Cheeseburger Soup for Kids

Biting into a warm and savory cheeseburger straight from the grill is a classic summer experience. However, if you have eliminated gluten or grains, classic cheeseburgers might not be on your menu anymore. My family and I absolutely love this bacon cheeseburger soup that offers all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty soup form!

This comforting dish has quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare, cheesy, delicious, and a meal the entire family, including my pickier kids, enjoys. Being a one-pot meal, the cleanup is straightforward. All the seasonings are within the soup itself, eliminating the need for multiple condiment bottles cluttering the countertop!

Cheeseburger Soup

If you haven’t come across cheeseburger soup before, it’s exactly what you’re imagining… pickles and everything! Initially, I was skeptical about this combination, but I was proven wrong. Ketchup and pickles blend surprisingly well into this dish, and the children love the concept of enjoying a "cheeseburger" from a bowl.

This soup includes beef and cheese, naturally, but it’s also packed with nutritious vegetables and wholesome broth. Many recipes suggest a roux using all-purpose flour, but I opt for a superior, grain-free method to create a creamy soup.

Most beef soups utilize vegetable or beef broth, but this recipe calls for chicken broth, which surprisingly enhances the flavor, giving it a more authentic cheeseburger taste rather than resembling a beef vegetable soup. Trust me on this one!

How to Enhance Your Soup

While I prefer keeping things straightforward with this one-pot dish, you can easily customize the taste with various toppings. A variety of toppings can be set on the counter for everyone to select from during dinner, somewhat like a taco bar, but for cheeseburger soup!

Here are some garnish suggestions:

Chopped dill pickles (we prefer homemade fermented ones)
Crispy bacon bits
Diced green onions
Homemade sourdough croutons
Sharp cheddar cheese (far superior to American cheese or Velveeta!)
Fried onion topping
Diced tomatoes
Stir in some cream cheese

Cheeseburger Soup Substitutions

If sour cream or yogurt isn’t available, a touch of heavy cream can also deliver a creamy flavor. However, sour cream and yogurt add a tangy twist.

Feel free to swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Although it wouldn’t carry the same cheeseburger essence, it would still be nutritious and delightful. This recipe utilizes regular grass-fed beef, which is rich in healthy fats!

I use classic russet potatoes in this soup for their starchy quality, providing a pleasing texture. However, you can use any type of potato you prefer.

My Secret to a Thicker Soup

While it might not seem like a secret, I prefer using mashed potatoes to thicken this soup. Instead of all-purpose flour, I mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth. For a smoother texture, you could blend some cooked potatoes and broth, then reincorporate it into the soup.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Indulge in your cravings with this wholesome Cheeseburger Soup! Filled with ground beef, vegetables, and creamy cheddar cheese, it’s comfort served in a bowl.

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, sprinkle ground beef with onion powder, garlic salt, and pepper, then brown it. Drain any extra fat. Take out the cooked ground beef and set it aside.
Add olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender, stirring now and then.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and ketchup, ensuring everything is combined well.
Add chopped potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender.
Return beef to the pan, stirring thoroughly to combine.
Mix in the milk and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Continue warming the soup on low heat without boiling.
Add extra salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with your preferred toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 785
Calories from Fat 405

% Daily Value*

Fat 45g 69%
Saturated Fat 18g 113%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 157mg 52%
Sodium 914mg 40%
Potassium 1743mg 50%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Fiber 6g 25%
Sugar 10g 11%
Protein 50g 100%

Vitamin A 4131IU 83%
Vitamin C 40mg 48%
Calcium 473mg 47%
Iron 6mg 33%