If you’ve got leftover ground beef or hamburgers, this cheeseburger soup will put them to good use. Not only is it a hearty and delicious soup, but it’s also perfect for a fall day. I love how the cheeseburger flavor shines through, bringing a smile to my face every time. You’re going to love this soup too, so let’s take a look at how to make it.
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Keto
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- Gluten Free
Table of Contents
7 Reasons to Love This Recipe
This cheeseburger soup recipe has so much to offer—here are just a few reasons why it’s a must-try:
- It tastes like you’re eating a cheeseburger in a bowl. So cool.
- Rich, hearty, and filling—perfect as a complete meal.
- A great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or hamburger patties.
- Low carb and keto-friendly, so it fits right into your lifestyle.
- Ideal for those chilly fall or winter days when you need something warm and cozy.
- Well-balanced flavors with just the right mix of cheese, spices, and meat.
- Everyone will love how delicious and satisfying it is.
What Is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup is exactly what it sounds like—a soup that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger but in a warm, comforting bowl. Imagine the savory goodness of lean ground beef, the richness of melted cheese, a few cups chicken broth, and a hint of those familiar burger spices, all simmered together to create a creamy, hearty soup. It’s like enjoying your favorite burger but with a spoon! This soup is a delicious twist on a comfort food classic, perfect when you want that burger taste without the bun.
Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger without any gluten, this cheeseburger soup has you covered. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are naturally gluten-free, so you can dig in without any worries. We skip the bread and focus on what really matters—the rich, cheesy goodness and savory beef that make this soup so satisfying. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or necessity, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
Is Cheeseburger Soup Low Carb?
Yes, cheeseburger soup is low-carb. Its main ingredient is ground beef, which is a zero-carb food item. You can also check my article "Is Ground Beef Low Carb?" for more insights on how it aligns with a low-carb diet.
This soup recipe has only 3 grams net carbs per serving, and that's a fantastic overall net carb count. This is also makes it a good keto cheeseburger soup recipe.
Cheeseburger Soup Ingredient List
Below is the list of ingredients you'll need to make easy cheeseburger soup:
To Make Ground Beef From Scratch:
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter or ghee
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Ingredients for the soup:
- 3-4 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked
- 1 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup carrots, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes, you may want to switch things up or use what you already have on hand. Here are some delicious ingredient substitutions that work perfectly in this healthy cheeseburger soup recipe:
- Ground beef: You can use ground chicken (dark meat only), ground turkey, or ground pork for this recipe. Will it taste like a cheeseburger? Most likely. My favorite substitution is a bunch of actual grilled hamburgers that have been chopped up or crumbled. The smokey flavor from the grill brings a lot of dimension to the soup.
- Onion: Use chopped shallots in place of the onion.
- Carrots: You can omit this ingredient if you want. Many people on low-carb or keto diets skip carrots, but the amount used only adds a small amount of carbohydrates to the overall soup by volume.
- Beef broth: You can use chicken broth as I have in the pictures for this recipe or even vegetable stock or broth. I find that rotisserie chicken stock is very rich in flavor. I originally only made this soup with beef broth, but as I made it with beef broth less, I transitioned into using chicken stock, and nobody really noticed. It tastes amazingly beefy even with chicken stock or broth.
- Cheddar cheese: Use Colby, Colby Jack, or even Monterey Jack cheese. Just ensure that it is a good melting cheese.
- Dijon mustard: For this recipe, you cansubstitute with stone ground mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even yellow mustard. If it tastes good on a burger, it most likely will taste good in this soup.
- Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika or, for a touch of heat, add some hot Hungarian paprika or pepper flakes. I like the smoked paprika when I am using sauteed ground beef rather than leftover hamburgers from the grill that have that smoke flavor on them.
- Garlic powder: Use granulated garlic, roasted garlic, or some fresh garlic if you like that flavor profile. Just remember, garlic inside hamburgers typically makes them taste like meatloaf. The same will be true for the soup if too much garlic is added.
- Onion powder: Use granulated onion or dehydrated onion flakes.
- Arrowroot powder: I know I’m going to catch flak on this one, but you can use cornstarch if necessary. I like Arrowroot because it works fast and is easy to use.
Additional Ingredients
Looking to give your cheeseburger soup a little something extra? Here are a few tasty additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:
- Mushrooms: I love mushrooms on burgers. Dice and sauté them in a separate pan to add to this soup. When they have reduced and are golden brown, add them to the soup.
- Crumbled bacon: What burger isn’t better with bacon? The answer is none, and this soup gets better when you add just a touch of crumbled bacon to the top right before serving. So good. I have tried bacon cheeseburger soup several times and it's a hit in my family!
- Green onions: Chopped green onions are great for a garnish for the soup. Their brightness really pulls out a lot of flavors from the soup.
- Dill pickle: Mince a dill pickle and add it to the top of the soup. Yes, you could use relish, but most relishes have sugar added, which I avoid at all costs. Mincing a little dill pickle really takes this soup from great to fantastic.
- Pickled jalapeño: You can make your own pickled jalapeño recipe or use pickled jalapeños from a jar. Dice them up and toss them on top of the soup for a really nice kick.
- Bell peppers: Adding bell peppers to this soup brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Just dice them and sauté before mixing them into the soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Sour cream: I love sour cream on a burger. If you haven’t tried it, you’ll be in for a real treat. Adding a dollop of sour or heavy cream to this soup right before serving is great too!
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Cooking Tools Required
Here is the list of cooking tools you'll need to make spicy cheeseburger soup:
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Ladle
- Heavy bottom soup pot or dutch oven
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Making cheeseburger soup with cream cheese is easier than you think! I’ll walk you through each step, so you can enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness in no time.
Cooking Method
- Sautéing
- Simmering
Preparation Steps
If you are making ground beef specifically for this recipe, you will need to prepare it like this:
- Heat your soup pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the clarified butter. When the butter shimmers, add in the ground beef. Break up the ground beef while it cooks.
- When the beef looks cooked, add in the spices. You will see most of the fat being absorbed into the spices and the beef will turn a nice, rich brown color. Turn off the heat and remove the beef from the pot.
- Ensure all your vegetables are chopped, and ingredients are measured out.
Cooking Steps
- Place your pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. If you have not just made beef in the pot, add some olive oil, clarified butter, or other cooking fat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Lower the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and mix until softened. Add in the cheddar cheese and mix until softened. Add in the dijon, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. The mixture should be thick. Now, add in the beef.
- Begin adding in the stock. Pour half of the stock in slowly and mix. We do not want the soup to be too thin. Continue to add the stock until it just begins to thin. Turn the heat to medium. Stir and see how thick the soup is. If the soup is too thick, continue to add stock.
- Once the desired thickness is reached, add the arrowroot powder to the cold water. Mix into a slurry. Pour into the soup and mix well. You will see the soup continue to thicken. Allow the arrowroot to work for 1-2 minutes. If you need, add more stock. Otherwise, turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish how you would like. Serve hot and enjoy your rich and delicious cheeseburger soup!
Step 1: Sauté the chopped celery, carrots, and onions in the pot over medium heat until softened.
Step 2: Add the cream cheese to the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly until the cream cheese has melted and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard, combining them well with the creamy vegetable mixture.
Step 4: Pour the cooked ground beef into the pot with the creamy vegetable mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
Step 5: Add the beef broth to the pot, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 6: Gradually stir in arrowroot powder to the simmering soup to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Continue stirring the soup as it simmers, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated and the soup thickens slightly.
Step 8: Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly.
Step 9: The soup is ready to be ladled into bowls and garnished as desired before serving.
💡 My Pro Tip
For those of you keeping a close eye on thickeners, note that 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder contains 2 grams of net carbs. This soup serves 6, so that adds about 0.33 grams of net carbs per serving. This amount fits comfortably within my daily carb limits for a nice, rich, and thick soup.
If your soup turns out too thin, don’t worry. You can add another teaspoon of arrowroot slurry, though it might not always do the trick. I usually dip a ladle into the soup and carefully pour just the liquid portion into a bowl. Continue this until you see some nice, thick chunks left in the pot. Then, reheat the soup and check if the arrowroot slurry helps thicken the remaining liquid.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use leftover ground beef or beef burger patties to save at least 12-15 minutes in preparation time for this recipe.
- Make the soup ahead of time. It often tastes even better the next day. When reheating, be sure to stir frequently to prevent the cream and cheese from burning.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup?
Looking for the perfect side to pair with your creamy hamburger soup? Here are some tasty options that complement the flavors and add a little extra to your meal:
- Cheesy Breadsticks: This is a great way to soak up every last drop of your soup. The buttery and crusty bread with a hint of garlic and melted cheese is a classic match.
- Italian Salad: A fresh, Italian salad with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing adds a nice contrast to the creamy soup. It’s light and refreshing, making it a perfect side.
- Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries are a fun, low-carb alternative to traditional fries. They’re perfect for dipping into your cheeseburger soup.
- Frisee Salad: A frisée salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp and slightly bitter bite that balances the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad Classic Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complements the cheeseburger soup well. It’s hearty and satisfying, just like the soup.
Storage, Freezing, And Reheating Instructions
Oh, the leftover cheeseburger soup is just delicious! The batch I recently made was a bit too much for me, but it just got better with each passing day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Storage Tips
Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
Absolutely, you can freeze it! Place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container and freeze for six to nine months. To use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat following the tips above. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave, but avoid heating directly from frozen in a soup pan to prevent the cream and cheese from scorching before it heats through.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat the soup in a non-stick skillet. It might sound odd, but this method prevents the cheese and cream from sticking to the pan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave the creamy cheese soup on medium heat for several minutes, stirring to ensure even heating and avoid hot and cold spots.
Final Thoughts
I first made this cheesy soup back in 2015. After a big BBQ where I totally overestimated how many burgers everyone would eat, I needed to come up with a plan for all the leftovers. I found a great recipe in a neighborhood cookbook and gave it a try.
When I switched to a low carb lifestyle, I tinkered with the recipe to keep the amazing flavor while making it low carb. The result is what you’re about to enjoy. Every Fall, as the weather cools down, this soup makes a regular appearance because it’s hearty and satisfying, and my whole family loves it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
Other Soup Recipes to Try
Looking for more cozy soup options to warm up your day? Here are some delicious recipes to add to your rotation!
FAQs
Mostly stock with some vegetables, ground beef, cheese and aromatics.
If you have a lot of grease or fat from the ground burger meat, it is best to drain at least some of it, particularly if you use it in a soup with no cream or thickeners. The grease will just float to the top. Keep in mind, however, that the fat does have a lot of flavor, so leaving just a little in goes a long way.
No, a good cheeseburger soup needs no potatoes. Think of ingredients that would be really tasty on a burger and put that into the soup. Potatoes do not belong on a burger unless they are French fries.
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a rich, flavorful slow cooker cheeseburger soup.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
To Make Ground Beef From Scratch:
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter or ghee
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Ingredients for the soup:
- 3-4 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef cooked
- 1 cup cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup carrots chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- If you are making ground beef specifically for this recipe, you will need to prepare it like this:
- Heat your soup pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the clarified butter. When the butter shimmers, add in the ground beef. Break up the ground beef while it cooks.
- When the beef looks cooked, add in the spices. You will see most of the fat being absorbed into the spices and the beef will turn a nice, rich brown color. Turn off the heat and remove the beef from the pot.
- Ensure all your vegetables are chopped, and ingredients are measured out.
Cooking Steps
- Place your pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. If you have not just made beef in the pot, add some olive oil, clarified butter, or other cooking fat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Lower the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and mix until softened. Add in the cheddar cheese and mix until softened. Add in the dijon, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. The mixture should be thick. Now, add in the beef.
- Begin adding in the stock. Pour half of the stock in slowly and mix. We do not want the soup to be too thin. Continue to add the stock until it just begins to thin. Turn the heat to medium. Stir and see how thick the soup is. If the soup is too thick, continue to add stock.
- Once the desired thickness is reached, add the arrowroot powder to the cold water. Mix into a slurry. Pour into the soup and mix well. You will see the soup continue to thicken. Allow the arrowroot to work for 1-2 minutes. If you need, add more stock. Otherwise, turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish how you would like. Serve hot and enjoy your rich and delicious cheeseburger soup!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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