There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup that makes you feel right at home. This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly that—a cozy, hearty dish that blends all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one satisfying pot. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups for chilly evenings.

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 remember making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe after a long, cold day, and it instantly lifted my spirits. It’s comforting without being complicated, and everyone in my family always asks for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up even on busy weeknights.

All-in-One Comfort: It captures the best parts of a cheeseburger in a creamy, warm soup that's perfect for any season.
Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt down fancy items—most of these are pantry staples you probably already have.
Kid-Friendly: My picky eaters loved it, and I’m confident yours will, too, thanks to the familiar flavors.
Customizable: Whether you want it thicker, cheesier, or packed with veggies, you can easily tailor it to your liking.

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

The blend of ingredients in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe hits all the right notes: savory ground beef, tender veggies, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes. Each element complements the others perfectly—and knowing a few tips on what to choose helps the soup shine.

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: Using lean ground beef cuts down on excess grease, keeping your soup rich but not oily.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor; make sure to gently sauté it to soften and bring out its natural sweetness.
Carrots: Shredded carrots melt into the soup and add a subtle natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Celery: Provides a gentle crunch and aromatic freshness that balances the richness.
Dried Basil & Parsley: These herbs add depth without overpowering the signature cheeseburger flavor.
Butter: Used both for sautéing and making the roux—you’ll want a nice golden color without browning it too much.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together—homemade or store-bought both work well.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold because they hold their shape nicely and offer a creamy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the soup and creating a smooth, velvety base.
Cheese (Velveeta or Cheddar): Velveeta melts smoothly and gives a silky texture, while cheddar adds a richer, sharper flavor—choose what suits your taste.
Milk: Keeps the soup creamy without heaviness; whole milk works best here.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials—taste and adjust as you go.
Sour Cream: Added at the end for a tangy finish that brightens and balances the 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

I often tweak this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe depending on what's in my fridge or my mood. It’s such a forgiving base that you can make it work for you, no matter if you like it cheesier, veggie-loaded, or with a bit of a spicy kick.

Variation: I once added a handful of diced pickles and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic that true burger tang—gave it a fantastic depth!
Make it Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth to keep the hearty feel without meat.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to toss in corn, bell peppers, or even some frozen peas; they blend nicely with the other ingredients.
Extra Creamy: Add an extra half cup of sour cream or cream cheese for a luscious finish.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Set Aside

Start by heating your pan over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps it brown nicely instead of steaming. Once cooked through, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside. This prevents the soup from becoming greasy later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs

In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter and toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, parsley flakes, and dried basil. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender and the onions are translucent. This softens the veggies and lets those herb flavors bloom.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base

Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and the cooked ground beef back into the pan. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low, covering, and simmering for about 10-12 minutes. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender—that’s your signal to move to the next step.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken

In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden roux—not browned. Pour this mixture slowly into your soup while stirring to avoid lumps. Then bring the soup back to a boil and cook for two minutes. You’ll notice the texture become rich and creamy.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Milk, and Sour Cream

Stir in your cheese (Velveeta will melt super smooth, cheddar offers a sharper bite), milk, salt, and pepper. Keep gently stirring over low heat until the cheese fully melts. Finally, remove the pot from heat and stir in the sour cream to add that perfect creamy tang. Resist the urge to boil after adding sour cream—it can curdle if heated too much.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe dozens of times, and a few little tricks really help it turn out amazing every time. Whether it’s browning the beef properly or knowing when to add the sour cream, these tips save you from common pitfalls and deliver creamy, delicious soup.

Drain the Beef Well: This avoids greasy soup and keeps flavors balanced.
Cook the Roux Gently: Stirring constantly prevents burning and ensures smooth thickness.
Add Cheese Slowly: Melting it over low heat helps prevent grainy texture.
Don’t Boil After Adding Sour Cream: This keeps your soup silky and prevents curdling.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives for freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on top adds that final creamy touch.

Side Dishes

Simple crusty bread or buttery garlic toast pairs perfectly to help you scoop every last bit of this soup. A crisp green salad balances the richness nicely if you want to keep things lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties or potlucks, I sometimes serve this soup in mini bread bowls—little hollowed-out rolls make such a cute presentation and add extra flavor and texture. Garnishing with a pickle spear on the side even amps up the cheeseburger vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup thickens as it cools, so I add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but I recommend doing so before adding the sour cream, as it doesn’t freeze well. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove gently, then stir in sour cream at the end.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little milk or broth to loosen the soup if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in this soup?

Absolutely! While Velveeta and cheddar cheese are traditional choices, you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for a different twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but I recommend freezing before adding sour cream, as sour cream can separate when frozen and thawed. To reheat, thaw overnight, reheat gently on the stove, then stir in fresh sour cream.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or mushrooms for a similar texture, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying.

What can I serve with cheeseburger soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad are great companions to cheeseburger soup. For a fun twist, serving it in bread bowls or alongside classic burger toppings like pickles and bacon bits takes it to another level.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl — perfect for nourishing your soul on any day. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that’s sure to bring smiles around your table and maybe even a new favorite for your family. Go ahead and give it a try, I’m betting it’ll become a cherished recipe in your kitchen too!