Indulge in a warm, flavorful cheeseburger fresh on the grill it's an iconic part of summer. However, if you've said goodbye to gluten (or grains), then cheeseburgers may no longer be on the menu. The kids and I love this Real Food Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. It has all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, but in a soupy version!
This comfort food has quickly become a family favorite. It's easy to make, sweet, delicious, and something our whole family will eat (even my pickiest kids!). And since it's a one-pot meal, cleanup is easy. All the spices are in the soup so I don't have to deal with random bottles of spices all over the counter!
Cheese soup
If you've never heard of cheeseburger soup, that's exactly what it sounds like… pickles and all! When I first heard about this combination, I wasn't so sure I would like it. I was wrong though! Ketchup and pickles go surprisingly well with this and kids get a kick out of having a cheeseburger in a bowl.
This one has beef and cheese (of course), but it's also full of healthy veggies and nutritious soup. Most recipes call for making a roux with all-purpose flour, but I have an even better, grain-free way to get a creamy soup.
Most beef soup recipes call for vegetable or beef stock, but this one uses chicken stock. The combination really gives it a unique flavor that tastes more like a cheeseburger, rather than beef vegetable soup. Trust me on this one!
How to infuse your soup
I like to keep things simple with this one pot meal, but you can also customize the flavor with different toppings. You can have a bowl of different toppings on the counter for everyone at dinner to choose from. Like a taco bar, but with cheeseburger soup!
Here are some decorating ideas:
- Chopped dill pickles (we like the home-fermented ones)
- Crispy cooked bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Croutons with homemade sourdough
- Sharp cheddar cheese (tastes so much better than American cheese or Velveeta!)
- Stuffed with fried onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Mix in some cream cheese
Substitutes for soup with cheese
If you don't have yogurt or yogurt, then a little thick cream can give it a creamy taste. Yogurt and sour cream give it more flavor.
And you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you like. Although it wouldn't taste like cheese, it would still be healthy and delicious. This recipe calls for regular grass-fed beef, which is full of healthy fats!
And I use classic potatoes in this soup. They have more starch and give it a nice texture. You can use any type of potato you prefer.
My secret soup thickener
Okay, maybe it's not a secret, but I like to thicken this with mashed potatoes. Instead of using all-purpose flour, I mash some of the cooked potatoes with the gravy. For a really smooth version, you can throw some of the cooked potatoes and gravy into the blender. Then just add it back to the soup.
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Satisfy your cravings with this delicious cheese soup! Filled with ground beef, vegetables and creamy cheddar cheese, it's cozy in a bowl.
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, sprinkle ground beef with onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper and brown. Drain off any excess fat. Remove the cooked mince from the pan and set aside.
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Add olive oil, onions, carrots and celery to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the Italian seasoning and ketchup, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
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Add the grated potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes are tender, return the beef to the pan, stirring well to combine.
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Pour in the milk and yogurt (or Greek yogurt). Continue to heat the soup over low heat until warm, but do not boil.
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Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition facts
Cheese soup recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 983
Calories from fat 621
% Daily Value*
Fat 69 g106%
Saturated fat 25 g156%
Trans fat 2 g
Unsaturated fat 4 g
Monounsaturated fat 31 g
cholesterol 166 mg55%
Sodium 916 mg40%
potassium 1666 mg48%
Carbohydrates 47 g16%
Fiber 6 g25%
Sugar 10 gr11%
Protein 46 g92%
Vitamin A 4131 IU83%
Vitamin C 40 mg48%
Calcium 482 mg48%
Iron 5 mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
What toppings would you add to your cheeseburger soup? Leave a comment and let us know!
