Go Back

Loaded Cheeseburger Soup

A hearty and comforting soup combining the flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy cheese, ground beef, and crispy bacon, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 3 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup whole milk Add a splash for reheating if needed.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Avoid boiling once added.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Change cheese for different flavors if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled) Alternatives for toppings include crispy fried onions.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for topping)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and mustard powder.
  4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Cook over low heat for 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added.
  6. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Stir until the soup is smooth, creamy, and cheesy.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. For an extra cheeseburger touch, add shredded cheddar, diced pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and low-fat milk and cheese.