Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup takes everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger and turns it into a warm, creamy bowl of comfort food. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, onion, celery, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich broth made with chicken stock and heavy cream.

The Worcestershire sauce adds that savory burger flavor, while optional diced dill pickles give the soup a tangy finish that really makes it taste like a cheeseburger in soup form. Top each bowl with extra crispy bacon, shredded cheese, pickles, or green onions and everyone can add their favorite burger toppings.

This is exactly the kind of hearty soup I want when soup season rolls around. It’s filling enough to serve as dinner, comes together in one large pot, and uses simple ingredients you can find at just about any grocery store.

Whether you’re making dinner for the whole family or looking for something warm and comforting on a cold winter day, this easy cheeseburger soup recipe is one you’ll want to make again.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup

There’s a lot packed into one bowl of this creamy soup:

• Ground beef gives it that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Crispy bacon turns it into bacon cheeseburger soup.
• Yukon Gold potatoes make it hearty and filling.
• Sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Heavy cream makes the broth smooth and creamy.
• Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth.
• Optional dill pickles give it even more of that cheeseburger taste.
• Everything comes together in one large soup pot.
• It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
• Leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

It’s a great recipe when your family wants burgers but you’re craving a warm bowl of soup instead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon

You’ll need 5 slices of bacon cut into small pieces. Cooking the bacon first leaves behind a little extra flavor in the pot and gives you crispy bacon for both the soup and garnish.

Ground Beef

One pound of ground beef makes this soup hearty without overwhelming the other ingredients. Lean ground beef works especially well since bacon, butter, heavy cream, and cheese already add plenty of richness.

Butter

You’ll need ¼ cup of butter to sauté the vegetables and help create the base for the creamy broth.

Onion

Finely diced onion adds sweetness and savory flavor.

Celery

Two stalks of diced celery add another layer of flavor to the soup base.

Garlic

A little minced garlic goes a long way in this recipe.

All-Purpose Flour

Six tablespoons of all-purpose flour combine with the butter to thicken the soup.

Chicken Broth

Four cups of chicken broth create the base of the soup. Chicken stock can also be used for an even richer flavor.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream transforms the broth into a rich, creamy soup.

Worcestershire Sauce

This is one of the ingredients that helps give the soup the flavors of a cheeseburger rather than simply tasting like ground beef and potato soup.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

You’ll need 1 pound of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into small pieces.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese give the soup its creamy, cheesy finish.

Salt and Black Pepper

Season to taste after the cheese has been added.

Dill Pickles

Diced pickles are optional, but they’re such a fun addition if you really want that bacon cheeseburger flavor.

Why Yukon Gold Potatoes Work So Well

Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite choice for this soup because they have a naturally creamy texture while still holding their shape.

Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they become fork tender at approximately the same time.

You can substitute red potatoes if that’s what you have.

Russet potatoes will also work, although they tend to break down more as they cook. That can actually make the soup thicker, so it isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you prefer an extra-creamy version.

Tools for this recipe

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

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Glass Measuring Cups Set

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measuring cups

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How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the bacon into small pieces.

Place the bacon in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the same pot.

Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned.

Drain off the excess grease.

Transfer the cooked beef to another paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter in the pot.

Add the diced onion and celery.

Cook over medium heat for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and all-purpose flour.

Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Don’t skip this step.

Cooking the flour briefly removes its raw flour taste and helps create a smoother soup later.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Gradually pour the chicken broth into the pot while whisking continuously.

Adding the liquid slowly makes it much easier to incorporate the flour without creating lumps.

Continue whisking until the broth is smooth.

Step 6: Add the Cream, Potatoes, and Beef

Stir in:

• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• Cooked ground beef

Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat so the soup maintains a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar.

Step 7: Simmer

Simmer for approximately 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally, making sure to scrape along the bottom of the pot so nothing sticks.

The soup is ready for the cheese once the potatoes are fork tender and the broth has thickened.

Step 8: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Turn off the heat.

Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Add a handful at a time, stirring until the cheese melts before adding more.

This helps create a smooth, creamy cheese soup instead of a grainy one.

Step 9: Adjust the Consistency

If the soup becomes thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of:

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Heavy cream

Add a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Step 10: Finish With Bacon

Stir most of the crispy bacon into the soup, reserving some for garnish.

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

If you’re using diced dill pickles, you can stir them into the soup or save them for the top of each bowl.

Serve warm.

How to Keep Cheese From Becoming Grainy in Soup

Cheese is one of the most important ingredients in this recipe, but how you add it matters.

For the best results, turn off the heat before adding the cheddar.

If cheese gets too hot, the proteins can tighten and separate, giving your soup a grainy or oily texture.

Add the shredded cheese gradually and stir between additions.

I also recommend shredding your own cheese from a block when possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.

Why Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

Sharp cheddar brings enough flavor to stand up to the ground beef, bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and cream.

Mild cheddar works, but you’ll get a less pronounced cheesy flavor.

You could also experiment with other cheeses, including:

• Pepper Jack
• Medium cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• American cheese

A combination of sharp cheddar and pepper Jack would be especially good if you want a little heat.

Can I Use Velveeta?

Yes.

Velveeta cheese melts very smoothly and can give you an extra-creamy cheeseburger soup.

However, it will create a different flavor than sharp cheddar.

You could use a combination of the two if you want the bold flavor of cheddar with the smooth melting quality of processed cheese.

Why Add Worcestershire Sauce?

Worcestershire sauce may seem like a small addition, but it gives the ground beef mixture a deeper savory flavor.

It helps bridge the gap between creamy potato soup and cheeseburger soup.

That little bit of tangy, savory flavor works especially well with beef, bacon, cheddar, and pickles.

Can I Use Beef Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?

Yes.

Beef broth will create a deeper beef flavor.

I like chicken broth here because it creates a flavorful base without overpowering the cheddar, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce.

If you want a stronger beef-forward soup, beef broth is a perfectly reasonable substitution.

The Pickles Are Optional—But Really Good

You don’t have to put pickles in cheeseburger soup.

But if you’re a pickle person, try it.

Finely diced dill pickles add acidity that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream, bacon, beef, and cheddar.

I especially like using them as a topping because they stay crisp.

You can also add a tiny splash of pickle juice to individual bowls if you want even more tang without committing the entire pot to pickle flavor.

Cheeseburger Soup Toppings

This is where you can really have fun with the cheeseburger theme.

Set out a few toppings and let everyone finish their own bowl.

Try:

• Crispy bacon
• Shredded cheddar
• Diced dill pickles
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Extra black pepper

You could even serve crispy onion rings alongside the soup for a fun burger-and-fries-inspired dinner.

Can I Use Ground Turkey?

Yes.

Ground turkey can replace the ground beef if you prefer.

Since turkey is leaner and milder, the finished soup won’t have quite the same classic cheeseburger flavor.

The bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and sharp cheddar will still give it plenty of flavor, though.

Can I Leave Out the Bacon?

Absolutely.

Leave out the bacon and you’ll have a classic creamy cheeseburger soup rather than bacon cheeseburger soup.

Because you won’t have bacon fat left in the pot, simply proceed with the ground beef and then use the butter as directed.

Can I Add Cream Cheese?

You can add cream cheese if you want an even richer soup.

Let it soften first and add it in small pieces so it melts smoothly.

Keep in mind that this recipe already contains heavy cream, butter, flour, and cheddar, so additional cream cheese will make it considerably richer.

Can I Use Whole Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?

Yes, although the finished soup won’t be quite as rich.

Whole milk is the best milk substitution because it still contains enough fat to give the broth some creaminess.

You may also find that the soup is slightly thinner.

I wouldn’t recommend almond milk unless you specifically need a dairy alternative because its flavor and lower fat content can noticeably change the soup.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Definitely.

Although classic cheeseburgers aren’t exactly known for vegetables beyond the toppings, soup gives you plenty of room to add more.

You could add:

• Carrots
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers

Just keep in mind that additional vegetables may change the cooking time.

Can I Make This Spicy?

Yes.

There are several easy ways to give this comforting soup recipe some heat.

Add:

• Hot sauce
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Diced jalapeños
• Crushed red pepper
• Cayenne pepper

For a family dinner, I usually prefer serving hot sauce on the side so everyone can choose their own spice level.

Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup in the Slow Cooker?

You can adapt cheeseburger soup for a slow cooker, but this particular recipe is easiest on the stovetop because of the flour-thickened base and cheese.

If making crock pot cheeseburger soup, I would still brown the ground beef and cook the bacon first.

The cheese and heavy cream should be added toward the end rather than cooking all day.

For this version, though, the stovetop is my preferred method because it gives you much more control over the consistency and how the cheese melts.

Can I Make It in an Instant Pot?

Cheeseburger soup can be adapted to an Instant Pot, but I wouldn’t pressure cook the dairy or cheddar cheese.

Pressure cookers work well for cooking the potatoes and beef mixture, but cream and cheese should generally be incorporated after pressure cooking.

Since the potatoes in this recipe only need about 15 minutes of simmering, I find the stovetop method simple enough that an Instant Pot doesn’t save much effort.

Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes.

You can make this soup ahead and refrigerate it once completely cooled.

Like many creamy soups, it will thicken as it sits.

When reheating, add a little chicken broth, milk, or cream until it returns to the consistency you like.

How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Soup

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days.

Because the soup contains meat and dairy, don’t leave it sitting at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Reheat Cheeseburger Soup

Reheat the soup gently over medium-low or low heat.

Stir frequently.

If it has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.

Avoid bringing it to a hard boil once the cheese has been added. Gentle heat will give you a much smoother texture.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

Can I Freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

You can freeze it, but creamy cheese soups aren’t my favorite soups to freeze.

Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or develop a grainy texture after thawing.

Potatoes can also change texture in the freezer.

If you want to prepare this recipe well ahead, a better option is to prepare the beef-and-vegetable portion and freeze it before adding the heavy cream and cheese.

Then thaw, reheat, and finish the soup with fresh dairy and cheddar.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup

This is already a very hearty soup, so you don’t need much alongside it.

Try serving it with:

• Dinner rolls
• Crusty bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Garlic bread

A warm roll is especially good for soaking up the creamy broth left at the bottom of the bowl.

More Cozy Recipes From Krystel’s Cooking

If you love hearty soup recipes, try my Easy Chicken Noodle Soup next. It’s a classic cozy dinner filled with chicken, vegetables, broth, and egg noodles.

My Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is another great choice when you want a rich, creamy soup for a cold night.

If it’s the cheesy ground beef part of this recipe that your family loves most, try my Cheesy Hamburger Helper Casserole or Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole for another family-friendly dinner with plenty of beef and cheese.

And if you need something to serve alongside a warm bowl of soup, my Honey Butter Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cheeseburger soup?

Cheeseburger soup takes the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, bacon, onions, and optional pickles—and turns them into a creamy, hearty soup.

What potatoes are best for cheeseburger soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite because they become tender and creamy while still holding their shape.

Can I use russet potatoes?

Yes. Russets work, although they tend to break down more and can make the soup thicker.

Can I use red potatoes?

Yes. Dice them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook quickly.

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely. Beef broth will give the soup a stronger beef flavor.

Do I have to add pickles?

No. They’re completely optional.

Can I use rotisserie-style bacon bits?

Freshly cooked crispy bacon will give you the best flavor and texture, but real bacon pieces can work in a pinch.

Why isn’t my soup thick?

Let it simmer a little longer. The flour thickens the broth as it cooks, and the potatoes and cheese also contribute to the final consistency.

Why is my soup too thick?

Add chicken broth, milk, or heavy cream a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Why did my cheese become grainy?

The soup may have been too hot when the cheese was added. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the cheese for the smoothest results.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly.

Can I make this with ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef, although the flavor will be a little lighter.

How long does cheeseburger soup last?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within about 3–4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is what happens when a bacon cheeseburger meets a big bowl of creamy comfort food.

It has savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. Add diced dill pickles on top and you really get those classic cheeseburger flavors in every spoonful.

I especially love that it’s hearty enough to stand on its own as dinner. You don’t need complicated ingredients or hours at the stove, either. Everything comes together in one large pot, and the potatoes only need about 15 minutes to become tender.

Serve it with extra bacon, shredded cheddar, pickles, and green onions and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite burger toppings.

On a cold night when you want something warm, cheesy, filling, and family-friendly, this creamy cheeseburger soup is hard to beat.