Cheeseburger Soup For Two – An Easy, Creamy One Pot Dinner

Cheeseburger Soup has the flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a warm, filling soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. It combines ground beef, tender potatoes and vegetables in a creamy cheddar broth that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.

This small batch recipe makes two generous dinner servings without leaving you with a large pot of leftovers. Everything cooks in one pot, and you can have dinner on the table in about 40 minutes.

The ingredients are simple, too. You only need half a pound of ground beef, one medium potato, a few vegetables and a handful of shredded cheese. A little flour and milk give the broth its creamy texture without using canned condensed soup or a block of processed cheese.

If you enjoy easy comfort food dinners, this is a good recipe to add to your fall and winter meal rotation. It is hearty enough to be the main course, and you can finish each bowl with a few simple toppings.

What Goes Into Cheeseburger Soup For Two?

Ground beef and cheddar cheese give this soup its familiar flavor. However, the potatoes and vegetables turn it into a complete meal.

For the ground beef, choose a lean variety such as 90/10. It provides plenty of flavor without leaving a heavy layer of grease on top of the soup. If you use beef with a higher fat content, drain the excess grease after browning.

A Yukon Gold potato works especially well because it becomes tender while holding its shape. A red potato is another good option. You can use a russet potato, although the pieces may break apart more as they simmer.

Carrots, celery and onion add flavor and a little sweetness. Chop them into small pieces so that they soften in the same amount of time as the potatoes. This also makes it easier to get a little of everything in each spoonful.

For the cheese, use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or medium cheddar for a milder soup. Either variety works well with the beef and potatoes.

The Best Cheese To Use

For a smooth, creamy broth, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Packaged shredded cheese often contains ingredients that keep the shreds from sticking together, which can affect how smoothly they melt.

You only need 3 ounces of cheese for this cheeseburger soup recipe, so shredding it takes just a minute or two. Measure by weight when possible because a loosely filled measuring cup can hold much less cheese than one packed tightly.

The other important step is adding the cheese after removing the pot from the heat. Let the bubbling stop, then stir in the cheese a handful at a time.

Boiling the soup after adding the cheddar can make the cheese separate and leave the broth oily or grainy. Gentle heat and gradual additions help keep the soup creamy.

How To Make Cheeseburger Soup For Two

A printable recipe card is located below with the specific measurements and cooking instructions.

Brown The Beef And Soften The Vegetables

Start by browning the ground beef in a medium saucepan or small Dutch oven. A pot that holds about 3 quarts gives you enough room to stir without splashing.

Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and drain the excess grease from the pot.

Add the butter, onion, carrot and celery to the same pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

There is no need to wash the pot between steps. The browned bits left behind by the beef add flavor to the broth.

Add The Potatoes And Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Cooking the flour briefly helps prevent a raw flour taste in the finished soup.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, then add the diced potato, cooked beef, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and partially cover the pot. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, usually 10 to 15 minutes.

Cutting the potato into small, even pieces is important here. Aim for pieces about ½ inch thick so they cook quickly and fit easily on a spoon.

Stir In The Milk And Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk. Let the cheeseburger soup warm over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pot from the heat and allow the bubbling to stop. Add the shredded cheddar in several small handfuls, stirring until each addition melts.

Taste before adding salt. The broth, Worcestershire sauce and cheese all contribute salt, so you may only need a small pinch, if any.

The finished soup should be creamy but still easy to ladle. If it becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of milk or broth.

Easy Ways To Adapt Cheeseburger Soup

For a bacon cheeseburger version, cook two strips of bacon before browning the beef. Set the bacon aside, drain the excess grease and continue with the recipe. Crumble the bacon over the bowls just before serving so it stays crisp.

You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey. The flavor will be a little different, but the potatoes and cheddar still make it a filling dinner.

If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use part pepper jack cheese. Start with a small amount so the heat does not overpower the other ingredients.

Diced dill pickles are another optional topping. Add them to individual bowls rather than the entire pot so you can decide how much pickle flavor you want. Start with a teaspoon and add more to taste.

What To Serve With It

Because this soup already contains meat, potatoes and vegetables, you do not need much alongside it. A small green salad or a few crackers are easy options.

For toppings, keep things simple. A little extra shredded cheese, chopped green onion or crumbled bacon adds flavor without covering up the soup itself.

If you enjoy meals with ground beef and potatoes, try my Baked Ground Beef and Potato Casserole for Two. It uses another familiar combination of simple ingredients for an easy dinner.

For another soup night, my Lasagna Soup for Two combines pasta, meat sauce and cheese in one pot.

Tips When Making A Small Batch

Measure and chop everything before making this cheeseburger soup. The recipe moves quickly once the vegetables are softened, and having the broth and potatoes ready makes the process easier.

If you buy ground beef in one pound packages, divide it in half before cooking. Freeze the unused portion in a labeled freezer bag, pressed flat for easier storage.

Avoid adding extra potato without increasing the liquid. Too much potato can turn this small batch into a thick stew rather than a soup.

Finally, check the potatoes with a fork before adding the milk. They should be tender all the way through. Once the cheese goes in, you want to avoid further simmering.

Enjoy! Mary

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