CHEESEBURGER SOUP

 

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy cheeseburger soup to bring all the cozy vibes to your kitchen. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, melty cheese, and a creamy broth that hugs every spoonful. This soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long.

Now, if you’re a fan of a good cheeseburger (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this recipe is going to be your new favorite way to enjoy those flavors in soup form. Imagine everything you love about a juicy, cheesy burger transformed into a rich, velvety soup that you can eat with a spoon. It’s comforting, satisfying, and ridiculously delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make – Everything comes together in one pot!
• Full of flavor – A perfect blend of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender veggies.
• Kid-friendly – Even the pickiest eaters will devour this soup.
• Perfect for meal prep – It tastes even better the next day!

So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! This cheeseburger soup is about to become a family favorite.

Getting Started on the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy soup:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef – Adds that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• ¾ cup onion, chopped – Gives the soup a deep, savory taste.
• ¾ cup carrots, shredded – A touch of sweetness and texture.
• ¾ cup celery, diced – Adds a bit of crunch and freshness.
• 1 tsp dried basil – A hint of herby goodness.
• 1 tsp dried parsley – Brings out the flavors of the soup.
• 4 tbsp butter, divided – Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
• 3 cups chicken broth – The base of the soup that ties everything together.
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled & diced – Makes the soup extra hearty.
• ¼ cup flour – Helps thicken the soup to perfection.
• 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed – For that irresistibly creamy, cheesy goodness.
• 1 ½ cups milk – Keeps the soup smooth and velvety.
• ¾ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ to ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• ¼ cup sour cream – For extra creaminess and a little tang.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

First things first, grab a large pot and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nice and browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat—we want all that beefy goodness without the grease. Set the beef aside for now.

Pro Tip: Browning the beef properly gives the soup a deeper flavor. Try not to stir it too much while it’s cooking so it develops a nice crust!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

Next, stir in the dried basil and dried parsley. These herbs add a lovely depth to the soup and make it smell absolutely amazing.

Pro Tip: If you want to add even more flavor, throw in a clove of minced garlic while the veggies are sautéing!

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Now, it’s time to make this soup really come together. Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and the browned beef back into the pot. Give everything a good stir and turn the heat up to bring it to a gentle boil.

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is when all those amazing flavors start to meld together, so let the magic happen!

Pro Tip: Want an even heartier soup? Swap out the chicken broth for beef broth for a deeper, richer taste.

Step 4: Make the Roux (The Secret to a Creamy Soup)

If you’ve ever had a soup that was thin and watery when it was supposed to be thick and rich, it’s probably because it was missing a good roux. A roux is just a simple mixture of butter and flour that helps thicken soups and sauces, giving them that velvety texture we all love.

How to Make the Roux:

1.  In a small separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2.  Once the butter is fully melted, add ¼ cup of flour and whisk it together.
3. Keep whisking continuously for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color. You don’t want to skip this step, as it helps cook out the raw flour taste.

Now, take that beautiful roux and stir it into the soup pot. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, so it can work its thickening magic.

Pro Tip: If you want an even thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux. Just make sure to cook it well so it doesn’t taste raw!

Step 5: Add the Cheese & Milk (The Best Part!)

Now comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the cheese! What’s a cheeseburger without that rich, melty goodness?

How to Make It Extra Cheesy & Creamy:

1. Reduce the heat to low (this is important, so the cheese melts smoothly without getting grainy).
2.  Stir in 2 cups of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes.
3. Pour in 1 ½ cups of milk and stir everything together.

At this point, the soup will start transforming into a creamy, cheesy dream. The cheese melts beautifully into the broth, giving it that signature cheeseburger flavor. Keep stirring for a few minutes until everything is smooth and well combined.

Pro Tip: If you want a deeper, more complex cheese flavor, try mixing in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar along with the Velveeta!

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Now that our soup is almost done, it’s time to season it just right.

1. Add ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of black pepper, depending on your taste.
2. Give the soup a quick taste test—does it need a little more salt? A pinch of garlic powder? Maybe a dash of hot sauce for some heat? Customize it to your liking!

Step 7: The Final Touch—Sour Cream!

Just when you think this soup can’t get any better, there’s one last step that adds the perfect creamy, tangy finish—sour cream!

1. Remove the pot from heat.
2. Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream until fully incorporated.

The sour cream balances out the richness of the cheese and gives the soup that signature creamy texture. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

You did it! Your cheeseburger soup is now officially ready to serve, and let me tell you—it’s a thing of beauty. Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your favorite garnishes for an extra-special touch.

Topping Ideas:

• Shredded cheddar cheese – because more cheese is always a good idea!
• Crumbled turkey bacon – for that extra cheeseburger feel.
• Chopped green onions – adds a little fresh bite.
• Crushed croutons or tortilla chips – if you love a bit of crunch!

Pro Tip: Want to go full cheeseburger mode? Serve this soup with toasted hamburger buns or pretzel rolls on the side for dipping!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

To Store:

• Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• If the soup gets too thick, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Can You Freeze It?
Yes, but with a small warning: dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and give it a good stir.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option. It will change the flavor slightly, but the soup will still be rich and delicious. You could also try ground chicken or even a plant-based ground beef substitute!

2. What’s the best cheese to use in this soup?

I use Velveeta because it melts smoothly and gives the soup that classic cheeseburger flavor. However, you can also mix in shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Monterey Jack for a sharper, more complex taste.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a little heat, here are some ways to spice things up:

•  Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of Velveeta for a spicy kick.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Here’s how:

• Brown the beef first, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
• Add the veggies, broth, and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
• About 30 minutes before serving, make the roux and stir it into the soup. Then add the cheese, milk, and sour cream. Stir well and let it melt before serving!

5. What are the best toppings for cheeseburger soup?

To take this soup to the next level, try these toppings:

• Crumbled crispy turkey bacon for extra cheeseburger flavor.
• Diced pickles (sounds weird, but trust me, it works!).
•  Toasted sesame seeds for a burger bun effect.
•  A drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a fun cheeseburger twist.
• Crushed potato chips or croutons for crunch!

6. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! To make it gluten-free, use:

• Gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for the roux.
• Gluten-free broth (some brands contain hidden gluten).
• Gluten-free cheese (check labels to be sure).

7. How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if needed.

Fun Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize this soup!

Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Love turkey bacon? Crumble some crispy turkey bacon into the soup for an extra smoky flavor!

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

Use pepper jack cheese and add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the veggies.

Loaded Cheeseburger Soup

Top your bowl with chives, sour cream, and extra cheese for a loaded baked potato vibe.

Cheeseburger Veggie Soup

Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed version!

Keto Cheeseburger Soup

Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead for a low-carb version.

Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Make This Cheeseburger Soup

This creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting cheeseburger soup is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—in soup form! It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for cozy nights at home.

What makes this soup so special?

• Thick, creamy, and packed with flavor.
• Full of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese.
• Perfect for meal prep (even better the next day!)
• A guaranteed family favorite—everyone loves it!

Now, grab your spoon and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!

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