes:
- Add diced potatoes and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream and return the cooked beef to the pot.
- Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Melt in the Cheese:
- Turn off the heat, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Final Touches:
- Stir in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon and optional diced pickles.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the soup without the potatoes and cheese. Add them fresh when reheating.
- Alternative Proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Extra Toppings: Crispy bacon, pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food