Loaded Cheeseburger Soup Hearty

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This loaded cheeseburger soup blends tender ground beef, russet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy base enriched with cheddar and topped with bacon. Aromatic garlic and diced onion add depth, while smoked paprika and mustard powder deliver signature diner flavors. Each spoonful channels the warmth of a classic American burger, made more inviting with rich milk and a medley of optional toppings like green onions, extra cheese, sour cream, and crunchy dill pickles. Simple to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or cold nights, this soup satisfies big appetites with full cheeseburger comfort in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:33:43 GMT
Creamy Loaded Cheeseburger Soup in a pot, topped with bacon and green onions. Save It
Creamy Loaded Cheeseburger Soup in a pot, topped with bacon and green onions. | sunnyspoonful.com

This loaded cheeseburger soup packs in all the comfort of a classic burger with the warmth of a cozy cheddar-rich bowl. It is perfect for those chilly weeknights when you want something truly satisfying and fun. Every bite bursts with well-seasoned beef, tender potatoes, melty cheese, and a hit of favorite toppings.

My family immediately dubbed this soup as a game day tradition everyone builds their own bowl with a mix of crispy bacon, extra cheese, and a few tangy pickle slices. It is always a hit with kids and adults.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: the 80 percent lean 20 percent fat blend gives the soup richness and authentic burger flavor look for fresh meat with a red color
  • Onion and garlic: foundational aromatics for that craveable burger taste use yellow onion for its sweetness
  • Carrots and celery: classic soup vegetables that add subtle sweetness and depth pick firm carrots and crisp celery
  • Russet potatoes: creamy texture and cook down to thicken the soup choose potatoes without sprouts or green spots
  • Whole milk and heavy cream: these dairy stars make every spoonful silky and indulgent use fresh dairy for best results
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: brings bold flavor and the essential cheeseburger essence grate your own if possible for better melting
  • Unsalted butter: helps blend ingredients and creates a velvety base
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: keeps the soup flavorful but not too salty go for broth with a clear golden color
  • All-purpose flour: thickens the soup for a lush, creamy texture fresh flour is best to avoid musty flavors
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: crucial for seasoning from start to finish
  • Smoked paprika: gives a subtle smoky undertone that echoes grilled burgers try Spanish smoked paprika for extra depth
  • Mustard powder: delivers a classic burger sharpness look for a pure yellow powder without additives
  • Ketchup: for a sweet and tangy burger vibe choose a thick ketchup with rich tomato flavor
  • Worcestershire sauce: this adds umami and a savory punch pick a high-quality sauce for the best finish
  • Bacon for topping: adds smoky crunch fry until truly crisp before crumbling
  • Extra cheddar, green onions, sour cream, dill pickle slices (optional toppings): all optional but highly recommended for topping and contrast pick bright green onions and good-quality pickles

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Let it brown evenly for about 7 to 9 minutes. If there is a lot of fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving a bit for flavor.
Sweat the Vegetables:
Add unsalted butter to the browned beef and let it melt completely. Toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté together over medium heat for around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so the vegetables start to soften but do not brown too much.
Bloom the Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic with the vegetables and beef. Stir constantly and cook for only one minute. Watch for the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
Create a Roux:
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the mixture. Stir constantly with the wooden spoon. The goal is to coat everything and let the flour cook out the raw taste for about two minutes. You want to see a pale, bubbly paste form at the bottom.
Add Liquids and Potatoes:
Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while stirring the pot constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth soup. Add the diced russet potatoes at this stage followed by salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout.
Simmer Until Tender:
Raise the heat to bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook the soup uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes. Test the potatoes with a fork for tenderness. They should yield easily when done.
Stir in Dairy and Flavor Boosters:
Lower the heat to medium-low so the soup does not boil. Add whole milk, heavy cream, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and heat gently until the soup is just steaming and creamy without letting it bubble.
Make the Soup Cheesy:
Gradually sprinkle in shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring constantly. Allow each handful of cheese to melt fully before adding more. Stir until the soup is silky and all the cheese has integrated without clumps.
Final Seasoning:
Taste the soup at this stage. Add more salt or pepper as needed. If you like a little tanginess consider an extra dash of Worcestershire or a spoonful of ketchup.
Serve with Toppings:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Let everyone top their own with crumbled bacon, more cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh green onions, and a couple of dill pickle slices for the full cheeseburger experience.
Close-up of delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Soup, garnished with cheddar, dill pickles and sour cream. Save It
Close-up of delicious Loaded Cheeseburger Soup, garnished with cheddar, dill pickles and sour cream. | sunnyspoonful.com

The sharp cheddar is my favorite part. Its tang and richness pull everything together and remind me of backyard cookouts. There was one winter my family topped it with extra pickles and dare I say it became better than any takeout burger.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove to avoid curdling the dairy. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk if the soup is too thick out of the fridge. This soup can also be portioned and frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still brings plenty of flavor. A gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in place of regular flour makes this soup safe for those sensitive to gluten. Plant-based cheeses and dairy-free milk alternatives work surprisingly well for a lactose-free batch just keep in mind the soup may be slightly less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with extra green onions for a fresh crunch. Crumbled bacon lends a perfect salty finish and a dollop of sour cream highlights the tang of cheddar. Thin-sliced pickles transform each bite into a real cheeseburger moment. Serve with crusty bread or a toasted bun on the side for the full experience.

Comforting bowl of Loaded Cheeseburger Soup; ground beef, potatoes, and cheesy heaven, ready to eat. Save It
Comforting bowl of Loaded Cheeseburger Soup; ground beef, potatoes, and cheesy heaven, ready to eat. | sunnyspoonful.com

Keep toppings handy so everyone gets their own burger bar experience at home. This soup makes chilly nights so much brighter.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use leaner ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or lean beef work well, though the soup may be slightly less rich.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch dissolved in cold milk for thickening.

What is the best cheese for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for bold flavor, but mild cheddar or Colby can also be used.

Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat to retain creaminess.

What toppings enhance the soup?

Bacon, extra cheddar, green onions, sour cream, and dill pickle slices all add great taste and texture.

Loaded Cheeseburger Soup Hearty

All the savory layers of a cheeseburger packed into a comforting, rich soup, ideal for sharing on chilly evenings.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Duration
50 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 6 Serving Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 2 ribs celery, diced
05 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Dairy

01 3 cups whole milk
02 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pantry & Seasonings

01 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard powder
07 2 tablespoons ketchup
08 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Toppings

01 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
02 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 2 green onions, thinly sliced
04 1/4 cup sour cream
05 Dill pickle slices

Directions

Step 01

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until well browned, breaking it into small pieces during cooking. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Add unsalted butter to the pot. Stir in diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 03

Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.

Step 04

Form the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 05

Combine Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add peeled and diced potatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried mustard powder.

Step 06

Simmer with Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 07

Incorporate Dairy and Condiments: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Warm the mixture until just steaming, without bringing to a boil.

Step 08

Finish with Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the soup develops a creamy texture.

Step 09

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Garnish each portion with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, green onions, sour cream, and dill pickles as desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk, wheat (gluten), possible soy from Worcestershire sauce, and may contain mustard. Check all labels for hidden allergens if you have sensitivities.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 510
  • Fats: 33 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams