There’s something about a warm, creamy bowl of soup that feels like the ultimate comfort on a chilly evening. Enter this Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful blend of hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and velvety cheese that tastes just like your favorite burger in soup form! It’s an easy, one-pot wonder that will quickly become a family favorite.
I first came across this recipe on a cold winter day when I was craving something cozy and filling. After tinkering with ingredients to perfect the flavors, it became a staple in my household. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a dish to impress at a potluck, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s a meal in itself.
Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or freezing.
The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender bites of beef and potatoes creates an irresistible texture and flavor. Each spoonful feels like a cozy hug, making it the ideal choice for those days when you just need a little extra comfort. And let’s be honest—what could be better than combining the nostalgia of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of a warm soup?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful soup:
🥩 Ground Beef: ½ pound
🧈 Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
🥕 Carrots: ¾ cup, diced
🌿 Celery: ¾ cup, diced
🧅 Onion: ¾ cup, diced
🌿 Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
🌿 Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon
🥔 Potatoes: 4 cups, diced
🥣 Chicken Broth: 3 cups
🌾 All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup
🧀 Velveeta Cheese: 1 to 2 cups, cubed
🥛 Whole Milk: 1½ cups
🧂 Salt: ¾ teaspoon
🌶️ Black Pepper: ¼ to ½ teaspoon
🍶 Sour Cream: ¼ cup
Optional Toppings:
🧅 Onion Rings
🌿 Green Onions, chopped
🥓 Crumbled Bacon
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Serves 8
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes, cooked ground beef, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Prepare the Roux
In a separate small pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Thicken the Soup
Gradually add the roux to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring the soup to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add Cheese and Milk
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with optional garnishes like onion rings, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve
This soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Serve with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
Pair with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
Offer a selection of toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or pickles for a fun “burger bar” vibe.
Additional Tips
Cheese Options: While Velveeta provides a smooth, creamy texture, you can substitute with shredded cheddar or your preferred melting cheese for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas to enhance the nutritional value and add variety.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Roux Tip: Make sure to cook the roux fully to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux and swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option if using as a garnish.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a kick of heat.
Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in crumbled, cooked turkey bacon or add diced pickles for an extra “burger” flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack works well, though it might not be as smooth.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Russet potatoes work best as they hold their shape and provide a hearty texture.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
Prepare the soup as instructed, but leave out the milk and sour cream until reheating to prevent curdling.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
One Last Thought
This Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. And the best part? It’s easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
If you’re looking for a meal that brings everyone to the table, this soup delivers every time. The way it combines wholesome ingredients with rich, satisfying flavors will have your family requesting it again and again. Plus, it’s flexible enough to customize, so you can make it your own!
I’d love to see how yours turns out—snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me! This recipe has brought so much joy to my kitchen, and I hope it does the same for you. Happy cooking!
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This creamy and comforting Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect one-pot meal. Loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and velvety cheese, it’s an easy recipe your family will love!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: ½ pound
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Carrots: ¾ cup, diced
- Celery: ¾ cup, diced
- Onion: ¾ cup, diced
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Potatoes: 4 cups, diced
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup
- Velveeta Cheese: 1 to 2 cups, cubed
- Whole Milk: 1½ cups
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ¼ to ½ teaspoon
- Sour Cream: ¼ cup
Instructions
- Cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté carrots, celery, onion, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender.
- Add potatoes, cooked beef, and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are soft.
- Make a roux by melting 3 tablespoons of butter and stirring in flour. Cook until bubbly.
- Gradually add the roux to the soup, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in sour cream. Serve with optional toppings like green onions or crumbled bacon.
Notes
- Substitute Velveeta with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Add diced pickles for a tangy cheeseburger twist.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American