Creamy & Hearty Vegan Cheeseburger Soup: Your Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredibly creamy and hearty vegan cheeseburger soup. Imagine all the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—the savory “beef,” rich cheese, and tender veggies—transformed into a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. It’s truly like a burger in a bowl, reimagined for a plant-based lifestyle!
This plant-based cheeseburger soup offers a delightful twist on a classic American favorite. We’re taking the beloved essence of a grilled cheeseburger and crafting it into a luxuriously smooth, flavorful soup. While you won’t find traditional ketchup or crisp lettuce swimming in this bowl, you’ll discover an abundance of savory vegan ground “beef” and an incredibly rich, dairy-free cheesy broth that captures the nostalgic taste perfectly.
Crafted with thoughtful plant-based alternatives, this vegan cheeseburger soup recipe delivers all the deliciousness you expect from the original, without any animal products. It’s loaded with melty vegan cheese, hearty meatless ground, wholesome vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal that promises warmth and coziness with every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a truly comforting dish, this soup proves that plant-based eating can be both indulgent and incredibly flavorful.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Completely Vegan: This recipe stands out from other cheeseburger soup variations by being 100% plant-based. It’s an ideal choice for vegans, those exploring meatless Mondays, or anyone looking to reduce their animal product consumption without sacrificing flavor or texture. Enjoy a guilt-free, delicious meal that’s kind to animals and the planet.
- Unbelievably Creamy and Cheesy: Prepare for a taste sensation! Our soup boasts an exceptionally rich and thick broth, generously infused with multiple types of vegan cheese. This creates a fabulously creamy texture that melts in your mouth and makes every spoonful utterly delicious and incredibly satisfying. The dairy-free cheese alternatives perform beautifully here, offering all the gooey goodness you desire.
- Wonderfully Satisfying: Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is packed with protein from the plant-based ground and nourishing carbohydrates from the potatoes and vegetables. Each hearty spoonful will leave you feeling full, content, and deeply comforted, making it a perfect stand-alone meal for lunch or dinner. It’s a truly robust and fulfilling dish.
Essential Equipment for Your Cheeseburger Soup
Making this delicious soup doesn’t require a lot of specialized kitchen tools, which is another reason it’s so appealing! Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-6 quarts) is essential for sautéing your vegetables, browning the plant-based meat, and simmering the soup evenly. Its size ensures you have plenty of room to stir without overflowing.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients, breaking up the vegan ground, and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely and efficiently dicing your onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Uniform cuts are key for even cooking.
- Whisk: Needed for creating the cornstarch slurry and ensuring your vegan cheeses melt smoothly into the broth without clumping.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch and water to create the thickening slurry.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and consistency.
Deep Dive into Our Vegan Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients
For exact quantities and detailed recipe instructions, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Vegan Butter: This is the foundation of flavor for sautéing our mirepoix. You can use any high-quality store-bought vegan butter or even whip up your own homemade vegan butter recipe for an extra special touch. Choose one that browns well.
- Mirepoix (Onion, Carrots, Celery): This classic aromatic trio isn’t just for French cooking; it forms the sweet, savory backbone of flavor for our cheeseburger soup. Dicing them finely ensures they soften quickly and meld seamlessly into the broth.
- Impossible Meat or Your Favorite Plant-Based Ground: Impossible Meat is an excellent choice for its uncanny texture and savory depth, but feel free to use any plant-based ground “meat” alternative you prefer. Brands like Beyond Meat, or even a homemade lentil or mushroom crumble, can work beautifully. The goal is to get that hearty, crumbled “beef” texture.
- Russet Potatoes: Just like fries accompany a burger, diced russet potatoes add a wonderful heartiness and a slightly starchy creaminess to the soup. They absorb the rich flavors and become tender, making each bite even more satisfying. Peel them for the smoothest texture.
- Seasonings (Dijon Mustard, Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley):
- Dijon Mustard: This isn’t just for sandwiches! A tablespoon of Dijon adds a crucial tangy “pep” and depth of flavor, enhancing the savory notes without making the soup taste explicitly like mustard. It’s a secret ingredient for that classic burger-like tang.
- Dried Oregano and Parsley: These herbs contribute essential aromatic and earthy notes, complementing the savory base and tying all the flavors together. They add a fresh, herbaceous complexity.
- Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of our soup. I always recommend using a high-quality broth for the best flavor. My homemade vegetable broth from veggie scraps is a favorite, but a good store-bought brand (low sodium is often best for controlling saltiness) works perfectly.
- Cornstarch and Water (Slurry): This simple mixture is our secret weapon for achieving the perfect velvety thickness. Cornstarch creates a smooth, clear sauce without altering the flavor, ensuring our soup is luxuriously creamy.
- Unsweetened Plant Milk: Any unflavored, unsweetened plant milk will do the trick – almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk are all excellent choices. Ensure it’s plain to avoid adding unwanted sweetness or flavor to your savory soup. It adds to the overall creaminess.
- Nutritional Yeast: A vegan pantry staple! This flaky yellow yeast is renowned for its incredible savory, cheesy flavor. It’s essential for boosting the “cheese” factor in our dairy-free broth and adding a wonderful umami depth.
- Vegan Cream Cheese: For an extra layer of richness and tang, vegan cream cheese is indispensable. Whether you opt for a popular store-bought brand or make your own homemade vegan cream cheese, it melts beautifully to create a luscious, smooth texture.
- Shredded Vegan Cheddar Cheese: The star of any cheeseburger! Choose a brand known for its excellent meltability and robust cheddar flavor. Many great options are available today that truly mimic the texture and taste of dairy cheese when melted.
- Salt and Pepper: Always to taste! These essential seasonings help bring out and balance all the wonderful flavors in your soup. Adjust them at the end for perfect seasoning.
Crafting Your Delicious Vegan Cheeseburger Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this comforting soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result:
- 1. Sauté the Veggies for a Flavorful Base: Begin by melting the vegan butter in a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your soup.
- 2. Brown the Vegan Meat for Texture and Depth: Next, add your chosen plant-based ground (like Impossible meat) to the pot with the softened vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the “meat” into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue to cook until it’s nicely browned and developed a savory crust, mimicking the texture and appearance of browned ground beef. This typically takes 7-10 minutes.
- 3. Incorporate Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pot. Follow with the Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Stir well to coat all the ingredients, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their aromas for about a minute.
- 4. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the potatoes to become wonderfully tender and all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 5. Thicken for Creamy Consistency: While the soup simmers, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Once the potatoes are tender, stir this slurry into the simmering soup. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup visibly thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer an even thicker soup, whisk together an additional tablespoon of cornstarch and water and stir it in.
- 6. Make it Irresistibly Cheesy: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Stir in the plant milk, nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, and shredded vegan cheddar cheese. Continue to stir gently but continuously until both the cream cheese and cheddar have fully melted into the soup, creating a rich, smooth, and incredibly cheesy broth. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added to prevent separation.
- 7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the magnificent vegan cheeseburger soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You might find you need a touch more salt, especially if using low-sodium broth. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting embrace of this flavorful meal!
Mastering Your Vegan Cheeseburger Soup: Expert Tips for the Best Results
Achieving the perfect bowl of vegan cheeseburger soup is easy with a few key tips:
- Uniform Vegetable Cuts are Key: For even cooking and consistent texture, make sure to dice your onions, carrots, celery, and especially your potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that all vegetables become tender at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others remain firm. Aim for roughly ½-inch cubes for the potatoes.
- Achieve the Perfect Vegan Meat Crumble: When browning your vegan ground, use the back of your wooden spoon or a potato masher to break it into small, uniform crumbles. This texture is essential for mimicking traditional ground beef in soup, ensuring every spoonful gets a bit of that savory “meat.” Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the vegan meat in batches to get a nice sear.
- Adjust the Soup’s Thickness to Your Liking: The cornstarch slurry is your friend for controlling consistency. For a thicker, more stew-like cheeseburger soup, simply prepare and add another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of water. If you find the soup too thick, thin it out by stirring in a little extra vegetable broth or unsweetened plant milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning Throughout: Don’t wait until the very end to season! Taste the soup after adding the broth and again once the cheeses have melted. Different brands of vegetable broth and vegan cheeses can vary significantly in saltiness. Adjust salt, pepper, and even a pinch more Dijon mustard or nutritional yeast to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that suits your palate.
- Low Heat for Melting Cheese: When adding the plant milk and vegan cheeses, reduce the heat to low. High heat can cause some vegan cheeses to separate or become oily. Gentle, continuous stirring over low heat ensures a smooth, creamy, and beautifully melted finish.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Vegan Cheeseburger Soup
While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to tailor the soup to your taste:
- Explore Different Vegan “Meats”: If you prefer more whole-food, natural vegan protein substitutes, crumbled tempeh or even a hearty mix of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts can be used instead of Impossible ground. Just ensure to brown them well to develop depth of flavor.
- Add a Smoky BBQ Kick: For a burger that tastes like it’s fresh off the grill, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the soup along with the broth. Start with a very small amount (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) and add more to taste, as it’s quite potent. A tablespoon of your favorite vegan BBQ sauce can also provide a wonderful smoky sweetness.
- Spice it Up!: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, infuse your soup with a spicy kick. Add finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less heat, unseeded for more), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a generous sprinkle of red chili flakes along with the other seasonings. You can also garnish with fresh sliced chilies.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor. Corn, green beans, or even spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would be delightful additions.
- Cheesy Swaps: Experiment with different types of shredded vegan cheese. A blend of cheddar and smoked gouda, or even a hint of vegan provolone, can introduce new dimensions of cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Your Ultimate Comfort Bowl
This rich and satisfying vegan cheeseburger soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: You can never go wrong with warm, crusty bread to sop up every last drop of delicious soup. Serve alongside your favorite vegan dinner rolls or a rustic slice of homemade no-knead bread.
- Fun Garnishes: The toppings are where the “cheeseburger” truly comes alive! Offer a variety of garnishes for everyone to customize their bowl:
- Homemade Croutons: Crispy, savory croutons add a wonderful crunch.
- Extra Vegan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly shredded vegan cheddar or a dollop of vegan parmesan.
- Vegan Sour Cream or Cashew Cream: A swirl of tangy vegan sour cream or a drizzle of homemade cashew cream adds a lovely cooling element.
- Diced Pickles or Relish: For that signature burger tang and crunch. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds brightness and color.
- Crispy Fried Onions: For an extra layer of savory texture.
- Side Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a light, fresh green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add a healthy and flavorful counterpoint.
How to Store Leftovers for Future Enjoyment
One of the best things about this vegan cheeseburger soup is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. To store, simply allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stove over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, stir in a splash of extra plant milk or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I Freeze This Recipe? Absolutely!
Yes, this delicious vegan cheeseburger soup is wonderfully freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal even on your busiest days. To freeze, ensure the soup has cooled completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay freezer bags flat to save space. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave according to the instructions above, adding a bit more liquid if needed to thin it out.
Discover More Delicious Vegan Soup Recipes
If you loved this vegan cheeseburger soup, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is brimming with a variety of heartwarming and wholesome plant-based soup recipes that are perfect for any season. Explore some of our other favorites:
- Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup: All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, simplified into a comforting bowl.
- Rich Tomato Tortellini Soup: A creamy, vibrant tomato base with tender vegan tortellini.
- Cozy Butternut Squash Soup (One-Pot Wonder): Smooth, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make.
- Velvety Creamy Pumpkin Soup: A perfect autumnal delight, spiced and comforting.
- Easy & Spiced Vegan Lentil Soup: A protein-packed, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious everyday soup.
Enjoy friends! We hope this vegan cheeseburger soup brings warmth and joy to your table. If you create this amazing dish, please share your culinary masterpiece by snapping a photo and tagging #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We absolutely love seeing your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating – your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes. Thanks so much for being a part of our kitchen community!
Cheeseburger Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, 24 grams
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 12 ounces Impossible meat, 340 grams
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 5 grams
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano, 2 grams
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley, 2 grams
- 3 cups vegetable broth, 700 ml
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, 15 grams
- 1 ½ tablespoons water, 22 ml
- 1 cup plant milk, 237 ml
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast, 15 grams
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese, 225 grams
- 1 ½ cups shredded vegan cheddar cheese, 180 grams
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the Impossible meat to the pot and cook until golden brown, breaking the “meat” up with a wooden spoon as you go.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and stir in the Dijon, oregano, and parsley.
- Stir in the vegetable broth. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup and give everything a good stir. Simmer for a few more minutes or until the soup has thickened. If you would like a thicker soup, whisk together an additional tablespoon of cornstarch and an additional tablespoon of water and stir it into the soup.
- Stir in the plant milk, nutritional yeast, vegan cream cheese, and vegan cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer, stirring continuously, until the cream cheese and cheddar cheese have melted into the soup.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
To freeze: This vegan cheeseburger soup is freezer-friendly; simply place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.