Name: Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil; 3 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, peeled and diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. 90/10 ground beef; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp. yellow mustard; 1 (16-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish; 1 cup half and half; 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour; Dill pickle slices, for serving; Toasted sesame seeds, for serving

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a total game changer. It’s like all the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want that classic burger flavor without the bun. I remember the first time I made it — my whole kitchen smelled incredible, and every spoonful felt like a warm hug.

The beauty of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how well it hits all those familiar notes: savory beef, sharp cheddar, the slight tang of mustard, and even the crunch of pickles on top. Plus, it comes together in under an hour and makes enough to feed a small group or keep you cozy for a few meals. Trust me, once you try it, this one will jump straight to the top of your comfort food list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe work together to create that perfect flavor balance — from the crispy bacon to the creamy cheddar and tangy mustard. When shopping, look for good-quality cheddar and fresh vegetables for the best results.

Olive oil: Helps cook the bacon and veggies without overpowering the flavors.
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch that really elevates the soup.
Onion: Classic base for flavor, chopped for even cooking.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and freshness.
Carrots: Sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Garlic: Gives a warm, fragrant depth.
Ground beef (90/10): Lean enough to cook well without too much fat but still juicy.
Kosher salt: Seasoning enhances every flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: For a bit of mild heat.
Yellow mustard: The secret tangy kick that makes it unmistakably “cheeseburger.”
Diced tomatoes: Adds a little acidity and texture; make sure to drain them well.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps soup savory without being too salty.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum taste.
Half and half: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to that perfect velvety texture.
Dill pickle slices: A tangy garnish that nails the cheeseburger vibe.
Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch (optional but highly recommended).

Variations

I love tweaking this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe depending on the season or mood, and you should definitely make it your own! It’s a flexible base that welcomes plenty of fun twists.

Vegetarian version: Try swapping ground beef for plant-based crumble or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth—still delicious and hearty!
Extra spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños when cooking the veggies to bring some heat.
Cheese lovers: Mix in some Pepper Jack or smoked gouda alongside the cheddar for a deeper flavor.
Low-carb twist: Skip the flour and use xanthan gum or let the soup reduce a bit longer to thicken naturally.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon and Softer Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and adding the chopped bacon. Cook it until you get that beautiful crispy texture, then fish it out and let it drain on paper towels. This little trick keeps it crunchy for topping later. Next, toss in your chopped onion, celery, carrots, a pinch of salt, and black pepper — sauté until everything softens up nicely, usually about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step because those veggies build the flavor base for the whole soup.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the garlic and cook for just a minute more, enough to bring out its aroma but not burn it. Then, add your ground beef along with a teaspoon of salt. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and brown it evenly—this should take about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess fat after cooking to keep the soup from getting greasy.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in the yellow mustard, chicken broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Let it come to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly 10 minutes to meld the flavors together. This is where the soup starts to smell like all your favorite burger toppings are coming to life in the pot.

Step 4: Creamy and Cheesy Finish

Once simmered, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the shredded cheddar, half and half, and flour. Keep stirring gently for about 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts fully and the soup thickens to that perfect creamy consistency you want to scoop up easily. Be patient here—low and slow wins the race for a smooth texture.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

A white pot with two handles holds a creamy soup base with visible small pieces of ground meat, diced potatoes, orange carrot slices, and green celery bits. On top, there are large bright orange cheese cubes piled in the center, sprinkled with black pepper. A clear glass container is pouring white milk or cream into the pot over the cheese. Around the pot on a white marbled surface, there are two small white bowls, one with diced carrot pieces and one with small cheese cubes. A light blue cloth is partially visible near the pot handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with the crispy bacon you cooked earlier, extra shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickle slices, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch. The pickles add such a fun tang that really mimics the cheeseburger experience—and don’t skip the bacon crumble, it’s a game changer!

Side Dishes

To complete the meal, I often serve this with buttery garlic bread or soft pretzel rolls to soak up every last bit of that cheesy soup. A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness and adds a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at family dinners or game day, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out mini round loaves. It’s impressive, portable, and everyone loves dunking their crusty bread into all that cheesy goodness. You could even sprinkle some finely chopped chives or crispy shallots on top to elevate the look and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it. It usually lasts about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. Just give it a good stir before reheating since some ingredients settle at the bottom.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a couple of times with decent results. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge — a little separation may occur, but a good stir restores its creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or half and half to loosen it up. Microwave works too for quick meals, but watch it carefully to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and gives that distinct cheeseburger flavor, you can mix in gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a smoky or spicy twist. Just keep the total cheese quantity about the same to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Cool it completely before freezing, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the creaminess. Some ingredients might separate a bit but stirring during reheating brings it back together nicely.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You sure can! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth. The mustard and cheese flavors still make it taste deliciously like a cheeseburger.
What can I serve with Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

Garlic bread, soft pretzel rolls, or even simple side salads work great. Pickles and bacon on top add extra authenticity and flavor, too.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with all those nostalgic burger flavors we all love. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving something delicious for yourself, this soup hits the spot every time. Give it a try — I promise it’ll feel like a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl that you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 72 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. Packed with carrots, celery, and onions, it captures the classic cheeseburger taste in a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for any chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

1 tbsp. olive oil
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. 90/10 ground beef
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. yellow mustard
1 (16-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy and Thickener

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
1 cup half and half
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

Garnishes

Dill pickle slices, for serving
Toasted sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

Cook Bacon and Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. To the remaining fat, add onion, celery, carrots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; cook until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot along with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in yellow mustard, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Thicken and Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, half and half, and all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the soup thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Serve with Garnishes: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crumbled crispy bacon, additional shredded cheddar, dill pickle slices, and toasted sesame seeds for that classic cheeseburger touch.