I absolutely love sharing this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe because it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. When the weather gets chilly or you just want something hearty and comforting, this soup hits the spot every single time. It’s packed with all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger but in a warm, creamy soup form that feels like a celebration at the dinner table.

When I first tried this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to put together but still tasted so indulgent. You’ll find that it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping leftovers for lunches during the week. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving, so even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and Filling: It combines juicy ground beef with creamy cheese and tender potatoes, making it a satisfying meal all in one bowl.
  • Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple and the method straightforward, so you can whip this up any day without stress.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and it’s a great way to sneak veggies in with shredded carrots and celery.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust it to your taste, whether that means adding extra cheese, swapping herbs, or making it gluten-free.
Cheeseburger Soup, cheeseburger soup recipe, hearty cheeseburger soup, comfort food recipes, easy cheesy soup A white bowl filled with thick creamy soup showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, pale beige broth; the middle layer has large chunks of pale yellow potatoes and bright orange carrot pieces; the top layer contains small crumbles of brown ground meat mixed with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled all over. Behind it, there is a white pot with the same soup and a piece of sliced bread on the left side, all placed on a white marbled surface. A spoon with a shiny silver finish rests inside the bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays a star role—from the rich ground beef to the creamy pepper jack Velveeta cheese—balancing savory and creamy perfectly. I always recommend getting fresh vegetables and full-fat dairy for the best flavor and texture.

  • Ground beef: Use lean or regular depending on preference; browning it well gives great flavor and texture.
  • Onion: Fresh and chopped finely for gentle sweetness.
  • Carrots: Shredded for quick cooking and a subtle natural sweetness.
  • Celery: Diced to add a bit of crunch and freshness.
  • Dried basil: Adds a mild herbal note to balance the richness.
  • Dried parsley flakes: Brightens up the soup with fresh flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves pressed for that signature savory kick.
  • Butter: Divided use to sauté veggies and make the roux for thickening.
  • Chicken broth: Provides the soup base and adds depth.
  • Potatoes: Peeled and diced; they turn soft and creamy, blending beautifully.
  • All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect roux for a velvety soup (you can use gluten-free if needed).
  • Pepper jack Velveeta cheese: Cubed for smooth melting with a slight kick of spice.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and balances the cheese’s richness.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup perfectly.
  • Sour cream: Stirred in last for tanginess and extra creaminess.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Whether adding extra spices for a little heat or swapping in different cheeses, making it your own is part of the fun.

  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños really lifts the flavor and gives the soup a friendly heat that my family loves.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for a hearty veggie crumble or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
  • Cheese Choices: I’ve tried sharp cheddar or even gouda instead of Velveeta—each changes the flavor profile but keeps that creamy texture.
  • Low Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version that’s just as cozy.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Prepare Veggies

Start by browning your ground beef in a medium saucepan over medium–high heat. This is where those savory, meaty flavors develop—don’t rush it! Once browned, drain the fat and set the beef aside. Then, using the same pan (saving those beefy bits on the bottom!), sauté chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, basil, and parsley in a tablespoon of butter until everything softens—about 10 minutes. Press in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This mix of veggies builds the soup’s aromatic base.

Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes, Broth, and Beef

Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and the browned beef back to the pan. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This step softens the potatoes perfectly and melds all those flavors together.

Step 3: Make the Roux for Thickening

While your soup is simmering, melt the remaining butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it bubbles and turns slightly golden. This roux is the secret to a rich, velvety soup base. Add the roux slowly to your simmering soup and bring back to a boil. Let it cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the soup thickens up nicely.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Milk & Finish with Sour Cream

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the sour cream at the end—this adds a lovely tang and smooth finish. Be sure not to boil the soup after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Taking your time to brown the beef properly adds depth to the soup’s overall flavor.
  • Roux Patience: Stir the flour and butter mixture long enough to cook out the raw flour taste but avoid burning it for a smooth base.
  • Cheese Cubes Last: Add cheese after the soup is off the boil to keep it super creamy and prevent grit.
  • Sour Cream Touch: Fold in sour cream off the heat to maintain that silky texture and avoid curdling.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup, cheeseburger soup recipe, hearty cheeseburger soup, comfort food recipes, easy cheesy soup A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup in a large metal ladle. The soup has a beige color base with visible chunks of light yellow potatoes, orange carrots, and small bits of browned meat, mixed with green herbs and tiny pieces of celery. The ladle is held over a pot filled with the same soup, against a white marbled surface. The texture looks smooth with small specks and pieces spread evenly throughout.

Garnishes

I like topping my Cheeseburger Soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a few crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions to add layers of flavor and texture. Sometimes I toss on a dash of paprika or a swirl of sour cream if I want to dress it up a bit more—these simple touches make it feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad to lighten the meal or a slice of crusty toasted bread for dipping. My family especially loves garlic bread or cheesy biscuits alongside—it turns dinner into a full-on comfort feast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls, which instantly impress guests and are fun to eat. You can also ladle the soup into wide-rimmed bowls, then garnish each with a miniature cheeseburger slider on the side for a playful touch that doubles the cheeseburger vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to three days. When you reheat, give it a good stir to bring back that creamy texture and add a splash of milk if it’s gotten a little thick overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup before with good success. Just skip adding the sour cream until you reheat it. Freeze in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat and stir frequently. Adding a little milk helps restore that fresh, creamy texture. Stir in sour cream only once the soup is hot to keep everything silky and smooth.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour used in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup without any gluten. The soup will remain just as creamy and delicious.

  2. What cheese works best in the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

    Pepper jack Velveeta is recommended for its smooth melt and slight spice, but you can use sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses depending on your preference for flavor and texture.

  3. How can I make this soup spicier?

    Try adding diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce when finishing the soup. Just be sure to taste as you go so it fits your heat tolerance.

  4. Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

    Definitely! Ground turkey can be a leaner, lighter option and works well in the soup. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or fat, like a little olive oil or butter, to keep it flavorful and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly a keeper in my recipe box because it turns simple ingredients into a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels special. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and eating it as my family and I do—whether for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Grab your favorite toppings and get ready for a warm, cheesy hug straight from your kitchen.

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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 294 reviews
  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese in a rich broth. This flavorful soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth and ease of a home-cooked soup, perfect for cozy meals any time of the year.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 3/4 cup carrots, shredded
  • 3/4 cup celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced (about 1 3/4 pounds)

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
  • 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta, cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes until the vegetables become tender, about 10 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes and the cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Prepare the Roux: Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Thicken the Soup: Add the roux mixture into the soup pot. Bring the soup back to a boil, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes to thicken the broth.
  6. Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce heat to low, then add the pepper jack Velveeta cubes, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
  7. Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the soup from heat and blend in the sour cream for added creaminess and tang. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
  • Velveeta cheese can be substituted with other melting cheeses like cheddar if preferred.
  • Use fresh herbs in place of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
  • Adding crispy cooked bacon on top makes a delicious garnish.
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Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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