This Cheeseburger Soup brings all the flavors of a classic burger into one comforting bowl. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes, savory beef, and fresh vegetables simmered in a velvety broth. A cold evening favorite that’s just as satisfying as a cheeseburger—but cozier.
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHEESEBURGER SOUP
A hearty twist on comfort food that’s easy and irresistible.
- All-in-one meal packed with protein and flavor
- Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
- Perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in under an hour
- Freezes well for meal prep
This recipe reminds me of weekends when my kids begged for cheeseburgers, but I wanted something warm and comforting instead. This soup hit the spot—same flavors, fewer dishes, and a lot more smiles.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
A few everyday ingredients create that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups cubed potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add crumbled cooked bacon (beef or turkey) for extra flavor
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for creamier texture
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version
- Swap Cheddar for a mix of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack
- Serve with garlic butter pasta or cheddar bay chicken cobbler for a cozy meal combo
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
This creamy soup comes together easily and fills your kitchen with savory aromas.
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Potatoes: Stir in basil, parsley, and potatoes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Stir into the pot slowly and simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Beef: Return cooked beef to the pot. Add cubed cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Turn off heat and stir in sour cream until smooth. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Quick reminders:
- Stir often to avoid sticking on the bottom.
- Add cheese off heat to prevent curdling.
- Cube potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
EXPERT TIPS FOR SUCCESS
This soup’s success is all about creamy balance and flavor.
- Shred cheese from a block—it melts better than pre-shredded
- Simmer gently to keep texture silky
- Add a splash of hot sauce for a tangy kick
- Top with extra cheese and green onions before serving
- Pair with garlic parmesan dinner rolls for the ultimate comfort bite
- For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes before adding cheese
Each spoonful delivers everything you love about a burger—just in cozier form.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cheeseburger Soup pairs beautifully with simple sides and toppings.
- Serve with toasted buns or crusty bread
- Top with crispy onions or crushed croutons
- Add a drizzle of ketchup or mustard for fun burger flair
- Pair with a side salad for balance
- Enjoy with beef rigatoni cheese bake for a hearty dinner spread
This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into comfort-food heaven.
STORING AND REHEATING
Perfect for leftovers—this soup tastes even better the next day.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in airtight containers up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 2 months (without sour cream added)
- Thaw overnight in the fridge
How to Reheat It
- Stovetop: reheat gently on low, stirring often
- Microwave: warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between
- Add a splash of milk if thickened after chilling
- Avoid boiling to keep it smooth
The flavors deepen overnight, making it even richer and creamier.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING)
Calories: 400 | Total Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 685mg | Total Carbohydrates: 28g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Total Sugars: 6g | Protein: 21g | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 337mg | Iron: 2mg | Potassium: 801mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use Velveeta instead of Cheddar?
Yes, it melts easily and creates an ultra-smooth texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely—just reheat slowly and add sour cream right before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free broth.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect mix of creamy comfort and hearty flavor—a family favorite that always hits the spot. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a cozy night in, it’s a bowl full of warmth and nostalgia.
- Use fresh-shredded cheese for the smoothest melt
- Don’t rush the simmer—slow heat builds richness
- Serve with toppings for that burger-style fun
One bowl, and you’ll see why this soup earns a spot in every comfort-food rotation.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in dried basil, parsley, and cubed potatoes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 11 minutes (midpoint of 10–12 min) until potatoes are tender.
- In a bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Slowly stir mixture into the soup and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add cubed Cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Turn off heat and stir in sour cream until smooth. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- No pork or alcohol-based ingredients included.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Freezes best without sour cream added beforehand.
