
Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Soup Making · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Quick Answer
This Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup combines ground beef, broccoli, and cheese for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly nights.
As the crisp autumn air envelops New York City, I find myself reaching for comforting, hearty meals like this Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup. With Thanksgiving and the holiday season fast approaching, it's the perfect dish to warm up my home while also satisfying everyone at the dinner table. This soup strikes the right balance between rich and wholesome, making it an ideal addition to your festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Let's dive into creating this delightful recipe step by step!
A Comforting Holiday Soup

Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
- Rich flavors from ground beef and cheese combined with the nutrition of broccoli.
- Easily customizable with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
- A crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to whip up this scrumptious Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup:
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed preferred)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Liquids
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups beef broth
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious pot of Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, allowing it to soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The warm, inviting aroma of sautéing onion fills the kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Using leaner ground beef adds texture that balances the richness of the soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The garlicky fragrance enhances the savory depth of the dish.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth soup base.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add Broccoli
Fold in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender yet vibrant in color. Watching the broccoli soften while retaining its hue is a visual delight.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's melted and fully incorporated, transforming the soup into a creamy bowl of comfort.
Step 8: Season
Season with salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the aromatics: Don't underestimate the power of sautéing onions and garlic; they're the base of flavor for your soup!
- Not cooking the broccoli enough: Ensure your broccoli is tender; otherwise, it can be too crunchy and not showcase the lovely taste we're after.
- Adding cheese too early: Always add the cheese off the heat; this prevents it from becoming gritty and ensures a smooth finish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, for a unique twist.
- Add extra flavor: Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little kick.
- Top it off: Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of croutons for added texture.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Swap out broccoli for other greens, like spinach or kale.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve in bowls with crusty bread on the side.
- Offer grated cheese on top for those who want extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for easy access during busy weeknights.
- Storage: Allow it to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to a month for longer storage.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
I love how this soup captures the essence of comfort food while also adding the nutritional benefits of broccoli. The balance of flavors and textures truly embodies the spirit of cozy gatherings, making it an instant favorite in my home kitchen. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, it reminds me that even in the hustle and bustle of NYC, a warm bowl of soup can bring everyone together.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 20g protein · 10g carbs · 25g fat

Recipe by:
Comforting Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, allowing it to soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Fold in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender yet vibrant in color.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's melted and fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
2. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to achieve a similar texture.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
You can add a splash of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or even some red pepper flakes to introduce some heat to the dish.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or peas to enhance the soup's flavors and nutrition.
5. How do I store leftovers properly?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to a month.

