Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
There’s something wonderfully comforting about turning all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl of soup. This loaded cheeseburger soup has tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and plenty of cheddar, all simmered together in a rich, savory broth.
It’s thick enough to feel substantial without being overly heavy, with little bites of beef and potato in every spoonful. The cheddar melts into the broth for a smooth, creamy finish, while a few classic burger toppings bring everything together.
This is the kind of dinner I like to make when the weather turns chilly and I want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also an easy weeknight meal since most of the work happens in one pot.
Why It Works
The key is building flavor in stages. Browning the beef and onions first gives the soup a deeper savory base, while the potatoes add body as they simmer until tender.
Adding the dairy toward the end keeps the soup creamy and helps prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. A little Worcestershire sauce adds that subtle savory tang you’d normally get from a well-seasoned burger
And then there are the toppings. Diced pickles, extra shredded cheddar, green onions, crispy bacon, or even a few toasted sesame seeds make each bowl feel like a fully loaded cheeseburger.
FAQs
Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes. The soup can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. It may thicken considerably as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Why Is My Cheese Not Melting Smoothly?
Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking ingredients that affect how smoothly it melts. For the creamiest soup, shred a block of cheddar yourself and add it over low heat.
Can I Use Ground Turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well, although the soup will have a lighter flavor. Add a little extra Worcestershire sauce or beef-style seasoning if desired.
How Thick Should The Soup Be?
It should be creamy and spoonable, somewhere between a traditional soup and a chowder. If it becomes too thick, loosen it with additional broth or milk.
Can I Add Bacon?
Yes. Crispy crumbled bacon makes a great topping and adds another classic burger flavor. Stir some into the soup or keep it on top so it stays crisp.
Can I Make It Without Cream?
You can replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk. The finished soup will be slightly lighter but still creamy from the cheddar and flour-thickened broth
This Loaded Cheeseburger Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a cozy bowl. It’s an easy, hearty dinner that comes together with simple ingredients and is perfect for chilly nights.
WW Cheesy Potato & Beef Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) 93% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) skim or 1% milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) light cream
- 1 cup (100 g) reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 slices cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well.
- Add the diced potatoes and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the milk, light cream, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and mustard powder. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes. Do not boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot and top each portion with a small amount of crumbled turkey bacon and green onions.
WW Tip: Using lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, and turkey bacon significantly reduces the Points compared with the original recipe. For even fewer Points, use fat-free milk and reduce the cheese slightly.
