If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like a cheeseburger in a bowl, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy nights or chilly afternoons when you want something warm and satisfying.

Cheeseburger Soup - A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup in a black bowl set on a white marbled surface. The soup shows different layers: a light yellow creamy base with small chunks of cooked vegetables such as carrots and celery, along with pieces of browned ground meat. On the top layer, there is a generous amount of shredded yellow cheese that partially melts into the hot soup. A silver spoon is scooping up a portion of the soup, revealing more solid chunks mixed in the creamy texture. A slice of rustic bread is slightly blurred in the background, adding context to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe quickly became a household favorite for me because it nails that perfect balance of cheesy richness and fresh veggies, all in one bowl. It’s like your favorite burger with all the fixings, but with the cozy hug of a warm soup—trust me, it hits the spot every time.

Comfort food made easy: It combines simple pantry ingredients with fresh veggies to create a rich and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Great balance of flavors and textures: The cheesy broth, tender beef, and soft potatoes blend perfectly with crunchy celery and carrots for a well-rounded bite.
Family-friendly and filling: Even picky eaters tend to love this soup, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Super customizable: It’s a forgiving recipe that you can tweak with different cheeses, add-ins, or even switch up the herbs to your own taste.

Cheeseburger Soup - The image shows a creamy yellow soup in a white pot with a thick texture made of several ingredients. There are visible chunks of light yellow potatoes, green pickles, small brown pieces of meat, and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout the soup. The creamy base has a smooth texture with some black pepper specks and herbs spread all over. A ladle is lifting a portion of the soup, highlighting the chunky ingredients and creamy consistency against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe really comes down to the harmony of ingredients. Ground beef provides that savory, meaty punch, while the veggies add freshness and a bit of crunch that keeps the soup from feeling heavy. Then the potatoes and cheese create that creamy, comforting base we all crave. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials and why they shine in this dish.

Cheeseburger Soup - Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a rich red color with a slight marbled texture, bright orange shredded carrots, crisp pale green diced celery, small diced white potatoes with smooth skin, translucent chopped white onion, small cubes of creamy pale yellow Velveeta cheese, fresh green dried parsley flakes and dried basil scattered delicately, and a dollop of smooth white sour cream, all naturally arranged with some ingredients overlapping gently, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground beef: Use lean or regular, but I like 80/20 for extra flavor and juiciness without being too greasy.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a bit of texture, which balances the cheesy richness.
Celery: Brings a fresh crunch and slight earthiness that brightens the soup.
Dried basil and parsley flakes: These herbs add subtle aromatics and a touch of garden freshness without overpowering the flavors.
Butter: Essential for the roux and for richness, helping build the velvety texture.
Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base that keeps it light and savory, but you can use beef broth for more beefy punch.
Potatoes: I love Yukon Gold or russets peeled and diced—they thicken the soup naturally and give it heart.
All-purpose flour: The secret to that perfect creamy consistency; cooks with butter into a roux to thicken the soup.
Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese: Velveeta melts super smoothly, making the soup luxuriously creamy, but sharp cheddar adds real cheeseburger flavor if you prefer.
Milk: Used to thin and smooth the soup, plus help melt the cheese nicely.
Salt and pepper: Key to balancing all the flavors—adjust to your taste!
Sour cream: Added at the end for tanginess and creaminess, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe just as it is, but I know everyone has their own favorite twist. Once you nail the basics, feel free to experiment! Sometimes I throw in a diced bell pepper or add a dash of smoked paprika for a little warmth.

Variation: Using sharp white cheddar and adding cooked bacon bits totally lifts this soup to another level—I highly recommend trying it for your next batch.
Dietary mods: For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, or use ground turkey instead of beef to reduce fat.
Seasonal twists: In cooler months, stir in some chopped kale or spinach at the end for a healthy green boost that doesn’t overpower the cheeseburger vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and build your base

I start by browning the ground beef in a roomy 3-quart saucepan. Make sure to break the meat into small crumbles so it cooks evenly. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat (unless you like it richer). Then, using the same pot, add a tablespoon of butter and toss in the diced onion, shredded carrots, celery, dried parsley, and basil. Cook these together until the veggies soften—this step builds incredible flavor and tender texture you’ll appreciate later.

Step 2: Simmer with broth and potatoes

Next, stir in the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and your browned beef. Bring everything up to a boil, then cover and let it simmer on low for about 10-12 minutes—or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer helps all those tasty ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Make the roux and thicken the soup

Meanwhile, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and keep stirring on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smooth—this is your roux, the thickening agent. Pour the roux into the simmering soup, raise heat to bring it back to a boil, and cook for 2 more minutes while stirring to activate the thickening process.

Step 4: Add cheese, milk, and seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the cubed Velveeta or shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese completely melts and the soup turns creamy and luscious. Finally, remove from heat and whisk in sour cream for a subtle tang that brightens up the whole bowl.

Top Tip

Making Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is pretty straightforward, but I learned a few things that really help get the best flavor and texture. These tips are little nuggets from my kitchen that you might find helpful on your first try or when you want to level up the dish.

Don’t rush browning the beef: Taking your time to get a nice sear adds flavor and texture; avoid stirring too often so it crisps slightly.
Cook the roux patiently: Letting the butter and flour bubble together for a few minutes helps cook out the raw flour taste and ensures the soup thickens properly.
Cheese selection matters: Velveeta melts ultra-smooth for that classic creamy soup, but if you want stronger cheeseburger flavor, mix in sharp cheddar.
Don’t boil after adding cheese: Keep heat low to prevent cheese from separating or curdling, stirring gently until just melted.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add a little crunch or brightness without overpowering. Freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits really elevate the soup. Sometimes I toss on a few tortilla chips or crumbled crackers for texture. Oh, and if you love pickles on a burger, try a small spoonful of diced pickles on top — it adds a fun zing.

Side Dishes

This soup holds its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple garden salad or some warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit. For a casual night, grilled cheese sandwiches or even oven-roasted potatoes make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out potatoes for a fun “burger-in-a-bowl” experience. When hosting, topping with shredded lettuce and diced tomato mimics a classic cheeseburger plate, bringing a playful visual pop that guests enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover cheeseburger soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day!

Freezing

I usually recommend against freezing this soup because dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, use an airtight freezer-safe container and plan to thaw it slowly in the fridge before gently reheating while stirring well.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the cheese smooth and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten up this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to boost the seasoning or add a bit more cheese for richness.

What type of cheese works best for this soup?

Velveeta is ideal if you want that ultra-smooth, creamy texture, but sharp cheddar adds fantastic authentic cheeseburger flavor. You can even mix the two to get the best of both worlds.

How do I prevent the cheese from curdling when reheating?

Reheat the soup gently over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added. Adding a little milk or cream during reheating can help keep the texture smooth.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and cooking the veggies on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker with the potatoes and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until potatoes are tender; add the roux and cheese mixture near the end for best results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that brings a little nostalgic comfort and big smiles with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving friends on a chilly day, it delivers warmth, flavor, and a fun twist on classic cheeseburger flavors. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite soup!