Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cheeseburger Soup (Creamy, Cozy & Hearty)

Sarah Smith
2 days ago
3 min read

Hearty cheeseburger soup with ground beef, diced potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions in a bowl. Toast and spoon sit nearby on a cloth.

This Cheeseburger Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavor in cozy soup form. Made with ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a savory broth, it’s a comforting one-pot dinner the whole family will love. Serve it with Homemade Italian Bread, Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread, or a fresh Classic Southern Garden Salad for a complete, cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This

Classic cheeseburger flavor in a warm, comforting soup
Thick, creamy texture without being overly heavy
Family-friendly and budget-conscious
Easy to customize with toppings and add-ins
Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: ~22g
Fat: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~22g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~780mg

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups (720 ml) chicken or beef broth
2 cups (300 g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried mustard powder

Optional Add-In

1 cup (70 g) mushrooms, finely chopped (white or cremini)

Optional Toppings

Cooked bacon bits
Extra shredded cheddar
Green onions
Croutons or oyster crackers

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
In the same pot, add butter and diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
If using mushrooms, add them now and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in milk and heavy cream.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot.
Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use sharp cheddar for the best cheeseburger flavor
Chop mushrooms finely so they blend seamlessly into the soup
Swap ground beef for ground turkey if desired
Add a splash of pickle juice for true cheeseburger tang
Stir in cooked macaroni for a cheeseburger mac soup twist

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often
Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy base

FAQ

Can I make this soup without potatoes? Yes — simply omit the potatoes and reduce the broth slightly for a thicker soup.

Do mushrooms change the flavor a lot? They add a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the cheeseburger flavor.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Freshly shredded melts best, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup is everything you love about a classic diner burger, transformed into a warm, creamy bowl of comfort. It’s flexible, cozy, and endlessly customizable — whether you keep it classic or add mushrooms for extra depth. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeks, or anytime you’re craving familiar comfort in spoonable form.