Warm, hearty, and undeniably cheesy, this Cheeseburger Soup recipe is about to become your family’s new favorite comfort food. It’s a beloved classic, known for its rich flavors that evoke your favorite burger, all in a spoon-friendly format.
This award-winning dish brings together savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy broth. Get ready to create a truly spectacular meal that’s surprisingly simple to make!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
- Hearty and comforting meal: This soup is packed with flavor and substance, perfect for satisfying appetites.
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor: Every spoonful delivers a delightful blend of savory beef and gooey cheese.
- Perfect for chilly days: Warm up from the inside out with a bowl of this delicious cheeseburger soup.
- Easy to follow recipe: Our step-by-step guide makes this recipe accessible for even beginner cooks.
- Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this creamy, beefy soup.
- Great for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your incredible Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Velveeta processed cheese, cubed or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream
Notes & Substitutions
- For the ground beef, use a leaner cut like 85/15 or 90/10 to minimize excess fat. Understanding the lean-to-fat ratio in ground beef can help you choose the best option for your recipe.
- If you use fattier beef, ensure thorough draining. Russet potatoes are ideal for this cheeseburger soup as they break down slightly, adding to the creamy texture.
- While Velveeta creates an ultra-smooth consistency, shredded cheddar offers a sharper flavor profile.
- Feel free to use cream cheese in place of sour cream for a tangier, thicker finish. You can also swap chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth.
Equipment
To prepare this delicious meal, you will need:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven (3-quart minimum)
- Small skillet for making the roux
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions For The Best Cheeseburger Soup
Follow these clear steps to create a hearty bowl of Cheeseburger Soup:
- Brown the ground beef: In a 3-quart saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat thoroughly and set the cooked beef aside in a separate bowl.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, and diced celery. Cook these vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and fragrant.
- Simmer with broth and potatoes: Return the drained ground beef to the saucepan. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and add the 4 cups of peeled and diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the roux: While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Cook and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes, creating a smooth roux, until it becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
- Thicken the soup: Add the prepared roux directly into the simmering soup in the larger saucepan. Stir well to combine, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for another 2 minutes until it visibly thickens. Reduce the heat to low.
- Melt cheese and season: Stir in the cubed Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese, 1 ½ cups of milk, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of pepper. Continue to cook and stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Finish with sour cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the ¼ cup of sour cream until it is fully blended into the rich, creamy cheeseburger soup. Serve hot.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Ensure beef is well-drained: This prevents a greasy soup base and keeps the flavors clean.
- Don’t overcook potatoes: Simmer just until fork-tender to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Remove soup from heat before sour cream: This vital step prevents the sour cream from curdling.
- Make homemade bun croutons: Toast diced burger buns with butter and garlic powder for a fantastic topping.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the soup before serving and add more salt or pepper as needed.
Troubleshooting
- How to fix sour taste: If your soup tastes a bit sour, often it’s due to expired dairy. Always check ingredient freshness. You can sometimes balance it by adding a pinch of sugar or a bit more cheese.
- Making soup thicker/thinner: For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir into simmering soup. To thin, simply add more milk or broth until desired consistency.
- Preventing curdled sour cream: Always remove the soup from heat before stirring in sour cream. Also, let the sour cream come to room temperature for 10 minutes beforehand.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Top your bowl of creamy cheeseburger soup with classic burger fixings. Offer crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh chopped red onion, or even some tangy pickle relish. For extra crunch, serve alongside oyster crackers, crushed potato chips, or warm, crusty bread. A simple green salad, crusty bread, or a side of pickles complement this hearty soup beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. While you can freeze this cheeseburger soup, note that potatoes and dairy may change texture upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in intervals.
Variations
Experiment with different meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even mild Italian sausage for this hearty soup. Boost the vegetable content with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or fire-roasted tomatoes.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Explore other cheese options such as Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a sharp white cheddar. You can also adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning meat and sautéing veggies first, then combining all ingredients on low for 3-4 hours.
Nutrition Information
This rich and satisfying Cheeseburger Soup provides a comforting meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 581 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 118 mg |
| Sodium | 2144 mg |
| Potassium | 1356 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 3903 IU |
| Vitamin C | 31 mg |
| Calcium | 590 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients (except sour cream) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in sour cream before serving.
Can Cheeseburger Soup be frozen?
While possible, potatoes and dairy might alter texture when frozen and reheated. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
What makes this soup “award-winning”?
Its rich, balanced flavors, creamy texture, and universal appeal make it a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings, often earning rave reviews.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Soup is truly a testament to simple, delicious comfort food. With its hearty beef, tender vegetables, and incredibly cheesy broth, it’s a recipe that delivers big on flavor without requiring complicated steps.
You’re now equipped to create this award-winning dish in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any delicious twists you add in the comments below!
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Return beef to pot. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Meanwhile, melt remaining 3 tbsp butter in a skillet. Stir in flour and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden. Add to soup and stir well.
- Bring soup to a gentle boil for 2 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low.
- Add cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted and soup is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Velveeta offers a creamier texture, while cheddar adds sharpness.
- Use lean beef to reduce grease.
- Substitute sour cream with cream cheese for tang.
- Swap chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth as desired.
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