This cheeseburger soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in every spoonful. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or family dinners. The rich and creamy broth paired with savory beef and seasonings creates a satisfying soup everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheeseburger soup is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right at home. It combines all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a creamy soup. The recipe is filling, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep since leftovers taste even better the next day. You can also customize it with different cheeses, proteins, or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3/4 cup onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup carrots, shredded
3/4 cup celery, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
Optional toppings:
Sliced green onions
Crispy onion rings
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped pickles
Directions
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley flakes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until bubbly and lightly golden. This creates the roux that thickens the soup.
Slowly stir the roux into the soup. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as green onions or crispy onion rings.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
To make the soup even cheesier, combine Velveeta with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash a few cooked potato cubes directly into the soup before adding the cheese.
You can also replace the potatoes with cooked pasta, rice, or even cauliflower for a different twist. Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli can increase the vegetable content while keeping the soup hearty and flavorful.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup thickens as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
Freezing is not recommended because the dairy ingredients may separate and become grainy after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar, Colby jack, American cheese, or pepper jack for different flavors and textures.
What potatoes work best in this soup?
Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent because they hold their shape while adding a creamy texture. Russet potatoes also work well.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended together in the refrigerator.
How do I thicken cheeseburger soup?
The butter and flour roux thickens the soup. You can also mash some potatoes into the broth for extra thickness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The creamy cheese flavor and hearty ingredients make it very popular with children.
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced hash browns are a quick and convenient substitute.
Why should I add sour cream off the heat?
Adding sour cream after removing the pot from heat prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.
What toppings go well with cheeseburger soup?
Green onions, shredded cheese, croutons, crispy onions, and chopped pickles are all delicious options.
Can I make this soup without meat?
Yes, simply omit the beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or broccoli.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines rich cheese, savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth into one satisfying dish. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough to serve on cold evenings with family and friends. With plenty of customization options and simple ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, hearty comfort food that combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese for a rich, burger-inspired bowl of soup.
