There’s something magical about cozying up with a warm bowl of soup during the holidays—especially when it tastes like your favorite cheeseburger! I first tried making this Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup last year when I needed a quick, comforting meal between gift-wrapping marathons. The air fryer worked like a dream, browning the beef perfectly and melding all those rich flavors together in half the time of stovetop cooking. Now it’s become my go-to holiday lifesaver when I want something festive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and that hint of Worcestershire sauce makes this soup taste like Christmas comfort in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup
Trust me, this isn’t your average soup—it’s a holiday game-changer! Here’s why it’s become my December must-make:
- Lightning fast: Done in 30 minutes flat (perfect for those chaotic holiday evenings)
- Festive flavors: All the cheeseburger goodness with a Christmas-worthy rich, creamy base
- One-basket wonder: Your air fryer does all the work—minimal cleanup means more time for eggnog
- Air fryer magic: Gets that beef beautifully browned without babysitting a skillet
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both go crazy for this cozy, cheesy bowl of comfort
I love how the air fryer gives this soup deeper flavor than stovetop versions—those high heat blasts work wonders!
Ingredients for Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this festive, flavorful soup—most of it’s probably already in your fridge or pantry! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they come together in the most magical way. I always use:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor without too much grease)
- 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white—whatever you’ve got!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced if you’re in a hurry)
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium so you can control the salt)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned works great—don’t drain the juice!)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (pre-shredded is fine, but block cheese melts dreamier)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is what makes it luxuriously creamy)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (that secret umami punch)
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon—both work beautifully)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)
See? Nothing fancy—just good, hearty ingredients that transform into holiday magic in your air fryer basket.
Equipment You’ll Need
Honestly, this recipe couldn’t be simpler when it comes to tools—your air fryer does nearly all the work! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works—I use my 6-quart)
- A sturdy mixing spoon (silicone is great for scraping the basket)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for those perfect ratios)
That’s it! The beauty of air fryer cooking means fewer dishes piling up during the busy holidays.
How to Make Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily—you’ll be amazed how the air fryer does all the heavy lifting. Here’s exactly how I make it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (takes about 3 minutes—just enough time to chop your onion!)
- Brown the ground beef right in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon. No need for oil—the beef’s fat keeps it from sticking.
- Toss in the diced onion and garlic and cook 3 more minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (juice and all!), then give it a good stir to scrape up any tasty browned bits.
- Let it bubble away for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when all those flavors start getting cozy together.
- Time for the magic! Add shredded cheese, heavy cream, Worcestershire, and mustard. Stir gently until the cheese melts into silky perfection.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste—I usually do about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
That’s it! You’ve just made the creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting holiday soup in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup
After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-skip secrets:
- If your beef releases lots of grease, blot some out with a paper towel before adding broth—too much makes the soup greasy.
- Add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping (nobody wants cheese globs!).
- For extra holiday flair, top with crispy croutons, extra shredded cheese, or even crumbled bacon—so festive!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Life happens, especially during the holidays—here’s how to adapt this soup when you’re missing something or need to tweak it:
- Ground turkey works if you’re out of beef (just add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire for depth).
- Vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly (the cheese still gives it that rich umami kick).
- Coconut milk can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version (it’ll taste slightly sweeter but still delicious).
One non-negotiable? The cheese—it’s what makes this soup special! But feel free to mix up varieties—pepper jack adds a fun holiday spice.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup
This soup deserves a proper holiday presentation! I love serving it in festive mugs with a sprinkle of extra cheese and some fresh parsley on top—like edible tinsel. For sides, you can’t go wrong with crusty garlic bread for dipping or a simple winter salad to balance the richness. If you’re making it part of a bigger spread, pair it with mini sliders or bacon-wrapped dates for the ultimate cheeseburger-themed Christmas feast. The best part? It tastes even better when shared by the tree with loved ones!
Storage & Reheating
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container—just give it a good stir when you reheat! I actually love popping it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes (stir halfway through) because it keeps that creamy texture perfect. One warning though—don’t try freezing it. The dairy tends to separate and gets grainy when thawed, and nobody wants that!
Nutrition Information
Just a heads up—these numbers are estimates since ingredients can vary (especially depending on your cheese-to-soup ratio—no judgment here!). Per hearty 1-cup serving, you’re looking at:
- 420 calories (mostly from that glorious cheese and beef)
- 28g fat (14g saturated—it’s comfort food, not salad!)
- 30g protein (hello, muscle fuel!)
- 12g carbs (with 2g fiber from those sneaky veggies)
I always say—when it’s Christmas, we’re counting memories, not calories! But it’s good to know what’s in your bowl.
FAQs About Christmas Air fryer Cheeseburger Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this holiday favorite:
- Can I use frozen beef? Nope—thaw it first! Frozen beef won’t brown properly and will make your soup watery. (Been there, done that—not pretty!)
- Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap in plant-based crumbles and veggie broth. Just add extra Worcestershire or a splash of soy sauce for that umami kick.
- Too thick or thin? Easy fixes! For thinner soup: add broth 1/4 cup at a time. For thicker: stir in another handful of cheese or let it cook 2-3 more minutes uncovered.
- Basket sticking? Give it a quick spritz of oil before browning beef—especially if your air fryer tends to be clingy.
See? Even soup emergencies have simple solutions—now go enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Share Your Creation!
I’d love to see your cheesy holiday masterpiece! Tag me on social media or leave a comment—nothing makes me happier than seeing your soup success stories. Now go enjoy!
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30-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Cheeseburger Soup Magic
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A festive twist on classic cheeseburger soup, made easily in your air fryer for a quick and comforting holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Brown the ground beef in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic, cook for 3 more minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stir well.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add shredded cheese, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Stir until cheese melts and soup thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Adjust cheese quantity for desired thickness.
- Garnish with extra cheese or croutons if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American