The ultimate comfort food just got a twist—Cheeseburger Soup brings together all the bold flavors of your favorite bacon cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. With crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar stirred into a smooth base, it’s the perfect dinner for chilly nights or any time you’re craving something indulgent and cozy.
This hearty dish comes together in under an hour and is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet satisfying enough to impress guests. Garnish with extra cheese, scallions, and crispy bacon for that extra flavor punch. Whether you’re a soup enthusiast or a burger lover, this dish is guaranteed to be a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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8 slices bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
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1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
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2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small yellow or white onion, grated
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1 stalk celery, diced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef stock
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2 cups whole milk
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8 ounces cream cheese
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
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Chopped scallions, for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–7 minutes. Remove half of the bacon and set aside for garnish.
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Increase heat to medium, then add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
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Add potatoes, onion, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef stock and milk, stirring constantly.
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Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
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On very low heat, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Let cheeses melt slowly—do not boil.
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Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar, reserved bacon, and chopped scallions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 709 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger Soup is exactly what it sounds like—your favorite bacon cheeseburger deconstructed and reimagined as a warm, hearty soup. It’s the culinary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. This dish captures the essence of a classic American cheeseburger, combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, potatoes, onions, and celery into a thick, creamy soup base.
This comforting creation might seem unconventional at first glance, but once you take that first spoonful, it all makes sense. The savory beef mingled with gooey melted cheese, the smoky depth of crispy bacon, and the rich, velvety texture of the soup come together in perfect harmony. It’s a warm embrace in a bowl, designed to bring satisfaction and a little nostalgia with every bite.
The Comfort Food Appeal
The appeal of Cheeseburger Soup lies in its incredible ability to satisfy the soul. There’s something magical about a meal that’s not only filling but emotionally comforting. This soup takes ingredients that are already beloved—bacon, ground beef, cheese—and turns them into something deeply warming and perfect for cooler weather.
What really sets it apart from typical soups is its indulgence factor. While brothy soups serve a purpose in lighter meals or detox diets, Cheeseburger Soup embraces decadence. It doesn’t shy away from creaminess, fat, or bold flavor. It’s not trying to be diet food—it’s unapologetically rich, hearty, and delicious.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
Although Cheeseburger Soup feels like classic winter fare, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Because it cooks in under an hour, it works well as a weeknight meal, especially when you’re short on time but craving something homemade. It’s equally suited for casual family dinners, potlucks, or tailgate parties.
This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, and reheats nicely on the stovetop. Many people even freeze it in portions, making it a great option for planning ahead. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this soup fits seamlessly into your meal rotation.
Flavor Profile and Texture
Cheeseburger Soup is a sensory experience. The base is creamy and smooth, thanks to the use of cream cheese and milk, which blend with the melted cheddar to create a luxurious consistency. Potatoes add a bit of body and starch, thickening the soup naturally while providing soft, tender bites that contrast beautifully with the crumbled bacon and beef.
The flavor profile is reminiscent of a well-seasoned cheeseburger: savory, slightly salty, with a rich umami base from the beef stock and sautéed vegetables. Italian seasoning adds a touch of herbaceous balance without overpowering the main ingredients, while the bacon provides that unmistakable smoky punch. Each spoonful delivers a satisfying combination of textures—crunchy bacon, velvety broth, hearty chunks of meat and potatoes.
Topping and Garnish Options
One of the best parts of Cheeseburger Soup is how customizable it is. Much like a cheeseburger, it welcomes creative garnishes and toppings to suit your tastes. Here are a few topping ideas to enhance the dish:
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Extra cheddar cheese for those who can never get enough cheesy goodness
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Crispy bacon reserved from cooking, for a flavorful crunch on top
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Chopped scallions or green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild sharpness
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Croutons or toasted buns as a nod to the burger bun
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Pickled jalapeños or relish for those who like a tangy twist
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Diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce to echo the full burger experience
Feel free to make each bowl your own. That customizability is part of what makes this soup so fun—and so popular.
Cooking Tips and Best Practices
While Cheeseburger Soup is relatively easy to prepare, there are a few best practices that will elevate your results:
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Brown the bacon first: This renders fat and infuses the soup with smoky flavor.
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Cook beef in bacon fat: Adds extra depth and ensures nothing goes to waste.
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Don’t rush the vegetables: Let them sweat and soften slowly to build flavor.
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Add flour before liquids: This helps create a roux that thickens the soup.
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Be gentle with the cheese: Once the cheese is added, keep the heat low. Boiling can break down the dairy and result in a grainy texture.
Taking care with these steps ensures a smooth, creamy soup every time. If you prefer an even thicker consistency, a few mashed potatoes stirred in at the end can do wonders.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
Busy schedule? Cheeseburger Soup adapts wonderfully to the slow cooker. While it’s not a dump-and-go recipe, doing a little prep beforehand pays off in big flavor later.
To make it in a slow cooker, start by browning your bacon and beef in a skillet. Sauté the veggies separately, then combine everything (except the cheeses) in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for about 5–6 hours. Stir in the cheeses at the end, letting them melt slowly with the residual heat. This method is perfect for setting and forgetting while you work, run errands, or relax.
Common Variations
Just like with burgers, Cheeseburger Soup leaves plenty of room for experimentation:
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Spicy Version: Add diced green chilis, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Vegetarian Twist: Use veggie crumbles or mushrooms in place of beef and skip the bacon.
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Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower for a keto-friendly variation.
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Tex-Mex Flavor: Mix in taco seasoning, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
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Velveeta Lovers: Some people love the ultra-smooth texture that Velveeta adds. It’s a valid (if less natural) alternative to cheddar.
Feel free to experiment based on your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Like most cream-based soups, Cheeseburger Soup is best fresh—but it can still be enjoyed later with proper handling. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
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Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or water if it thickens too much.
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Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly to preserve the creamy texture.
Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this often causes dairy-based soups to split and turn grainy.
Why You’ll Love It
Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a novelty. It’s hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. It combines the comfort of homemade soup with the nostalgic flavors of America’s most iconic sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday meal prep, or a cozy weekend gathering, it delivers on all fronts.
It’s rich, filling, and feels indulgent without requiring hours of cooking or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s also a great way to get creative with toppings and bring people together around the dinner table. Few recipes offer this level of satisfaction with such simple preparation.
Conclusion
In a world where food trends come and go, Cheeseburger Soup stands out as a recipe that’s both unique and familiar. It brings together the best of two culinary worlds: the rustic comfort of homemade soup and the iconic flavor of a classic cheeseburger. With its creamy texture, savory beef, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, it has earned a place in the comfort food hall of fame.
Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a dish that satisfies like no other, Cheeseburger Soup hits the mark. Try it once, and it’s likely to become a staple in your household rotation—because some recipes are just too good to only make once.