Easy Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about a food that tastes exactly like its name, and this Cheeseburger Soup is pure magic. Imagine all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic American cheeseburger, transformed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s the kind of meal that makes a cold, rainy day feel instantly cozier. This recipe takes hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of vegetables and simmers them in a ridiculously creamy and cheesy broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that has become a weeknight staple in my house, and I guarantee your family will be asking for it again and again.

Why make this recipe

If you need a little convincing, here’s why this Cheeseburger Soup deserves a spot on your dinner table:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the perfect mashup of two beloved classics. It delivers all the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in a rich, satisfying soup form.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, this isn’t a light soup. It’s a full meal in a bowl that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The taste is universally loved by both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to get some extra veggies into your family’s diet without any complaints!
• Incredibly Creamy: The combination of a simple roux, Velveeta cheese, milk, and sour cream creates a velvety smooth texture that is absolutely irresistible. For a similar but distinct take, our Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is another fantastic option.

Ingredients

• 1 pounds ground beef
• ¾ cups onion, chopped
• ¾ cups Carrots (shredded)
• ¾ cups celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds)
• ¼ cups all-purpose flour (okay to use gluten-free here)
• 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes)
• 1½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cups sour cream

How to make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: In a 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside for later.

Step 2: In the very same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 3: Press the garlic into the pot with the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute more, just until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Return the browned beef to the saucepan. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: While the soup is simmering, prepare the thickening agent. In a separate small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and slightly golden. This is your roux.

Step 6: Add the roux to the soup and stir it in. Bring the soup back to a boil and continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes to allow it to thicken.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Pepper Jack Velveeta, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently blend in the sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to serve Cheeseburger Soup

The best part about serving this soup is treating it like a deconstructed cheeseburger! Set up a small toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl. Some of our favorite garnishes include:

• Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
• Crumbled, crispy bacon
• Diced pickles or a swirl of relish
• Toasted croutons or oyster crackers
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Freshly chopped chives or green onions

Serve it with a side of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping into that cheesy broth.

How to store Cheeseburger Soup

If you have leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day!

To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the bottom from scorching and to ensure the dairy doesn’t separate. Avoid boiling. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping to stir every minute or so.

Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture upon thawing. The soup might separate a bit, but it will still taste great. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop for the best results.

Tips to make

Don’t Skip the Roux: Making a roux (the cooked flour and butter paste) is the key to a thick, creamy soup that doesn’t have a raw flour taste. Cooking it for a few minutes toasts the flour and deepens the flavor.

Cheese is Key: Velveeta is used here because it melts into a perfectly smooth, creamy consistency without getting grainy. The pepper jack version adds a mild, pleasant heat. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with a block of sharp cheddar, but be sure to shred it yourself and melt it in slowly on low heat to prevent clumping.

Dice Potatoes Evenly: Try to cut your potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and are perfectly tender throughout the soup.

Prefer a Hands-Off Approach? While this stovetop version is fantastic, you can adapt many of the principles for a slow cooker. If you love using your Crock-Pot for hearty meals, check out our amazing Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup Comfort in a Bowl recipe!

FAQs About Cheeseburger Soup

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef gives it that classic cheeseburger flavor, this soup is also delicious with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. You could even use a spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! The recipe notes that you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the roux. Just ensure your chicken broth and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

My soup seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

This is an easy fix! If your soup is too thick, simply stir in a little more milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce, or create a small slurry by whisking a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of pure comfort. It’s hearty, flavorful, and has all the satisfying elements of a cheeseburger without the bun. It’s the perfect meal for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or any time you need a delicious and warming pick-me-up. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant favorite!

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