Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Hearty & Comforting Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Whipping up a hearty cheeseburger soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Meat lovers and soup enthusiasts will adore this crowd-pleasing dish.

Rich, creamy textures mingle with savory ground beef and melted cheese.

Potatoes add satisfying substance to every spoonful.

Crispy bacon bits provide an extra crunch that makes this recipe special.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me, everyone will ask for seconds.

Best Way To Store Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The soup will maintain its creamy texture and flavor when properly chilled.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with sour cream, as the texture might separate when thawed.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Questions People Ask About Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • What makes this soup different from traditional soups?

This cheeseburger soup combines classic burger ingredients like ground beef and cheese into a creamy, hearty soup that tastes like a cheeseburger in liquid form, offering a unique comfort food experience.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to customize the soup to your dietary preferences.

  • Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce fat by using lean ground beef, low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutritional value.

Why Easy Cheeseburger Soup Feels Like A Hug

  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and classic vegetables, this soup delivers ultimate comfort in every spoonful.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complex preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar cheeseburger-inspired flavors, transforming traditional soup into an exciting dinner experience.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Offers flexible topping options like bacon, green onions, and onion rings, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl and enjoy a unique dining experience.

What’s In Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Onions: A classic mirepoix that adds depth and aromatic foundation to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that contribute texture and make the soup more filling.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Velveeta Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts smoothly and creates a luxurious texture.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Provides a tangy finish and additional creaminess to the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Basil, Dried Parsley: Herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.
Thickening Agents:
  • Flour: Used to create a roux that helps thicken the soup and provide a smooth texture.
Fats:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables and create the roux.
Optional Toppings:
  • Onion Rings, Green Onions, Crumbled Bacon: Garnishes that add extra crunch and flavor.
Additional Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and additional savory flavor for the soup.

How To Cook Easy Cheeseburger Soup At Home

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drop in ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking. Continue until meat transforms from pink to brown, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Meat Base

Drain away excess fat from cooked beef, leaving meat ready for next stage of cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Blend

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onions
  • Dried basil
  • Dried parsley

Melt butter in same pot. Add chopped vegetables and herbs. Cook gently, stirring occasionally until vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Soup Foundation

Add:
  • Potatoes
  • Cooked ground beef
  • Chicken broth

Bring mixture to rolling boil, then lower heat. Cover pot and let simmer until potatoes become tender, around 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Thickener

In separate small pan, melt remaining butter. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously. Cook until mixture starts bubbling and turns slightly golden.

Step 6: Combine and Thicken

Pour flour mixture into soup. Increase heat and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create smooth texture.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Lower heat. Stir in:
  • Velveeta cheese
  • Whole milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Finish with Creamy Touch

Remove from heat. Fold in sour cream until well incorporated.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Optional toppings:
  • Crispy onion rings
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crumbled bacon

Ladle into bowls and enjoy piping hot comfort in every spoonful.

Helpful Tips When Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Sauté Vegetables Carefully: Cook carrots, celery, and onions until they're tender but not mushy, preserving their natural crunch and flavor profile.
  • Control Cheese Melting Technique: Add Velveeta gradually and stir constantly to ensure smooth, even melting without creating cheese clumps in the soup.
  • Use Fresh Herbs Boost: Consider replacing dried herbs with fresh basil and parsley for a more vibrant and intense herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Thickening Trick: Whisk flour mixture slowly and consistently to create a smooth roux, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky soup consistency.

Ways To Change Up Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version packed with protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup without compromising texture.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of whole milk to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.

Sides That Match Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the cheeseburger soup, cutting through its creamy texture with strong tannins.
  • Crisp Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the soup's richness, offering a refreshing contrast and enhancing the beef's savory profile with its carbonation and malty undertones.
  • Crunchy Sidekick Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide a light, acidic counterpoint to the soup's heavy, comforting elements.
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 41-47 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending classic burger flavors with creamy potato goodness. Midwestern warmth meets culinary creativity, inviting home cooks to savor each spoonful of this satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 0.5 pound (226 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 0.75 cup (120 grams) carrots, diced
  • 0.75 cup (120 grams) celery, diced
  • 0.75 cup (120 grams) onion, diced
  • 4 cups (640 grams) potatoes, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 to 2 cups (226 to 454 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
  • 0.25 cup (60 grams) sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.25 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 0.75 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Green onions
  • Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until completely cooked, breaking into small crumbles.
  2. Eliminate excess grease from the meat and temporarily remove from the pot.
  3. Melt butter in the same pot, creating a flavorful base for the vegetables.
  4. Incorporate chopped carrots, celery, and onions with dried herbs, sautéing for approximately 10 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic qualities.
  5. Introduce diced potatoes and previously cooked ground beef into the vegetable mixture.
  6. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
  7. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  8. In a separate small pan, create a roux by melting remaining butter and whisking in flour, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden.
  9. Integrate the roux into the soup, stirring thoroughly to ensure smooth incorporation.
  10. Return soup to a boil for 2 minutes to activate thickening process.
  11. Lower heat and gently fold in Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely.
  12. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream for added creaminess.
  13. Garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or crunchy onion rings.
  14. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

  • Customize protein by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary needs.
  • Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and minimizing added salt during cooking.
  • Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Keep soup creamy and smooth by adding cheese gradually and stirring constantly to prevent clumping or separation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 31-37 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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