When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm bowl of Cheeseburger Soup. This rich, creamy soup brings together the heartiness of a classic burger and the smooth texture of cheesy potato chowder—all in one spoonful. Bursting with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and homey. Inspired by the famous version from The Recipe Critic, this easy-to-follow guide shows you how to make your own award-worthy Cheeseburger Soup in under an hour.
If you love warm, satisfying meals that the whole family enjoys, you might also like our Loaded Baked Potato Soup—a fan favorite that shares the same creamy goodness.
JUMP TO
Table of Contents
What Makes This Cheeseburger Soup So Special
The Secret to Its Creamy Texture
The magic behind this Cheeseburger Soup lies in its smooth, velvety texture. The soup starts with browned ground beef simmered in flavorful chicken broth, followed by diced potatoes that soften perfectly as they cook. A simple roux—made from butter and flour—acts as a thickener, giving the broth a luscious consistency. The real star, however, is the cheese. Whether you use classic Velveeta for that nostalgic creaminess or sharp cheddar for extra depth, the melted cheese blends seamlessly with milk to create the ideal silky base.
The Comforting Flavors Behind This Award-Winning Recipe
Every spoonful of this soup feels like a hug in a bowl. The tender chunks of potato, sweet carrots, and celery bring subtle sweetness, while herbs like dried basil and parsley add warmth. The creamy base is rich but balanced, and the beef adds just enough savory flavor to make each bite filling and satisfying. It’s no wonder this recipe has earned rave reviews—it tastes like a cheeseburger and a hearty stew rolled into one comforting dish.
If you prefer a similar creamy comfort dish, check out our Broccoli Cheddar Soup, which offers the same rich cheese base with a healthy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Soup
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe special.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound | Adds rich, savory flavor |
| Onion | ¾ cup, chopped | Builds the soup’s aromatic base |
| Carrots | ¾ cup, shredded | Adds color and mild sweetness |
| Celery | ¾ cup, diced | Enhances flavor and texture |
| Dried basil & parsley flakes | 1 tsp each | Boosts flavor and aroma |
| Butter | 4 tbsp (divided) | Used for sautéing and thickening |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups | Provides depth and volume |
| Potatoes | 4 cups, diced | Adds heartiness and thickness |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | Thickens the soup base |
| Velveeta or cheddar cheese | 2 cups, cubed/shredded | Creates the creamy, cheesy texture |
| Milk | 1½ cups | Smooths out the soup |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Balances all the flavors |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup | Adds tang and a silky finish |
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins
Want to take your Cheeseburger Soup to the next level? Try topping it with crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, or toasted sesame bun croutons for that “burger” feel. For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or top with shredded mozzarella. You can even add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost.
Looking for more cozy ideas? Don’t miss our Homemade Beef Chili, another filling dish perfect for family dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Making Cheeseburger Soup from scratch is surprisingly simple once you follow these easy steps. You’ll have a pot of creamy, flavorful soup ready in less than 45 minutes.
1. Brown the Beef to Build Flavor
Start by browning one pound of lean ground beef in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside. This step is key to building a rich base—browned bits on the pan add extra flavor to your Cheeseburger Soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add chopped onions, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Sauté everything over medium heat until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, usually about 5–6 minutes. These veggies create the aromatic foundation that makes the soup comforting and flavorful.
3. Add the Broth, Potatoes, and Beef
Pour in the chicken broth, then add your peeled and diced potatoes. Return the cooked beef to the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmering helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
4. Make the Creamy Roux
In a separate skillet, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until bubbly. This roux will thicken your soup without making it heavy. Slowly pour the roux into your simmering soup, stirring continuously. Bring it back to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
5. Add the Cheese and Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Velveeta or cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to achieve that creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and blend in the sour cream for that final silky texture.
The result? A rich, creamy cheeseburger soup that’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Even though this recipe is simple, a few expert tricks can make your Cheeseburger Soup taste like it came straight from a professional kitchen.
How to Keep Your Soup from Curdling
Always remove the pot from heat before adding sour cream. If added too early, dairy can curdle and change the texture of your soup. Stir in the sour cream gently after turning off the burner to maintain a smooth finish.
Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes hold up best in this soup because they stay firm and creamy after simmering. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes can work too, but make sure not to overcook them—they tend to soften quickly.
Get the Cheese Texture Just Right
Velveeta gives this soup a classic, creamy diner-style texture, but shredded cheddar or Colby Jack works great for a sharper flavor. If you want an extra creamy version, try using half Velveeta and half sharp cheddar.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
This soup is incredibly versatile. For a Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, simply stir in cooked bacon pieces at the end. If you’re looking for something lighter, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Feeling bold? Add a dash of smoked paprika or a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth.
And if you love experimenting, our Bacon Potato Soup uses similar creamy techniques with a smoky twist.
Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Soup
A great thing about Cheeseburger Soup is that it tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen, and the texture remains thick and creamy when properly stored.
How to Store Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer your Cheeseburger Soup into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up since it thickens as it chills. Avoid leaving it uncovered or reheating on high heat—it can cause the dairy to separate.
Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
Technically, yes—but with caution. Soups containing milk, cheese, and potatoes can become grainy or separate once frozen. For best results, freeze Cheeseburger Soup without potatoes or sour cream. When ready to serve again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, reheat slowly, and add fresh potatoes and sour cream toward the end.
If you’re meal prepping or freezing soups often, you may also like our Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe, which freezes beautifully without losing flavor.
Cheeseburger Soup FAQs
Can you make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown your ground beef first, then add all ingredients (except milk, cheese, and sour cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3. Stir in milk, cheese, and sour cream during the last 15 minutes until melted and smooth.
What cheese works best for Cheeseburger Soup?
Velveeta melts easily and gives a perfectly creamy consistency, but shredded cheddar or Colby Jack can be used for a sharper taste. For extra richness, combine both types of cheese for balance.
How do you thicken Cheeseburger Soup?
The roux (butter and flour mixture) naturally thickens the soup. However, if you prefer a thicker texture, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Is Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use flour in the roux, but you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting cornstarch or rice flour as the thickening agent.
Can you make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve. Add a little broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Conclusion: Why Cheeseburger Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu
Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, comforting meal that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the coziness of homemade soup. With tender beef, creamy cheese, and hearty vegetables, it’s the kind of dish that wins over everyone at the table.
This easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or when you just need something satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to customize—add bacon for smokiness, swap cheeses for flavor variety, or toss in extra veggies for nutrition.
PrintCheeseburger Soup
This award-winning Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful comfort food made with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for cold nights and easy enough for weeknight dinners, it combines the rich taste of a cheeseburger with the coziness of homemade soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 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
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed (or shredded cheddar cheese)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, basil, and parsley flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add diced potatoes and the cooked beef. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3–5 minutes until bubbly to create a roux.
- Gradually add the roux to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheese and milk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and blend in the sour cream just before serving for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for the best texture and less grease.
- Remove the pot from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Russet potatoes work best as they hold their shape while cooking.
- For extra flavor, add bacon bits, diced pickles, or Worcestershire sauce.
- To freeze, omit potatoes and sour cream until reheating.
