Hearty Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: A Comfort Bowl (Print Version)

Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Get all your favorite burger flavors in one rich, cheesy, comforting bowl! My easy recipe is perfect for chilly nights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein, Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Meat

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups beef broth
05 - 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 2 large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2-inch)

→ Dairy & Thickeners

07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
09 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

→ Flavor Builders

10 - 2 tbsp ketchup
11 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish & Toppings

13 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
14 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your biggest Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to get a really good sear on it, letting it brown deeply for about 7-8 minutes. This is where so much flavor comes from, honestly! Don’t drain all the fat, just mostly; a little bit adds richness. I once drained it all and the soup felt… empty. Once it’s nicely browned, pull it out and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the pot.
02 - Now, into that same pot with the beef drippings, add your diced yellow onion. Stir it around and let it soften, getting sweet and translucent for about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible, signaling the start of something delicious! Then, toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute until it’s fragrant – don’t let it burn, or it’ll get bitter, an oops moment I’ve definitely had before. Keep things moving!
03 - Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained!), and your cubed potatoes. Give it a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. You want those potatoes to get fork-tender, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. This step is where the magic really starts to happen, melding everything together for your Loaded Cheeseburger Soup.
04 - Once the potatoes are tender, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, ketchup, and Dijon mustard until everything is completely smooth and the cream cheese has melted beautifully. I usually use a whisk here to make sure there are no lumps; nobody wants lumpy soup! This is where your Loaded Cheeseburger Soup starts to get that luxurious, creamy texture, so take your time and make sure it’s well combined.
05 - Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Slowly, gradually, stir in your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it’s all melted and incorporated. Keep the heat low, or even off, to prevent the cheese from seizing up or getting stringy – that’s a lesson I learned the hard way! Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You’ll see it transform into this gorgeous, cheesy, hearty soup. Don’t be afraid to add a little more cheese if it feels right to you!
06 - Ladle your warm, inviting Loaded Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part: toppings! Sprinkle generously with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of sour cream or some crushed croutons really takes it up a notch. The aroma alone is enough to get everyone excited. It’s rich, it’s cheesy, it’s everything you want in a comfort meal. Enjoy every spoonful!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese for this soup; pre-shredded just doesn't melt right.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; it reheats best gently on the stovetop.
03 - If you don't have Dijon, a tiny bit of yellow mustard can work, but Dijon adds a better tang.
04 - Serving with a side of crusty bread for dipping makes this dish extra special, trust me!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - whisk
05 - ladle

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

Back