There’s nothing quite like the cozy, creamy goodness of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Every spoonful wraps you in comforting flavors reminiscent of your favorite burger, but in a warm, satisfying bowl. It’s a total game-changer for dinner nights!

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with thick creamy soup containing visible chunks of ground meat, small pieces of carrots, and celery. The soup has a pale yellow color with a smooth, rich texture, topped with a generous layer of shredded bright orange cheese that slightly melts into the soup. A silver spoon inside the bowl holds a scoop of the chunky soup, showing the mix of vegetables and meat clearly. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a slice of bread blurred in the background. 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 can’t tell you how many times this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has saved my chilly evenings. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just plain satisfying, plus it’s so simple to pull together. I bet you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!).

All-in-One Comfort: It’s like your favorite cheeseburger got cozy in a bowl — meat, cheese, and veggies all mingling in creamy soup form.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore it, making mealtime a breeze no matter who’s at the table.
Super Easy Prep: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just basics that come together quickly.
Customizable: Whether you want it extra cheesy, loaded with veggies, or a bit lighter, this recipe bends to your taste.

The image shows a thick, creamy soup with a light yellow color, filled with chunks of potatoes, small pieces of cooked ground meat, slices of green vegetables, and tiny orange bits that look like carrots. The soup has a smooth, slightly textured surface with visible bits of black pepper and herbs sprinkled throughout. It is inside a large, round white pot with some soup residue on the inner sides. A silver ladle is lifting a scoop of the soup, showing its thick consistency and mixed ingredients closely. The pot is sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balancing rich, creamy cheese with savory beef and fresh veggies to create a soup that feels indulgent but still wholesome. Here’s why each ingredient is essential and some tips for choosing the best versions.

Flat lay of a mound of raw ground beef, a small pile of diced onions, a small pile of shredded carrots, a small pile of diced celery, a few sprigs of dried basil and parsley flakes, a few tablespoons of butter sticks, several peeled and diced potatoes arranged neatly, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a bowl of cubed processed cheese, a glass of milk, a small bowl of sour cream, salt and pepper sprinkled artistically, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground beef: The star protein, browned for rich flavor and hearty texture. Use lean to keep it from being greasy.
Chopped onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth that softens while sautéing.
Shredded carrots: Gives subtle sweetness and a bit of texture, plus a pop of color.
Diced celery: Crunchy, fresh notes balance the creamy base perfectly.
Dried basil & parsley flakes: These herbs bring an aromatic brightness that lifts the soup.
Butter: Used twice — for sautéing veggies and making the roux, it enriches the soup’s flavor and silky texture.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Peeled and diced potatoes: The comfort factor — they break down slightly, thickening the soup and adding heartiness.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup when combined with butter in the roux.
Velveeta or cheddar cheese: Velveeta melts smoothly for that classic diner taste, while cheddar adds sharper flavor — I usually mix the two for best results.
Milk: Keeps the soup creamy without being heavy.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to bring all the flavors forward.
Sour cream: The finishing touch that adds tang and richness.

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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 reasons I love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is its flexibility. Depending on what’s in your fridge or your mood, you can easily adjust the flavors or ingredients without missing a beat.

Variation: For a lighter soup, swap half the butter for olive oil and use reduced-fat cheese — it still tastes fantastic! I once added a handful of corn kernels and it added a subtle sweetness that everyone enjoyed.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the beef, and try browned mushrooms or lentils to keep it hearty.
Extra veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or green beans if you want to sneak in more color and nutrients.

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

Step 1: Brown the beef just right

Start by browning the ground beef in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s browned through, drain off any excess fat — this helps keep the soup from getting greasy while still packing in that meaty flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies until tender

In the same pan (no need to wash it!), add 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in the onion, carrots, celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a tasty base for the soup.

Step 3: Add broth, potatoes, and beef; simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes and cooked beef. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes — or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll start to see the flavors meld together beautifully here.

Step 4: Make the roux for creamy thickness

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes — you want it bubbly and golden but not burnt. Slowly whisk this roux into the simmering soup and bring it back up to a boil. This thickens the soup perfectly.

Step 5: Melt in cheese and finish with sour cream

Lower the heat to low and stir in your cubed Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is silky smooth. Finally, remove it from heat and blend in the sour cream for a little tang and extra creaminess.

Top Tip

After trying this recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to “wow.” Here’s what you don’t want to miss:

Drain the beef well: Too much grease makes the soup oily, so be sure to drain thoroughly right after browning.
Cook the roux gently: Don’t rush this part — keeping the butter and flour just bubbly prevents a floury aftertaste.
Use Velveeta for creaminess: Velveeta melts smoother than cheddar alone, but mixing cheeses can boost flavor complexity.
Blend in sour cream off heat: Adding sour cream after cooking preserves its tang and prevents curdling.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with extra shredded cheddar or crumbled cooked bacon for that satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley brightens things up and looks so inviting. If you like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce on top can work wonders.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty filling on its own, but I often serve it with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every last drop. A crisp side salad balances the richness nicely and adds freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I’ve ladled the soup into mini bread bowls — talk about impressive! You could also garnish with mini slider buns on the side for that ultimate cheeseburger vibe. It’s a fun spin that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers? Store your Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens as it cools, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully, but if you do, leave out the sour cream when freezing and add it fresh after reheating. Freeze in portions for quick, comforting meals later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Add a little milk or broth if it gets too thick. Stir in sour cream at the end to revive that fresh, creamy tang.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While Velveeta gives a smooth creaminess, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to match your flavor preferences.

Is this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe includes flour to thicken the soup, so it isn’t gluten-free as written. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to make it safe for gluten-sensitive folks.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers without them separating?

Reheat gently on low heat and stir frequently. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency. Also, stir in sour cream at the end to keep the flavors fresh and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation, especially when the weather turns chilly or I need something quick and comforting. It’s cozy, cheesy, and downright delicious — like a hug from the inside out. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own, whether for a cozy night in or to impress friends with a unique twist on classic comfort food.