The dutch oven was perched over an open flame. Ground beef sizzled inside of it and became browned and crumbly. The cooked beef was poured into a colander to drain the fat. Veggies softened in the pan and then the beef and some potatoes joined in along with them. Water and seasonings were poured in and simmered for a bit. Milk was added for creaminess. Then came the final and glorious addition of sharp cheddar cheese. It melted as it was stirred in and soon Cheeseburger Chowder was ready to enjoy.
Ah yes, cheese, glorious cheese! It is something my kitchen is never without. Cheddar, goat, blue, and parmesan are always on hand. I sprinkle cheese on salads, bake it in bread, melt it in paninis, top it on pasta, snack on it, and stir it in to soups. How to cook with cheese? My main tip is to get quality cheese. The quick and convenient processed or pre-shredded cheese can sometimes separate and not be as smooth. The flavor of quality cheese is worth it too.
How is the cheeseburger chowder? It is hearty, creamy, and has all the flavors and elements of a cheeseburger with fries. Serve it with slices of French bread with melted cheese on top for the bread factor. I was excited to make it for my husband who really enjoys burgers. We sat down at the table and he looked and asked “white chicken chili?”. When I told him what it was he had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Come to find out he had a cheeseburger and fries for lunch. This is something that happens frequently – I wind up making the same or similar thing for dinner that he had for lunch. Anyway, he very much enjoyed the chowder and it will be something I’ll make for him again.
How much do you enjoy cheese? Sunday Supper is once again partnering with American Family Insurance to encourage people to cook and share meals at the family dinner table. We are celebrating cheese and what a great event it is! Scroll down to find links to recipes with cheese by Sunday Supper contributors. Also, check out AmFam’s Back To The Family Dinner Table Pinterest board for more recipes and inspiration for family meals. The board is a great resource when searching for what to cook for either a Weekday Supper or Sunday Supper.
Follow American Family Insurance so you won’t miss AmFam’s eCookbook featuring many of our favorite recipes coming out just in time for the holidays:
Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook |Google+ | YouTube | Linkedin

Cheeseburger Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
- 2 medium potatoes 2 cups, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon instant beef bouillon granules
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper plus more if needed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk divided
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese 6 ounces
- Salt
- Additional grated sharp Cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions
-
Brown the ground beef in a 3- or 4-quart saucepan, breaking up with a spoon while browning. Once browned, drain beef using a colander or strainer.
-
Add the oil to the saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and green pepper. Cook until vegetables have softened and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the cooked beef, potatoes, bouillon, water, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
-
In a small cup, add the flour and pour in 1/2 cup milk. Stir or whisk to combine thoroughly (no lumps). Add milk/flour mixture and remaining milk to the pan. Stir to combine.
-
Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
-
Add cheese and stir until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
-
Serve hot with additional grated cheese as a garnish if desired.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for cheeseburger chowder, an easy and hearty dish made with ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese. It is full of classic cheeseburger and fries flavors.
Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens All-Time Favorite Beef Recipes cookbook published in 1977 (out of print).
Here are more recipes with cheese by Sunday Supper contributors:
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup by Chocolate Moosey
- Fettucine Pumpkin Cauli-fredo by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Cheeseburger Chowder by Magnolia Days
- Three Cheese Lasagna with Meat Sauce by Webicurean
- Japanese Grilled Cheese & Kale Salad by NinjaBaking.com
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake by Country Girl in the Village
- Spinach Feta Greek Impossible Pie by Shockingly Delicious
- Cheesy Vegetarian Enchilada Soup by Curious Cuisiniere
- Steakhouse Bacon Alfredo Pasta by Juanita’s Cocina
- 3 Cheese Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Cheddar Popcorn Soup by MarocMama
- Broccoli, Mushroom & Cheese Strata by Momma’s Meals
- Chili Relleno Casserole by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- French Onion and Apple Soup by Supper for a Steal
- Cheesy Italian Sausage & Kale Quiche by girlichef
- Lighter Stove-top Mac and Cheese by Alida’s Kitchen
- Cheddar Potato Dumpling Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Prosciutto, Chevre & Radish Toasted Sandwich by Foxes Love Lemons
- Cheesesteak Poutine by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Roasted Tomatoes and Broccoli Rabe Flatbread Pizza by Family Foodie
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here → Sunday Supper Movement
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.
Lori
Saturday 4th of January 2014
I substituted ground chicken for the beef and used chicken broth instead of water and beef bouillon. Totally awesome! Family asked for it the next day!
Renee
Monday 6th of January 2014
Fantastic! Thanks so much for coming back by and letting me know. You made my day!
Filipino Christmas Recipes by trina
Wednesday 20th of November 2013
This recipe looks superb! Yummy!
Renee
Thursday 21st of November 2013
Thank you! It was a hit here.
Stacy
Sunday 17th of November 2013
I need a big bowl of this, Renee! What a great idea! I often take part of the bun off my burger because it's just too much bread so this is my ideal cheeseburger.
Renee
Thursday 21st of November 2013
How interesting. Sometimes I take the bun off my burger too. Looks like this chowder is meant for folks like us.
Karli
Tuesday 12th of November 2013
I can't wait for a cold day!
Renee
Thursday 14th of November 2013
Thanks Karli
Anita at Hungry Couple
Tuesday 12th of November 2013
Whomever first put cheese in soup was brilliant. Brilliant, I tell you!
Renee
Thursday 14th of November 2013
I could not agree with you more.