If you’re craving the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger but want something warmer, heartier, and quicker, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the answer. This creamy, cheesy, and comforting soup brings all the satisfying components of a cheeseburger into a cozy, soup-filled bowl. Imagine tender ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a blend of savory seasonings—each bite is like a bite of a delicious cheeseburger, but in a creamy, comforting soup form.
The Instant Pot makes preparing this dish a breeze, cutting down the cook time while delivering deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy winter night, or a game-day treat, this soup is sure to be a hit. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, with the added bonus of being a filling, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Classic cheeseburger flavors – Ground beef, cheese, pickles, and bacon come together in this comforting soup.
Creamy and hearty – A rich, velvety texture that’s filling and satisfying.
⏱️ Quick and easy – Thanks to the Instant Pot, this soup is ready in under 30 minutes.
Bacon makes everything better – Crispy bacon adds crunch and extra flavor.
Customizable – Add veggies, tweak the spices, or make it as cheesy as you like.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup carrots, diced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
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1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon, depending on your preference)
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but highly recommended)
For Garnish (optional):
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Sliced pickles or pickle relish
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Chopped green onions
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Additional shredded cheese
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Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
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Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and add the ground beef.
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Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Broth
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Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the Instant Pot, stirring to combine.
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Pour in the beef broth, making sure everything is covered. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
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Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing.
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Press Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer to 8 minutes on high pressure.
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When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a Quick Release to release the steam.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
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Once the pressure has been released and the lid is safe to open, stir in the heavy cream.
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Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese (if using) and stir until melted and smooth.
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Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheese, and sliced pickles or pickle relish for a true cheeseburger experience.
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Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
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Use lean ground beef to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy. If you’re using fatty beef, be sure to drain the excess fat before proceeding with the recipe.
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Customize the cheese – While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Swiss, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.
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Add extra veggies – If you want more color or nutrition, consider adding peas, corn, or bell peppers.
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For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency. Just be sure to leave some chunks for texture!
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For a keto-friendly version, swap the potatoes for cauliflower and use a low-carb substitute for the ketchup and mustard.
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Make it extra cheesy – Feel free to load up on extra cheese. This soup is meant to be indulgent!
Variations of Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
1. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
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If you love bacon (and who doesn’t?), this variation includes even more bacon. Add extra crispy bacon crumbles to the soup and sprinkle them on top for added texture and smoky flavor.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
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Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For an extra spicy twist, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
3. Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
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Add a layer of “loaded” toppings like sour cream, green onions, or shredded lettuce to make it even more like a cheeseburger in a bowl.
4. Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup
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For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can still enjoy the rich, cheesy soup!
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Tip:
This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only improve as they meld together overnight.
Freezing:
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to freeze without the cream and cheese. Reheat the soup and stir in the cream and cheese once it’s thawed.
Why This Soup Works So Well
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a comfort food lover’s dream because it combines everything we love about cheeseburgers—ground beef, cheese, bacon, and condiments—into a rich, satisfying soup. The Instant Pot speeds up the process, allowing you to cook everything in one pot without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized based on your tastes or dietary preferences. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party or family gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish that will satisfy your cheeseburger cravings, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is your go-to recipe. It’s a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious way to bring the flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, cozy bowl of soup. Whether you’re in a rush or just want a meal that everyone will love, this soup is guaranteed to be a winner.
