Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
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Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

ByLily Carter
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If you’re craving that classic cheeseburger flavor without any of the guilt, you’ve got to try this Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s like all your favorite burger toppings melting into a warm, comforting bowl of soup that feels indulgent but keeps things on the lighter side. I first made this when I wanted something cozy for dinner but didn’t want to go overboard on calories, and honestly, it’s become a staple for busy weeknights.

What makes this Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe so special is how it balances hearty, fresh veggies and lean beef with creamy goodness from half-and-half and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings, a casual family dinner, or when you want something both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, it comes together faster than cooking a burger and fries, and you get a whole pot of deliciousness that packs well for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and readily available, working perfectly together to create a soup that feels rich without the extra carbs or fat. When you shop for them, aim for either fresh or high-quality items to get the best flavor in the final dish.

  • Lean ground beef: Choose 90% lean or higher to keep the soup healthy but still flavorful.
  • Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the soup, adding sweetness and depth.
  • Carrots: Peeled and chopped for subtle sweetness and texture.
  • Celery: Finely chopped for that classic soup base crunch and aromatic flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that irresistible savory kick.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but keep an eye on the amount if you’re using low-sodium broth.
  • Dried parsley: Adds a gentle herbaceous note without overpowering.
  • Ground mustard: Just a hint brightens up the overall profile.
  • Pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a little subtle heat.
  • Chicken or beef broth: Low-sodium to control saltiness and deepen savory flavor.
  • Half-and-half: Gives creaminess with less fat than heavy cream, making it feel indulgent.
  • Cornstarch: A simple thickener that keeps the soup silky without heaviness.
  • Potatoes: Medium diced for the perfect bite; Yukon gold or russets work great.
  • Shredded Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty for that unmistakable cheeseburger finish.

Variations

I like to tweak this Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to make it your own — that’s the fun part of cooking something so versatile.

  • Vegetarian variation: I’ve swapped the ground beef with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free twist that’s still hearty and satisfying.
  • Extra veggies: Sometimes I add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in even more nutrition.
  • Spicy kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce livens up the flavor beautifully.
  • Using Greek yogurt: For a tangy, creamy finish, I replace some or all of the half-and-half with plain Greek yogurt, just be sure to stir it in slowly and off the heat to avoid curdling.

How to Make Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Your Base

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding your lean ground beef. Break it up gently with a spatula and cook until nicely browned but not overcooked—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I like to drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter, then toss in the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cooking these together for about 5 minutes softens the veggies and lets their flavors mingle with the beef, building a rich base for the soup.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Sprinkle in your salt, dried parsley, ground mustard, and pepper, stirring everything well to coat all those ingredients in flavor. Then pour in the broth followed by the cubed potatoes. Bring this to a lively simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. I always check here to make sure those potatoes are just right—they bring heartiness without overload.

Step 3: Thicken and Finish with Cheese

Mix the cornstarch with the half-and-half until smooth, then slowly whisk this mixture into your pot. This step is crucial—it gently thickens the soup to that perfect creamy consistency. Keep stirring as the soup simmers for a few more minutes, and then stir in your shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts into every spoonful. At this stage, taste and adjust seasoning if needed; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can really make the flavors pop.

How to Serve Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface with several white bowls arranged around a pile of raw ground meat at the center. Starting from the top left, there are peeled onion and chopped potato chunks in a white bowl. Nearby is a small white bowl filled with a clear yellow liquid. To the right, a bowl contains sliced onions with a white garlic bulb close by. Below the meat, shredded cheese fills a white bowl, next to it is a small white bowl with white granulated salt, and another small bowl with green dried herbs. All the ingredients are placed neatly, showing different colors and textures against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to top my Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and freshly chopped green onions or chives—it adds a fresh crunch and pretty pop of color. Sometimes I add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy contrast, and if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a few crispy bacon bits never hurt anyone.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of whole-grain bread to soak up the broth. Even some baked sweet potato fries make for a fun burger-inspired side that keeps things healthy and delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or a cozy gathering, I sometimes serve this soup in mini bread bowls—just hollow out small round rolls, ladle in the soup, and sprinkle with a bit more cheese on top. It’s always a hit, feels festive, and makes the meal feel extra special with very little fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge and find it stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Before sealing the container, I like to let the soup cool to room temperature to preserve its quality and avoid condensation.

Freezing

Surprisingly, this soup freezes well! I pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Just keep in mind that potatoes might soften a bit more after freezing, but it’s perfect for busy days when you want a quick meal.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often to keep the soup smooth and prevent scorching. If the soup thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer, adding a splash of broth or milk to thin it out works like a charm. Avoid boiling it after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and use lentils, cooked quinoa, or textured vegetable protein instead. Adding mushrooms or extra veggies also boosts flavor and texture, making the soup hearty without meat.

  2. Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

    Yes, swap the half-and-half for unsweetened almond or cashew milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. The soup might be less creamy but still delicious and healthy.

  3. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

    You can, but fresh potatoes hold their texture better. Frozen potatoes may become mushy when cooked in the soup, so it’s best to use fresh cubed potatoes if you want that perfect balance of tender and firm bites.

  4. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

    If the soup gets too thick, simply add a little more broth or half-and-half when reheating and stir gently. This will thin it out to your preferred consistency without losing any flavor.

  5. Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

    Definitely! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients except the half-and-half, cornstarch, and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch and half-and-half together, stir into the soup, and add cheese toward the end to melt.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort foods that doesn’t leave me feeling weighed down. It hits that perfect spot of familiar, cheesy goodness with the nourishment of fresh veggies and lean protein. I genuinely think you’ll love how easy it is to make and how well it satisfies those burger cravings in soup form. Give it a shot this week and see – it might just become your go-to cozy meal too!

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Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Healthy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

This Healthy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and nutritious twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese base. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies cravings while being mindful of health, featuring low-sodium broth and lean meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • ½ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 rib celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 pound potatoes, cut into ½” cubes (about 3 medium)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Liquids and Thickener

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large stovetop pot or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, then sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the salt, dried parsley, ground mustard, and pepper. Pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth, then add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until potatoes and vegetables are tender.
  3. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch together with the half-and-half until smooth, making a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering soup to avoid lumps. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, use milk instead of half-and-half.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the cheeseburger flavor.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Avatar photo

Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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