Easy Cheeseburger Soup
A creamy, quick-to-make bowl that captures the flavors of a burger without the bun — perfect for weeknights when you want comfort without fuss. For another set of fast dinner ideas that keep cleanup minimal, see these one-pan gnocchi recipes.
Ingredients and pantry shortcuts
This simple cheeseburger-style soup relies on ground beef, shredded cheddar, milks or cream, diced potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and a touch of mustard or Worcestershire for savory depth. Use pre-shredded cheese and frozen diced potatoes to cut prep time. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt without masking the cheesy, beefy flavor.
Step-by-step cooking method
Brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until no pink remains, then drain excess fat to keep the soup lighter. Add diced potatoes and broth, simmer until the potatoes are tender, then stir in milk or cream and shredded cheese off heat to avoid graininess. Finish with mustard or Worcestershire and a quick taste for seasoning adjustments. If you want another fast soup technique, check this 10-minute Chinese egg drop soup for ideas on speed and silky texture techniques.
Speed tips for weeknight prep
Use one-pot cooking and prep ingredients while the meat browns: shred cheese, measure broth, and dice potatoes or use frozen cubes. A food processor can chop onion faster, and a whisk helps melt cheese smoothly into hot liquid. Also consider browning beef the night before and refrigerating it for an even quicker reheat-and-serve meal.
Simple variations to match household tastes
Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce richness, or add crumbled bacon for extra smokiness. Stir in steamed broccoli or diced bell pepper for color and nutrition without changing the core cheeseburger flavor. For a creamier bowl, replace part of the milk with half-and-half; for a lighter version, use whole milk and skip heavy cream.
Storage, reheating, and make-ahead notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months, but expect a slight change in texture for potatoes; thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Garnishes and serving suggestions
Top bowls with extra shredded cheese, chopped pickles, sliced green onions, or crushed potato chips for crunch that echoes burger toppings. Serve with a simple side salad or warm bread to round out the meal while keeping the preparation focused and fast.
Conclusion
For a ready-to-follow version of this cheeseburger-style soup, try the detailed recipe at Easy Cheeseburger Soup from Chocolate, Chocolate and More, which outlines quantities and timing. If you want a different take with regional twists and additional topping ideas, see the variation guide at Cheeseburger Soup – Cheese Curd In Paradise.
