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Bowl of cheeseburger soup with ground beef, potato, and melted cheddar

Easy Cheeseburger Soup

A one-pot creamy cheddar soup with seasoned ground beef, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and celery in a roux-thickened broth. All the flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty, satisfying bowl.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 0 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Approximately
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 450g), peeled and cut into 1.5cm cubes
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into 1cm pieces
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (22g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • whisk
  • Ladle
  • Box grater
  • Knife
  • Chopping board

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking into small pieces, until fully cooked with no pink remaining and juices have evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving drippings in the pot.
  2. Add diced onion to the pot over medium heat and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
  4. While vegetables simmer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 60 to 90 seconds until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
  5. Stir the roux into the simmering soup in small additions, whisking after each. Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broth thickens and coats a spoon.
  6. Return browned beef to the pot. Remove from heat entirely. Add shredded cheddar in two additions, stirring gently after each until fully melted. Stir in Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives and extra cheddar. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Always remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese: cheddar added to boiling liquid becomes grainy.
  • Shred cheddar fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • The soup thickens in the fridge overnight. Stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes, not russets, for pieces that hold their shape through the simmer.