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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

It’s everything you love about burgers—served in a bowl.

By Leah PerezUpdated: Jan 16, 2026
Star FillStar FillStar FillStar FillHalf Star
4.3
7 Ratings
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the pioneer woman's cheeseburger soup recipe
C.W. Newell
Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Video poster

Some days call for soup. Other days call for burgers. And then there are days when the only sensible choice is to have both at once.

This cheeseburger soup is one of the most comforting, creamy soup recipes, delivering a savory, cheesy, heartwarming meal with fries and fixings stirred right in. If you love potato soup, this one's right up your alley, with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, cheese, and a generous amount of cream. Ground beef adds extra heartiness! Pair the soup with warm, sesame seed-studded dinner rolls, or just a slice of garlic bread.

What makes cheeseburger soup so creamy?

There are several ingredients that give this soup a creamy, dreamy consistency. First, there is a roux made from the bacon fat, beef fat, and flour. It adds perfect body to the soup. This recipe also includes potatoes, which have natural starches that help thicken the broth. Then comes the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, which work in harmony to create a soup with next-level creaminess.

What kind of beef is best for cheeseburger soup?

Because this cheeseburger soup starts with rendered bacon, lean ground beef works best. Using regular ground beef can make the soup overly greasy, while lean beef keeps it hearty and beefy without tipping it into too-rich territory.

What kind of potatoes are best for soup?

This recipe calls for russet potatoes which are perfect for soup because they are high in starch and break down easily. Peel them and dice them into evenly sized chunks so the pieces cook evenly.

What toppings go on cheeseburger soup?

This cheeseburger soup is topped with classic burger favorites like crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, plus a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and a handful of sliced green onions for freshness. If you want to add a little heat and crunch, you can also add sliced jalapeños or chopped red onion.

How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?

Leftover cheeseburger soup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It makes a great repeat dinner or add it to your list of quick lunch ideas.

Can you freeze cheeseburger soup?

No, it doesn't freeze very well. Potatoes can become grainy when frozen and thawed, and cream often separates and lose its smooth consistency.

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Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon, cut into 1-in. pieces
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper, plus more for serving
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 medium)
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 10 oz.)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, plus more for serving
  • 4 green onions, thinly slcied
  • Hot rolls and butter, for serving 

Directions

    1. Step 1In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and the fat is rendered, 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the Dutch oven.
    2. Step 2To the bacon fat, add the beef, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is brown and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    3. Step 3Sprinkle in the flour, mustard powder, and paprika. Cook, stirring frequently, until the raw flour smell disappears, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of water, ensuring there are no lumps of flour. Stir in the potatoes.
    4. Step 4Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes start to become tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to break up the potatoes a bit; the soup should have some lumps and not be smooth.
    5. Step 5Remove from the heat and slowly stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until well combined.
    6. Step 6Divide the soup among bowls and top with some sour cream, green onions, bacon, the remaining ½ cup cheddar, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with hot rolls. 

Tip: This soup is great served with sesame seed-studded rolls. If you can't find them at your local supermarket, just grab your favorite fully-baked dinner rolls and add seeds yourself: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the rolls on a baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake until the rolls are warm and the egg wash has dried, 5 to 7 minutes.

Love This Recipe? Try One Of These Next!

  • Cheeseburger Pie
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  • Mini Cheeseburger Calzones
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  • Cheeseburger Salad
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