Cheeseburger Soup: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Classic

Imagine the irresistible flavors of your favorite juicy cheeseburger, but in a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying bowl of soup. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Cheeseburger Soup recipe! It’s a culinary hug on a chilly evening, a hearty meal perfect for family dinners, and a delightful twist on a beloved American classic. Forget the buns; we’re diving straight into a creamy, cheesy, beefy concoction that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. This is more than just soup; it’s a nostalgic journey that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting warmth of a hearty soup and the iconic taste of a cheeseburger.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create the perfect bowl of Cheeseburger Soup. From browning the beef to melting the cheeses into a luscious, velvety broth, you’ll discover how easy it is to achieve gourmet results right in your own home. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this cheesy soup will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Cheeseburger Soup is poised to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. First and foremost, it’s the ultimate comfort food. On a cold day, after a long week, or simply when you’re craving something truly satisfying, a bowl of this rich, creamy soup hits all the right notes. It delivers that familiar, much-loved flavor profile of a classic cheeseburger without the need for a fork and knife. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a luxurious cheesy broth creates an unparalleled depth of flavor that is both hearty and incredibly delicious.

Beyond its comforting nature, this cheeseburger-inspired meal is surprisingly versatile. While the core recipe is a masterpiece, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. You can easily adjust the cheese types, add a touch of spice, or incorporate more vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and transform them into something new and exciting. The texture is another highlight: thick enough to feel substantial, yet smooth and creamy, making every spoonful a delight. Kids and adults alike are drawn to its familiar flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters.

Furthermore, the aroma that fills your kitchen as this Cheeseburger Soup simmers is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. It’s the scent of home-cooked goodness, of warmth and contentment. The ease of preparation, combined with the impressive final result, makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It offers a complete meal in one pot, simplifying both cooking and cleanup. If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to tummies, this Cheeseburger Soup is an absolute winner. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes happy memories and creates new ones.

Why You Should Try This Cheeseburger Soup Today

If you’re still on the fence about trying this incredible Cheeseburger Soup recipe, let me give you a few more compelling reasons to make it a priority. Firstly, its sheer simplicity is a game-changer for anyone with a busy schedule. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 30-35 minutes, you can have a wholesome, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner when time is of the essence, but you still crave something homemade and satisfying. Forget fast food; this is fast, delicious, and made with love.

Secondly, this Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly budget-friendly. Utilizing common, affordable ingredients like ground beef, everyday vegetables, and pantry staples, it provides a hearty meal for 6-8 servings without breaking the bank. This makes it an excellent option for feeding a family or for meal prepping to enjoy throughout the week. The cost-effectiveness doesn’t compromise on flavor; in fact, the rich, savory broth and tender ingredients create a gourmet experience on a shoestring budget.

Beyond convenience and cost, the sheer deliciousness of this soup speaks for itself. It perfectly captures the essence of a cheeseburger, transforming it into a comforting, spoonable form. The creamy texture, the savory beef, the subtle tang of mustard and Worcestershire, and the unmistakable cheesy goodness all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids, making dinner time less of a battle and more of a joyful occasion. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to love in this familiar yet exciting dish. So, if you’re looking for a comforting, easy, affordable, and universally loved recipe that brings joy to the dinner table, this Cheeseburger Soup is your answer. It’s time to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this delightful twist on a classic.

Ingredients and Essential Utensils for Your Cheeseburger Soup

Crafting the perfect bowl of Cheeseburger Soup requires a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. We’ve meticulously selected each component to ensure a rich, creamy, and flavorful outcome that truly embodies the spirit of a classic cheeseburger. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste, so aim for fresh and flavorful options where possible.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: The starting point for building flavor. Olive oil helps sauté your aromatics and brown the beef beautifully. Any good quality olive oil will do.
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 suggested): This ratio of lean meat to fat is crucial for flavor and tenderness in your ground beef dishes. The fat renders down, contributing richness to the soup base, while still providing plenty of savory beef flavor. If you prefer a leaner soup, you can use 90/10, but ensure you add a little extra olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and maintain flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Onions are the backbone of many savory dishes, providing a sweet, pungent base when cooked down. Dicing them finely ensures they soften and blend seamlessly into the soup without large chunks.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, as well as essential nutrients. Dicing them small allows them to become tender quickly during the simmering process.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery offers an earthy, slightly salty note that complements the other vegetables and the beef. Like the carrots, dicing them evenly ensures even cooking. This trio of onion, carrot, and celery forms a classic mirepoix, the aromatic foundation of many delicious soups and stews.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is indispensable for adding a pungent, aromatic depth to the soup. Minced garlic releases its flavor quickly, infusing the entire dish. Adjust the quantity to your personal preference for garlic intensity.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This acts as a thickener, helping to create a roux that will give your soup a smooth, velvety texture. It ensures the broth isn’t watery and provides body to the creamy soup.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: A small but mighty ingredient, tomato paste concentrates the savory umami flavor of tomatoes. It adds a subtle tang and richness, deepening the overall beefy taste of the Cheeseburger Soup.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This fermented condiment is a secret weapon for adding savory depth, umami, and a slight tang. It brings out the meaty flavor of the ground beef and is a signature component of many burger-inspired dishes.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef, brightening the flavors without making the soup taste overtly like mustard. It’s a classic pairing with beef and cheese.
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended): The liquid base of your soup. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish, especially important when adding salty cheeses. Choose a good quality beef broth for the best flavor.
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess): Milk contributes significantly to the soup’s creamy texture and richness. Whole milk will yield a thicker, more indulgent soup, while 2% still offers a good balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes: The key to ultimate creaminess and a smooth mouthfeel. Softened cream cheese melts easily and incorporates seamlessly into the hot broth, providing a tangy, rich base for the cheddar. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish: Sharp cheddar is essential for that signature “cheeseburger” flavor. Shredding it yourself from a block will melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. The extra for garnish adds visual appeal and a final burst of cheesy flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Season gradually and taste as you go, especially after adding the cheese, which can contribute its own saltiness.

Optional Garnish:

These garnishes elevate your Cheeseburger Soup from great to extraordinary, adding texture, color, and an extra layer of “burger” authenticity.

• Crispy bacon bits: The perfect savory, smoky, and crunchy topping.
• Diced dill pickles: A tangy, briny contrast that mimics the pickle on a burger.
• Croutons or toasted burger buns: For added crunch and a nod to the burger bun.
• Fresh parsley or scallions, chopped: For freshness, color, and a mild oniony bite.

Necessary Utensils:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing sticking, especially important when browning the beef and simmering the soup. A 5-6 quart pot is ideal.
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring the vegetables and soup.
• Fine-mesh sieve or slotted spoon: To drain excess fat from the ground beef.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly incorporating the flour into the vegetables to form the roux, and later for whisking in the broth, cream cheese, and milk without lumps.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For dicing all your vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese): For best results with cheddar cheese.
• Ladle: For serving your delicious Cheeseburger Soup.

Gathering all your ingredients and tools before you begin (mise en place) will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, leading to a perfectly executed Cheeseburger Soup.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Cheeseburger Soup

Making this hearty Cheeseburger Soup is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures maximum flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture. Follow these instructions carefully, along with our practical tips, to create a dish that will become an instant favorite.

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. This initial step is vital for building the flavor foundation of your Cheeseburger Soup.
   • Add the 1 ½ pounds of ground beef to the hot pot. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. You want to achieve a nice, even brown on all sides. This browning creates deep, savory notes through the Maillard reaction.
   • Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the pot. This is a crucial step to prevent your soup from being overly greasy. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl lined with paper towels, or carefully tilt the pot and spoon out the fat. Set the browned beef aside for later. Leaving a little residual fat in the pot is fine, as it will add flavor for sautéing the vegetables.
   • Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning beef. If necessary, brown the beef in two batches to ensure it browns rather than steams.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same pot (with any residual beef fat or a tiny bit more olive oil if needed), add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These three form your mirepoix, the aromatic base of many great soups.
   • Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the vegetables, allowing their natural sweetness to develop. You don’t want to brown them, just make them tender. This step is key for a well-rounded flavor in your cheesy ground beef recipe.
3. Create the Roux:
   • Add the minced garlic to the softened vegetables. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly.
   • Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will act as a thickener for your Cheeseburger Soup. Cooking the flour briefly helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
   • Tip: Stirring the flour well into the vegetables ensures there are no lumps in your roux, leading to a smooth soup.
4. Build the Flavor Base:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 1 minute, continuing to stir. This allows these concentrated flavors to toast slightly and deepen before liquid is added. The tomato paste adds umami, Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth, and Dijon provides a subtle tang that truly elevates the “cheeseburger” profile.
   • Gradually whisk in the 4 cups of beef broth, pouring slowly while continuously whisking. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth consistency. As you whisk, make sure to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot; these bits are packed with flavor and will dissolve into your broth.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer and Meld Flavors:
   • Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become fully tender and, more importantly, for all the flavors to meld beautifully together. This low and slow simmer is essential for developing the rich taste of your Cheeseburger Soup.
6. Add the Creaminess:
   • Uncover the pot. Add the softened cream cheese cubes (8 ounces). It’s crucial that the cream cheese is softened; otherwise, it will be difficult to incorporate smoothly and may leave lumps.
   • Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. A whisk can be very helpful here.
   • Gradually stir in the 2 cups of milk until it is fully combined. Continue stirring gently until the soup reaches a consistent, smooth texture.
7. Finish with Cheese and Season:
   • Finally, stir in the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and wonderfully cheesy. Do this off the heat or on very low heat to prevent the cheese from seizing or clumping.
   • Season the Cheeseburger Soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the broth and cheeses already contribute salt, so taste before adding more. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
   • Tip: For the best melting, grate your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them melt less smoothly.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with your desired optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, diced dill pickles, croutons, or toasted burger bun pieces, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or scallions. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the “cheeseburger” experience with added texture and flavor.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, comforting Cheeseburger Soup!

Following these detailed steps will ensure your Cheeseburger Soup is a resounding success, offering a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal for everyone to enjoy.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations for Your Cheeseburger Soup

This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is fantastic as is, but a few extra tips can elevate it further, and variations allow you to customize it to your heart’s content. Whether you’re looking to adapt it for dietary needs or just want to experiment with flavors, read on for some expert advice.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Skimp on Draining Fat: While 80/20 ground beef provides great flavor, draining excess fat after browning is crucial for a non-greasy soup. A greasy soup can be unappetizing. Use a slotted spoon or carefully pour off the fat.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is key! Cold cream cheese will be very difficult to melt smoothly into the hot broth and can lead to lumps. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can make it melt unevenly or give your soup a slightly grainy texture. Shredding cheese from a block melts beautifully and results in a much creamier, smoother Cheeseburger Soup.
• Season Gradually: Beef broth and cheddar cheese both contain sodium. Start with a little salt, then taste the soup after the cheese is fully melted. Adjust seasoning as needed. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away.
• Avoid Boiling After Adding Dairy: Once the milk and cheeses are added, keep the heat low and only bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Boiling dairy can cause it to separate or curdle, affecting the soup’s creamy texture.

Delicious Variations:

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the garlic. A dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha) can also be stirred in at the end. You could even add some diced jalapeños along with the other vegetables for extra heat and flavor.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Take it to the next level by cooking 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy before you start with the ground beef. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and reserve the bacon fat. Use 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in place of or in addition to the olive oil for cooking the beef and vegetables. Stir most of the bacon bits into the soup at the end, and reserve some for garnish.
• Mushroom Cheeseburger Soup: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy, umami boost.
• Loaded Veggie Cheeseburger Soup: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers (red or green), corn, or even diced potatoes (add with the broth and simmer longer until tender).
• Smoked Paprika Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the flour and tomato paste for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup: This recipe is easily adaptable. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) or use 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with equal parts cold water before whisking into the hot soup base) to thicken. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
• Lighter Version: Use leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), skim milk instead of whole milk, and a reduced-fat cream cheese. While the richness will be slightly less, it will still be a flavorful and satisfying soup.
• Different Cheese Combinations: While sharp cheddar is classic, experiment with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.

By keeping these tips in mind and exploring these variations, you can tailor your Cheeseburger Soup to perfectly match your taste and dietary needs, making every bowl a uniquely delicious experience.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Cheeseburger Soup

While often categorized as comfort food, this Cheeseburger Soup, when made with wholesome ingredients, offers a surprising array of nutritional benefits. It’s a well-rounded meal that provides essential macronutrients and micronutrients to fuel your body.

Estimated Nutritional Values (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific brands, exact quantities, and fat content of beef/milk/cheese. For precise values, it’s best to use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams (Excellent source!)
• Fats: Approximately 30-40 grams (including saturated and unsaturated fats)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3 grams
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and controlling added salt)

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: As the star of this Cheeseburger Soup, ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. It also provides essential micronutrients such as iron (important for oxygen transport in the blood), zinc (for immune function), and B vitamins (especially B12, crucial for nerve function and energy production).
• Carrots: These vibrant vegetables are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immune health, and skin integrity. Carrots also provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
• Celery: Low in calories but rich in vitamins K and C, as well as folate and potassium. Celery also contributes fiber and hydrating properties to the soup.
• Onions and Garlic: More than just flavor enhancers, onions and garlic contain various beneficial compounds. Onions are a source of Vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, along with antioxidants like quercetin. Garlic is renowned for its allicin compound, which has been linked to immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Dairy (Milk, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese): These ingredients are significant sources of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth. They also provide protein and Vitamin D (especially if fortified milk is used), which aids calcium absorption. Cheddar cheese, in particular, offers a concentrated dose of protein and healthy fats, contributing to satiety.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat source, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. It’s known for its heart-healthy benefits and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.

In summary, this Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a comforting indulgence. It’s a hearty meal that delivers a significant protein boost, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and dairy. It’s a satisfying option that can easily fit into a balanced diet, especially when paired with a fresh side salad or whole-grain bread to boost fiber content.

FAQs About Cheeseburger Soup

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Cheeseburger Soup

And there you have it! A complete guide to making the most comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Cheeseburger Soup you’ll ever taste. We’ve transformed a beloved American classic into a warm, creamy, and hearty bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. From the savory ground beef and tender vegetables to the rich, cheesy broth, every spoonful is a delightful experience that truly captures the essence of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun.

This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a gourmet-quality meal that feeds a crowd and pleases every palate. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even as a unique dish to impress guests. Plus, its versatility means you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a truly flexible and rewarding recipe to master.

We encourage you to try this Cheeseburger Soup soon. Experience the magic of turning familiar flavors into something wonderfully new and exciting. Don’t forget to get creative with your garnishes – crispy bacon, tangy pickles, or crunchy croutons can elevate your bowl to another level of deliciousness. Once you’ve made it, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below, tell us your favorite variations, or even post a picture of your culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!

Hearty Cheeseburger Soup (One-Pot Comfort Meal)

This creamy, savory Cheeseburger Soup combines all the classic flavors of your favorite burger in a comforting bowl. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich melted cheeses, it's the ultimate family-friendly weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 610 kcal

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 suggested
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
• 2 cups milk whole or 2% for creaminess
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus more for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Crispy bacon bits
• Diced dill pickles
• Croutons or toasted burger buns
• Fresh parsley or scallions chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat from the pot and set the cooked beef aside.
• In the same pot (without cleaning), add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux.
• Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
• Uncover the pot. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir continuously until completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in the milk until well combined.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, diced dill pickles, or croutons/toasted burger bun pieces, if desired, before serving.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke with the tomato paste. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if too thick.

Keyword beef, cheeseburger, comfort food, easy, family friendly, one-pot, soup, winter warmers