If you love the comfort of a classic cheeseburger and crave the coziness of hearty soup, you are absolutely going to fall for this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of savory ground beef, melty cheddar, and tender potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you want a fun, satisfying spin on comfort food classics. You won’t believe how easy and crave-worthy this soup is—let’s dig in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, simple pantry staples and a few fresh veggies come together to create something magical. Each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor and heartiness, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and veggies for an extra flavor boost.
- Ground beef: The star ingredient that delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor and protein-packed goodness.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down, melding beautifully into the broth.
- Carrots: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and cheerful color to balance the savory elements.
- Celery: Delivers crunch, freshness, and another subtle layer of aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: A must-have for that irresistible savory aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every ingredient—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a classic finishing note.
- Dried basil: Brings herbal warmth that enhances the soup’s savory, cheesy vibe.
- Paprika: A pinch of gentle smokiness and vibrant color in every bowl.
- Peeled and diced potatoes: Make the soup thick, creamy, and extra filling—like french fries in soup form!
- Chicken or beef broth: Forms the savory, slurpable base and ties all those flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: Gently thickens the soup so you get the perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Makes every spoonful silky and lush (feel free to use 2% for a lighter touch).
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty soul of this soup—sharp cheddar gives that signature cheeseburger taste.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess at the very end for a luscious finish.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): Brightens up every bowl with a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, drain it off before adding the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything for 4–5 minutes, letting those veggies soften and soak up the beefy goodness. Sprinkle in the garlic, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and paprika—then stir for a minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, toss in the peeled and diced potatoes, followed by your chicken or beef broth. Give it a good stir, increase the heat, and bring everything up to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. The magic happens here—the potatoes soften, the flavors mingle, and the soup base takes on that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs vibe.
Step 3: Thicken and Cream
In a small bowl, create a quick slurry by whisking the flour into the milk until smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering soup, stirring constantly. Let it bubble away for another 4–5 minutes; you’ll see the soup slowly thicken, turning creamy and dreamy right before your eyes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low so the soup doesn’t scorch, then sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until every last bit is melted and incorporated. Remove the pot from the heat and swirl in the sour cream for extra silkiness and a touch of tang. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—everyone’s preferences are a little different!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your piping hot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe into bowls. If you want a little flair (and a fresh pop of green), sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Now you’re ready to enjoy the coziest bowl of cheeseburger-inspired happiness.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings make every bowl of Cheeseburger Soup Recipe feel extra special. Try fresh parsley or green onions for a garden-fresh contrast, or sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar right on top for those ooey-gooey cheese pulls. For crunch, a handful of crispy bacon bits or toasted croutons takes it over the top. Let everyone pick their favorite and turn dinner into a DIY masterpiece!
Side Dishes
This hearty soup truly shines with simple, comforting sides. Warm, crusty bread or buttery rolls are always a hit for soaking up every last drop. Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance or with classic pickles for a fun, burger-inspired twist. You can even offer oven-baked potato wedges to complete that diner-style experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls—just like at your favorite café! You can also ladle it into mini mugs or ramekins for a cozy, party-ready starter. Or, set up a soup bar with all the fixings, letting everyone build their dream cheeseburger bowl at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is like a little gift for future-you! Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You’ll notice the flavors get even better overnight, as everything melds together for an extra-satisfying encore.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your soup, just skip the sour cream until after reheating for the best texture. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, leaving a bit of headspace. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, then stir in the sour cream right before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring frequently to keep things creamy and smooth. If the soup’s thickened up in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it to your liking. Microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, pausing to stir between bursts. Top with fresh garnishes and it’ll taste as dreamy as day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken both work great for a leaner Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. They offer a slightly lighter flavor, but all the classic comfort still shines through. Just make sure to season generously for that hearty, savory taste.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use a slurry of cornstarch and cold milk. The soup still thickens beautifully and remains totally delicious for everyone at the table.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic and gives bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or even a blend of cheddar and American cheese if you prefer a creamier melt. For classic diner vibes, Velveeta melts super smooth and turns the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe ultra silky.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
To keep your soup extra creamy and smooth, reduce the heat to low before adding cheese, and stir constantly as it melts. Shredding your cheese fresh from the block helps it melt better too, as pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or even baby spinach during the veggie step. The Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is super flexible and a great way to use up any extra produce you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is my cozy answer to satisfying both burger and soup cravings in one incredible bowl. It’s fun, family-friendly, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—who knows, it might just become an instant favorite at your table, too!
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and paprika and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk flour into the milk until smooth, then slowly stir into the soup. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use Velveeta for a creamier, classic diner-style flavor.
- Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option.
- This soup thickens as it cools—add extra broth or milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
