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Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re craving the juicy, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger, but you want something cozy and comforting too. That’s where my Cheeseburger Soup comes in—it’s like your favorite fast-food burger transformed into a hearty, slurpable bowl of warmth that the whole family will devour. I’ve been making this easy Cheeseburger Soup for years, and every time, it brings back those nostalgic drive-thru vibes without the guilt. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll be hooked on how it captures all the savory flavors you love.
What I love most about preparing Cheeseburger Soup is how it sneaks in veggies like carrots and potatoes while keeping that bold beefy taste front and center. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, yet it feels indulgent enough for a casual gathering. If you’re a fan of hearty soups, check out my Beef and Barley Soup for another cozy option, or try the Hamburger Stew if you want something similar but stew-like. Now, let’s dive into this delicious Cheeseburger Soup recipe—I’m excited to share it with you!
Key Takeaways:
- Cheeseburger Soup combines classic burger flavors in a comforting, creamy bowl that’s ready in under 45 minutes.
- It’s a time-saver for weeknight dinners, using simple pantry staples and one-pot cooking to minimize cleanup.
- The rich, cheesy taste mimics a real cheeseburger, with melty cheddar and tangy pickles adding authentic flair.
- For the best results, brown the beef well to build deep flavor, and stir in cheese at the end to keep it gooey.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Why You’ll Adore This Cheeseburger Soup
Comfort Food in a Bowl: There’s something magical about turning a cheeseburger into soup—it’s hearty, satisfying, and feels like a hug from the inside. In my experience, this Cheeseburger Soup hits the spot on rainy days when you need that extra warmth and flavor boost without much effort.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike go crazy for the familiar burger taste hidden in a fun soup format. It’s sneaky healthy too, with veggies blended right in, making it a win for picky eaters. You’ll love how easy it is to customize for everyone’s preferences.
Quick and Effortless Prep: No need for grilling or assembling patties—this Cheeseburger Soup simmers all on its own. What I find interesting is how it frees up your evening for other things, yet delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Versatile for Any Meal: Serve it as a starter or main dish; it’s that flexible. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to wake up to Cheeseburger Soup leftovers for a cozy brunch? It’s endlessly adaptable and always delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup
Ground Beef: The star of any good Cheeseburger Soup, lean ground beef provides that essential savory base and texture reminiscent of burger patties. I always opt for 80/20 to get a nice sear without too much fat draining off. It absorbs the seasonings beautifully, creating the hearty foundation that makes this soup so addictive. In my kitchen, browning it first is key to locking in those rich flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Nothing beats the sharp, melty cheddar that gives Cheeseburger Soup its signature gooey cheeseburger vibe. Shred it fresh for better melting and creamier results—pre-shredded often has additives that can make it grainy. This ingredient ties everything together, adding a tangy depth that elevates the whole dish. I’ve tried other cheeses, but cheddar is unbeatable here.
Potatoes: Diced potatoes add heartiness and a subtle starchiness to your Cheeseburger Soup, mimicking the bun’s role in a traditional burger. They thicken the broth naturally as they cook, creating a velvety texture without extra flour. Choose russets for fluffiness or Yukon golds for a buttery note—either way, they make this soup filling and comforting.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil— this is where the magic of your Cheeseburger Soup begins. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat if needed. Next, stir in diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing for another 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and here’s the thing: this step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that umami kick.
Simmer the Veggies and Broth
Now, add the diced potatoes to the pot along with beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and a bay leaf—stir everything to combine for your budding Cheeseburger Soup. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering partially for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if it reduces too much, add a splash more broth. The kitchen will fill with this irresistible, savory scent— what I love is how the flavors meld beautifully here, creating layers of taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before moving on.
Add Dairy and Finish with Cheese
Once the veggies are tender, stir in milk or heavy cream slowly to avoid curdling, letting it heat through for 5 minutes to thicken your Cheeseburger Soup. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy— this is the moment it transforms into pure comfort. Garnish with chopped pickles and green onions for that fresh burger-topping contrast. In my experience, serving it hot right away maximizes the cheese’s stretchiness. For a twist, check out my Creamy Beef and Shells if you want pasta instead.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped pickles and green onions for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheeseburger Soup Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in potatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Pour in milk or cream and heat through for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Garnish with pickles and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your Cheeseburger Soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Use Fresh Shredded Cheese: Grate your own cheddar for smoother melting and better flavor in Cheeseburger Soup—avoid pre-shredded to prevent graininess.
Don’t Boil the Dairy: Add milk or cream after simmering and heat gently to keep your Cheeseburger Soup creamy without separating.
Taste as You Go: Adjust ketchup or mustard mid-cook for that perfect tangy balance in your homemade Cheeseburger Soup.
You Must Know
- This Cheeseburger Soup is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of Worcestershire.
- It’s high in protein from the beef and cheese, making it a satisfying meal.
- Potatoes help thicken the soup naturally—no need for roux or cornstarch.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat carefully to avoid curdling.
How to Store Cheeseburger Soup
Let your Cheeseburger Soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing flavor. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months; the dairy might separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir fixes it. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. I’ve found this method keeps the taste as fresh as day one.
Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup
Make your Cheeseburger Soup spicier by adding diced jalapeños during the veggie sauté, or go low-carb with cauliflower instead of potatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian twist, swap beef for plant-based crumbles—the flavors still shine through. For extra indulgence, top with crispy bacon bits. Drawing from my Cheesy Taco Pasta, you could even mix in some taco seasoning for a fusion vibe.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup
Pair this hearty Cheeseburger Soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every creamy drop—it’s a match made in heaven. For a lighter side, add a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Don’t forget beverages like iced tea or a cold beer to complement the savory notes. In my house, we often enjoy it alongside garlic breadsticks for that ultimate comfort meal experience.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This incredible cheeseburger soup recipe will be your new go-to! It's full of ground beef, veggies, and plenty of cheese. It's everything you love about burgers in bowl form!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1/2 pound ground beef
- 02 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 03 3/4 cup carrots (diced)
- 04 3/4 cup celery (diced)
- 05 3/4 cup onion (diced)
- 06 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 07 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 08 4 cups potatoes (diced)
- 09 3 cups chicken broth
- 10 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 11 1 to 2 cups Velveeta (cubed)
- 12 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 13 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 14 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 1/4 cup sour cream
- 16 onion rings
- 17 green onions
- 18 crumbled bacon
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble it for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set it aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add the carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir and saute for about 10 minutes. The vegetables should be tender.
Add the potatoes, ground beef, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat, and cover it with a lid. Simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 10 to 12 minutes.
In a separate small pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter on medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture should start to bubble. Stir it into the soup and bring the soup to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Once the cheese melts, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream.
Top the soup with onion rings, green onions, and bacon if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Soup
Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely, Cheeseburger Soup is great for meal prep—make a batch up to the simmering step, then refrigerate and finish with dairy and cheese when ready to serve. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents separation. I’ve done this for busy weeks, and it reheats beautifully.
How long does Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?
Your Cheeseburger Soup will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend shelf life. Always check for off smells before reheating.
Is Cheeseburger Soup keto-friendly?
Not in its traditional form due to potatoes, but you can swap them for cauliflower to make a low-carb version. This keeps the cheesy goodness while fitting keto macros. It’s a popular tweak for those watching carbs.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, ground turkey works well in Cheeseburger Soup for a leaner option, though it might need extra seasoning to match the beefy flavor. Brown it thoroughly and add a bit more Worcestershire. This substitution keeps the soup delicious and lighter.
What’s the best cheese for Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheddar is ideal for that classic melt and tang in Cheeseburger Soup, but a mix with mozzarella adds extra stretchiness. Freshly shredded always yields the creamiest results. Experiment to find your favorite blend.
How do I thicken Cheeseburger Soup if it’s too thin?
If your Cheeseburger Soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or mash some potatoes against the pot side. A cornstarch slurry works too, but sparingly. This simple fix ensures a hearty texture every time.
Can Cheeseburger Soup be made in a slow cooker?
Sure, brown the beef first, then dump everything except dairy into the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese at the end. It’s hands-off and perfect for busy days.
Is Cheeseburger Soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze Cheeseburger Soup in portions for up to 2 months, but add dairy after thawing to avoid curdling. Reheat on the stove for best results. I’ve frozen batches successfully for quick future meals.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—my go-to recipe for Cheeseburger Soup that turns everyday ingredients into a bowl of burger bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort, this easy dish never disappoints with its creamy, cheesy perfection. Give it a try tonight; I promise it’ll become a staple in your home. Share your tweaks in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make your Cheeseburger Soup your own!