If you're craving all the cozy flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, comforting bowl, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is just what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty goodness, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a hug in a bowl.

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

I remember the first time I made this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe after a long day—instantly, it felt like dinner and comfort had collided in the best way. It’s rich and filling but not fussy, which makes it my go-to on busy weeknights when I want something tasty fast.

Classic flavors: It captures everything you love about a cheeseburger but in a slurpable, creamy soup form.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of what’s needed right in your fridge already—making it super accessible.
Hearty and satisfying: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese will keep you full and cozy for hours.
Super customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients and toppings to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

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

Every ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe pulls its weight and adds layers of flavor and texture. They come together to mimic that perfect cheeseburger bite but in a heartwarming soup. When shopping, pick the freshest veggies and a good quality cheese to really make it shine.

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: Brings that hearty, savory base—best to use lean so it’s not too greasy.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Shredded carrots: They sneak in a touch of natural sweetness and color without overpowering.
Diced celery: Gives a subtle freshness and crunch.
Dried basil and parsley flakes: These herbs brighten the overall flavor without needing fresh herbs.
Butter: Used twice—once for sautéing, and for the roux (more on that later) to make the soup luxuriously creamy.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Diced potatoes: They make the soup filling, adding a tender bite that’s perfect for soaking up cheese.
All-purpose flour: Works with butter to create a roux that thickens the soup beautifully.
Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese: Velveeta melts like a dream for that ultra creamy texture, but sharp cheddar gives a punch of flavor—your choice!
Milk: Adds creaminess and a lighter richness than heavy cream.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing out the richness.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end to add a subtle tang and extra smoothness.

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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

One of the things I love most about making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to keep the base classic, but adding little twists makes it feel new every time.

Variation: Try swapping the Velveeta for sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor—just mess around with what melts well.
Healthier version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
Extra veggies: Add bell peppers or corn for extra sweetness and texture if you want a veggie boost.
Spicy twist: A dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño gives it a little kick that wakes up your taste buds.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

Start by browning the ground beef in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Don’t rush—breaking it apart evenly ensures every bite has good texture. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside. Using the same pan (saving on dishes here!), add a tablespoon of butter, then toss in your onions, carrots, celery, parsley, and basil. Cook gently until everything’s softened and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. This base is where all the great flavor builds.

Step 2: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef

Pour in the chicken broth, the diced potatoes, and your cooked ground beef. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. You want your potatoes tender but not falling apart. They’re doing double duty here, adding body and comfort.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Thicken

Here’s the trick to that perfectly creamy soup texture: in a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes. You’re cooking off the raw flour taste and making a roux. When it’s bubbly and golden, whisk it slowly into your soup. Bring it back to a boil and stir for a couple more minutes until it thickens nicely.

Step 4: Melt in Cheese and Finish with Sour Cream

Turn the heat down low and stir in your cheese cubes or shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup is silky smooth. Finally, take it off the heat and swirl in the sour cream for that extra creamy tang that I find irresistible.

Top Tip

After making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few little things that make a big difference. These tips save time and help your soup taste like it’s from a cozy diner.

Don’t skip draining the beef: Excess grease makes the soup too oily and can overwhelm the other flavors.
Cook your roux slowly: Low and slow helps you avoid lumps and gives you that velvety thickness.
Use Velveeta for super creamy texture: I’ve found it melts better than cheddar, but if you want sharper flavor, mix both.
Adjust seasonings at the end: Salt and pepper balance out the richness—taste as you go and add gradually.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with crisp shredded cheddar, a sprinkling of green onions, and just a few dashes of hot sauce to bring a little zing. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice contrast. These simple garnishes turn the soup from casual to a little something special.

Side Dishes

Some crusty bread or buttery toasted buns are my top picks—because, well, it’s a cheeseburger soup! A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also brightens up the richness perfectly. Or if it’s a chillier night, garlic bread never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—so fun and totally on theme! You can also sprinkle crushed potato chips on top for that authentic burger crunch or even serve alongside mini slider sandwiches to double down on cheeseburger vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating—it tends to thicken as it chills.

Freezing

I've tried freezing this soup a couple of times. It freezes okay but the texture of potatoes can get a little grainy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking fresh potatoes when reheating for best texture or skip the sour cream until serving.

Reheating

The stove works best for reheating since you can stir continuously and keep that smooth texture. Heat gently on medium-low and add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different cheeses for this cheeseburger soup recipe?

Absolutely! While Velveeta melts smoothly and creates that ultra creamy texture, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or a mix. Just make sure to add cheese slowly and stir until fully melted for the best results.

How do I prevent my cheeseburger soup from being greasy?

The key is draining the browned ground beef well before adding it back into the soup. Also, avoid cooking the beef with excessive oil. Using lean ground beef helps reduce grease. If you find the soup still has excess fat, skim it off the top before serving.

Can I make this cheeseburger soup recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils to maintain texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider plant-based cheese alternatives. The vegetables and seasonings will keep the flavor delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover cheeseburger soup?

Reheat leftover soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that always brings smiles around my kitchen table. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to share with friends. I hope when you make it, you enjoy that perfect cheesy, meaty warmth that feels like home in a bowl. Give it a try—you might find it’s your next favorite comfort food too!