If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl, you have to try this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It is hearty, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a cozy meal, this soup brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and velvety melted cheese for a delicious spin on a classic favorite. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such an unforgettable taste that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays a vital role in bringing out its comforting flavors and inviting textures. From savory ground beef to the creamy Velveeta cheese, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make your soup burst with flavor and richness.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: The savory foundation that gives the soup that hearty cheeseburger essence.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies for deeper flavor.
- 3/4 cup chopped onion: Offers a mild sweetness and aromatic base.
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots: Brings a subtle natural sweetness and bright color to the dish.
- 3/4 cup diced celery: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the creamy textures.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses gentle herbal notes to complement the meat and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: Adds a touch of earthiness and visual appeal.
- 1-3/4 pounds (about 4 cups) cubed peeled potatoes: These hearty potatoes make the soup wonderfully filling.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup, creating a luscious creamy texture.
- 8 to 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed: The star ingredient for that signature smooth, melty cheeseburger taste.
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness that balances the savory notes.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right without overpowering.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Offers a subtle kick to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to finish the soup with a velvety smooth touch.
- Optional: Onion rings and thinly sliced green onions: Perfect garnishes that add a crispy and fresh contrast.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium heat and cooking the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns until no longer pink—this usually takes about six to eight minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess grease to keep the soup from becoming oily, then set the beef aside. This simple step sets the meaty, flavorful foundation that is essential for the rich cheeseburger character in the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same saucepan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley. Sauté these together until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, which takes around ten minutes. This slow cooking releases their natural sweetness and builds a delicious base that complements the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Beef
Next, toss in the cubed peeled potatoes, chicken broth, and the cooked ground beef back into the saucepan. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for ten to twelve minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to melt in your mouth. This step ensures the soup has the hearty texture and perfect bite.
Step 4: Make the Roux
While the potatoes cook, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour in and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and turns slightly golden—about three to five minutes. This roux will thicken the soup, giving it that creamy, velvety consistency we all crave in a cheeseburger soup.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Pour the prepared roux into the soup pot, bringing the mixture back to a gentle boil. Stir and cook for an additional two minutes to allow the soup to thicken evenly, making every spoonful wonderfully creamy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely, blending into the soup for that luscious, cheesy texture that defines this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
Finally, remove the soup from heat and incorporate the sour cream carefully, stirring it in for a smooth, tangy finish. Adding the sour cream off the heat prevents it from curdling and ensures your soup maintains that silky consistency. At this point, your soup is ready to serve or garnish as you like!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crispy onion rings and thinly sliced green onions brings texture and a fresh bite that contrast beautifully with the creamy soup. Onion rings introduce a fun crunch while green onions add vibrant color and a mild zestiness. These simple touches elevate your bowl and make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every flavorful drop. A crisp green salad can add a refreshing balance to the richness, while classic potato wedges or fries echo the cheeseburger theme, creating a fun and hearty meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make family dinners special, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for a visually stunning presentation. You can also top it with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of ranch for added layers of flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless and every option tastes amazing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, the soup stays delicious for up to three days. This makes it perfect for a quick reheat on a busy day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but keep in mind the texture of the potatoes might soften slightly after thawing. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, so you can always have a comforting meal ready at hand.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and help the cheese reincorporate smoothly. Avoid high heat to keep the soup creamy without curdling. A splash of milk can refresh the texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta melts smoothly and creates that iconic creamy texture, sharp cheddar will add a more pronounced cheese flavor. Just be sure to grate it finely and add it slowly to avoid clumping.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or omit it altogether and use vegetable broth. Adding mushrooms or lentils can boost the umami flavor and keep the soup hearty.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, but some steps like sautéing the vegetables and making the roux are best done on the stove for optimal flavor and texture. After those steps, combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, providing creaminess and tang without changing the flavor profile too much. Just add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
How spicy is this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that instantly makes you think of home and cozy nights spent enjoying the best kind of comfort food. It’s simple to make yet impressively rich in flavor and texture, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly special. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection—you might even find yourself craving it again and again!
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and creamy Cheeseburger Soup combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of melted Velveeta cheese with fresh vegetables for a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or chilly days. Enhanced with fresh herbs and topped optionally with crispy onion rings and green onions, this soup captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a rich and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1/2 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1–3/4 pounds (about 4 cups) cubed peeled potatoes
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 to 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- 1–1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Other
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Optional Garnishes
- Onion rings
- Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and drain any excess grease. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs: Using the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add Potatoes, Broth, and Beef: Stir in the cubed peeled potatoes, chicken broth, and the cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Prepare the Roux: While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Roux and Boil: Add the roux to the simmering soup. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes to thicken the broth.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook gently until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. This step prevents curdling and adds a creamy tang to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with crispy onion rings and thinly sliced green onions for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Removing the soup from heat before adding sour cream prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.
- Velveeta cheese can be adjusted depending on desired cheesiness and creaminess, starting at 8 ounces and up to 16 ounces.
- For a thicker soup, add a bit more flour in the roux step; for a thinner consistency, add extra chicken broth or milk.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Optional toppings such as crispy bacon or shredded cheddar cheese can enhance the flavor further.
