Name: One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Chopped green onions or pickles, for garnish (optional)

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One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, rich soup. With ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a savory broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed in a single pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is a comforting, filling dish that’s packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to satisfy the whole family. The creamy broth, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese make it feel like a cheeseburger in soup form—rich, savory, and oh-so-delicious.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups (720 ml) beef broth
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole milk or 2%)
1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for tang)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1/4 cup pickles, chopped (optional for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the soup:
Stir in beef broth, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add dairy and cheese:
Stir in milk and heavy cream, then slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for an added kick.
Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Beef Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in crumbled cooked beef for extra flavor and crunch.
Creamy Version: Add extra heavy cream or cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use other vegetables in the soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor. Add them during the simmering step.

Can I use shredded cheese from the store?

It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier texture, but pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch.

How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or use a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté the onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the ingredients for hidden gluten sources, such as in the Worcestershire sauce.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, savory soup. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a quick dinner, it’s a satisfying and versatile dish everyone will love.

Chef MARTHA