The Best Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup: Healthy Comfort Food Made Easy
This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers all the savory, cheesy flavors of your favorite burger, transformed into a comforting bowl of warmth. It’s a hearty blend of lean ground beef, tender potatoes, a colorful array of vegetables, and rich, cheesy goodness – all while staying perfectly aligned with your clean eating goals. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is a family favorite that you won’t believe is so healthy. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, helping you create this delicious meal with ease.
Why This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup Will Become Your New Favorite
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger? And when the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup truly brings the best of both worlds together, offering that beloved burger taste in a cozy, satisfying soup format. I honestly had no idea how much I needed this soup in my life until I finally decided to make it. It was a reader request that took me a little while to get to, but looking back, I can’t imagine why I waited!
As a devoted fan of both burgers (especially cheeseburgers!) and hearty soups, the combination felt like a no-brainer. When I finally put it to the test, the results were astounding. My husband, who is usually quite reserved about new recipes, couldn’t get enough. I had optimistically planned for a few days of leftover Cheeseburger Soup for lunches, but nope – it vanished almost immediately! That’s when you know you’ve got a winner on your hands.
What Exactly is Cheeseburger Soup?
Before developing this recipe, I admit I had to do my research! My culinary journey often revolves around healthier twists on classic family recipes, and “Cheeseburger Soup” wasn’t something I grew up with. A quick online search revealed a delightful world of variations. At its core, Cheeseburger Soup takes the fundamental elements of a burger – ground meat, often beef, combined with classic soup ingredients like vegetables and potatoes – and finishes it with a generous amount of cheese.
From there, the possibilities are endless! Some versions are ultra-creamy, while others are lighter. You’ll find recipes featuring toppings like burger bun croutons, different types of cheese (from processed Velveeta to sharp cheddar), tomatoes, and even a hint of pickle flavor to mimic the full burger experience. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability. Just like your favorite burger, you can customize it to suit your preferences, incorporating your go-to flavors and toppings, which is exactly what I’ve aimed to achieve with this healthy Instant Pot rendition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Creating this delicious and healthy cheeseburger soup starts with a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component plays a vital role:
- Lean Ground Beef: We opt for lean ground beef to keep this soup clean and lighter, without sacrificing flavor. For those on Weight Watchers, extra lean ground beef is an excellent choice to further reduce points.
- Butter or Dairy-Free Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection. If you’re on Weight Watchers, you can easily omit this for a lower point count, or use a dairy-free alternative like Earth’s Balance for a dairy-free option.
- Classic Veggies (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of our soup. Diced carrots, celery, and onion provide a sweet, savory foundation, while fresh minced garlic adds an indispensable punch of flavor. They also contribute essential nutrients and fiber.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes are key to making this soup extra hearty and contribute to its creamy texture. They are also packed with Vitamin C, B vitamins, and more potassium than a banana! While I highly recommend them for their heartiness and nutrition, they are entirely optional if you are following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Cauliflower: This is our secret weapon for a wonderfully creamy, healthy soup without adding heavy cream or milk! A small head of cauliflower (or half of a large one), leaves removed but head intact, will be cooked and then pureed to create a silky, smooth consistency that cleverly hides extra vegetables in every spoonful.
- Chicken or Beef Broth/Stock: This liquid base brings all the flavors together. Feel free to use either chicken broth/stock for a milder flavor or beef broth for a deeper, more pronounced beefy taste.
- Freshly Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Quality cheese is crucial here! Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and provides that authentic cheeseburger flavor. Pack it tightly for accurate measurement. Remember to reserve about ⅓ cup for topping your finished bowls. You can even use half this amount if you prefer a lighter cheese flavor, and it will still be delicious!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the ingredients. Always taste and adjust as you go!
- Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a subtle umami depth that truly elevates the “burger” flavor profile. Lea & Perrins is a widely available gluten-free option. I enjoy it both with and without, so it’s truly a matter of personal preference.
- Green Onions for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild oniony bite, making for a perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup: A Simplified Guide
One of the best things about this healthy Cheeseburger Soup is how incredibly easy it is to prepare in your Instant Pot. The pressure cooker significantly cuts down on cooking time, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The process is straightforward, allowing you to achieve a deeply flavored, creamy soup with minimal effort.
You’ll start by utilizing your Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the lean ground beef, then adding the aromatic vegetables to soften. This builds the initial layers of flavor. Next, the potatoes, whole head of cauliflower, and broth are added before the Instant Pot is sealed to pressure cook everything to tender perfection. The magic happens when you remove some of the cooked cauliflower and potatoes, blend them with a bit of broth, and stir this creamy puree back into the soup along with the cheese. This technique ensures a luscious, thick consistency without any heavy creams.
For a visual step-by-step, check out this helpful video:
The Secret to Creamy Cheeseburger Soup without Milk: Hidden Cauliflower!
The truly ingenious part of this recipe is how we achieve that decadent, creamy texture without a drop of milk or heavy cream. The secret? Cauliflower puree! By cooking a whole head of cauliflower directly in the soup and then blending a portion of it with a few potatoes and some broth, we create a rich, velvety base that fools your taste buds into thinking it’s incredibly indulgent. In reality, you’re boosting the vegetable content significantly. Each serving packs a full cup and a half of veggies, making this soup not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious.
This is an old trick I’ve used for years to sneak extra vegetables into meals, and it works flawlessly here. It’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce dairy, increase fiber, or simply add more wholesome goodness to their diet. If you love the idea of “hiding” vegetables, you might enjoy exploring more recipes that use this technique:
Click here for more ways to hide veggies in your meals: Hidden Vegetable Recipes for Picky Eaters | 21 Day Fix Sneaky Veggie Recipes
Cheeseburger Soup without Potatoes: Keto and Low-Carb Friendly
When developing this recipe, I truly debated whether to include potatoes. Ultimately, I decided they add a wonderful heartiness and contribute to the soup’s overall creaminess. Plus, despite their sometimes bad reputation, potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, offering significant amounts of Vitamin C, B vitamins, and even more potassium than a banana! They contribute to a well-rounded and filling meal.
However, if you’re aiming for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal, omitting the potatoes is incredibly simple and won’t compromise the deliciousness of the soup. Just leave them out entirely, and you’ll still have a rich, flavorful, and satisfying bowl of Cheeseburger Soup that fits your dietary needs perfectly. The cauliflower and cheese will ensure it remains wonderfully creamy and comforting.
Can I Make a Dairy-Free Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable for dairy-free diets. You have a couple of options: you can simply omit the cheese altogether, and thanks to the cauliflower puree, the soup will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful. My little one actually tried it without cheese and really enjoyed it! Alternatively, you can substitute your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. Many plant-based cheese alternatives melt well and can provide that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Is This Cheeseburger Soup Keto-Friendly?
Yes, it can easily be made keto-friendly! The key modification is to omit the potatoes. With the potatoes removed, this soup becomes an excellent option for a ketogenic diet. For those looking to increase the fat content, you can even stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end, though the cauliflower puree already provides a great texture without it. If you’re looking for another fantastic keto option, check out this Keto Cheeseburger Soup from Fit Mom Journey.
Is This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup Healthy?
You bet it is! This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is designed with health in mind, using only clean, real food ingredients. We focus on lean protein, plenty of vegetables (some of them cleverly hidden!), and wholesome starches (optional, of course). This makes it a perfect fit for a variety of healthy eating plans, including the 21 Day Fix, Weight Watchers (WW), and even 2B Mindset. You’ll find the specific container counts and points detailed in the recipe card below, allowing you to easily track your macros while enjoying a truly satisfying meal.
Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup: Toppings and Flavor Boosters
One of the joys of making cheeseburger soup is the ability to customize it, just like you would a classic burger! While the soup is delicious on its own, adding a few extra touches can elevate it to a gourmet experience. Consider these ideas:
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of fresh cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses on top of each serving adds an extra layer of cheesiness as it melts into the warm soup.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumbled cooked bacon is a classic burger topping that brings incredible smoky flavor and a delightful crunch to your soup.
- Diced Pickles: For a true cheeseburger experience, a small amount of finely diced dill pickles can add that tangy, briny contrast.
- Fresh Green Onions or Chives: These add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a garnish.
- A Dash of Ketchup and Mustard: Don’t knock it until you try it! A tiny swirl of ketchup and a dot of mustard on top of your bowl can surprisingly enhance the burger-like qualities of the soup.
- Smoked Paprika: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika with your spices for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- A Squeeze of Pickle Juice: A small splash of pickle juice at the end can brighten the flavors and add a subtle tang.
- Burger Bun Croutons: If you’re not strictly following a low-carb plan, toasted burger bun croutons can be a fun and delicious topping!
More Comfort Food Soup Ideas
As the colder weather inevitably creeps in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. If you enjoyed this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup, you might love these other healthy and delicious comfort food soup recipes:
- 21 Day Fix Zuppa Toscana (Instant Pot/ Stove Top)
- 21 Day Fix Loaded Potato and Cauliflower Soup (Stove-top/Instant Pot)
- Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup with Crispy Cheese Chips (21 Day Fix | Low Carb| Vegan friendly)
- Instant Pot Sausage and Lentil Soup (21 Day Fix/Stove-top Option)
- 21 Day Fix Italian Wedding Soup (Instant Pot/Crock Pot/Stove Top)
Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Soup? Storage Tips
Yes, absolutely! This Cheeseburger Soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or saving leftovers for a quick future meal. Proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and flavor.
Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Mason jars (leaving an inch or two of headspace for expansion) or large, gallon-sized freezer bags work perfectly. If using bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then store them upright to save space. This soup can be kept in the freezer for 3 to 6 months, provided it’s sealed correctly to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to achieve your desired consistency as it reheats.
Cheeseburger Soup
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 teaspoons butter omit for WW
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups potatoes diced (about 2 reg sized potatoes – omit for keto or low carb)
- 1 small head of cauliflower or ½ of a large head leaves cut off but head in tact in one large piece
- 3 ½ – 4 cups chicken broth or stock or sub beef broth
- 1 1/3 cup freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese packed in tight save ⅓ cup to top soup; *note – you can use even half this amount of cheese and it will still be yummy!
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Lea & Perrins is GF (**note: this is optional; I like it with and without)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
Instant Pot:
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Set your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodie to saute and cook ground beef until nearly cooked through, draining extra fat as needed. Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
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Add in butter (if using) and all chopped veggies (carrots, celery, onion, garlic) and sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
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Next, add in the diced potatoes (if using), the full head of cauliflower, and pour in the chicken or beef broth. If you use 3 ½ cups of broth, your soup will be slightly thicker and yield a smaller serving size. If you prefer a larger serving and a slightly thinner soup, use 4 cups.
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Lock the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to manual (or pressure cook) for 7 minutes on high pressure. Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully once the float valve drops and the Instant Pot beeps.
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Carefully remove the cooked cauliflower head, a few of the potatoes, and ½ cup of broth from the pot. Transfer these to a blender (a high-speed blender works best) and blend until completely smooth and creamy. This is your healthy thickener!
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Pour the blended puree back into the soup in the Instant Pot. Stir in 1 cup of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, if desired. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.
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Serve your delicious Cheeseburger Soup hot, garnished with the reserved ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. Get daring with your toppings – consider crispy bacon bits, a few sliced pickles, or even a dash of ketchup and mustard for an authentic burger kick! Or simply enjoy it plain – it’s incredibly delicious either way!
Crock Pot:
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In a large saucepan, sauté and cook ground beef until nearly cooked through, draining extra fat as needed. Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
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Add in butter (if using) and chopped veggies (carrots, celery, onion, garlic) and sauté until veggies become soft and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.
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Next, add in potatoes (if using), the full head of cauliflower, and top with broth. If you use 3 ½ cups, your serving size will be a smidge smaller but your soup will be thicker. If you use 4 cups, you will have a larger serving and a slightly thinner soup. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
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Once the cauliflower is soft, carefully remove the whole head, a few potatoes, and ½ cup of broth. Puree this mixture in a blender until smooth.
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Add the blended puree back to the soup in the slow cooker, along with 1 cup of cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, if desired. Stir until cheese is melted and combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.
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Serve with extra cheese, green onions, and your favorite burger toppings (bacon, pickles, a dash of ketchup and mustard!). Or not – this is delicious plain, too!
Stove Top:
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In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sauté and cook ground beef until nearly cooked through, draining extra fat as needed. Season ground beef with salt and pepper.
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Add in butter (if using) and chopped veggies (carrots, celery, onion, garlic) and sauté until veggies become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
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Next, add in potatoes (if using), the full head of cauliflower, and top with broth. If you use 3 ½ cups, your serving size will be a smidge smaller but your soup will be thicker. If you use 4 cups, you will have a larger serving and a slightly thinner soup.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cauliflower are very tender.
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Once cauliflower is soft, remove the whole head, a few potatoes, and ½ cup of broth from the pot. Puree this mixture in a blender until smooth.
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Add the blended puree back to the soup, along with 1 cup of cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, if desired. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.
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Serve with extra cheese, green onions, and your favorite burger toppings (get daring – bacon, pickles, even a dash of ketchup and mustard!). Or not – this is delicious plain, too!
Video
Notes
WW: 10 points (per serving) [Calculated without butter, and using reduced fat cheese]
Nutrition