Description
Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, creamy soup loaded with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, sweet carrots, and plenty of sharp cheddar. It’s perfect for chilly nights or cozy weekends. I love making it with Yukon Gold potatoes, whole milk, and freshly grated cheddar for a smoother, more comforting texture. This is a simple, family-friendly soup that feels like comfort in a bowl. Some call it Cheeseburger Chowder or Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, especially when made with stabilized dairy for slow cookers. I’ve tested it with cream cheese or extra broth for variations—both work beautifully. Among soup recipes, Homemade Cheeseburger Soup stands out for its rich, creamy flavor, satisfying texture, and nostalgic appeal. It deserves a permanent spot in your cold-weather dinner lineup.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pot with bacon drippings, add diced onions and carrots. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft.
3. Add the ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.
4. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
6. Gradually pour in chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Add cubed potatoes and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
8. Stir in milk and cream. Cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes.
9. Slowly add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
10. Serve hot, topped with the reserved bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded cheese may not melt evenly.
Adjust seasoning after adding the cheese, as it may contribute saltiness.
Use warm bowls to keep the soup hot longer when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, creamy soup, hearty winter soup