Cheeseburger Soup

Posted on October 10, 2025

Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and creamy dish that combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warming soup form. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this hearty soup brings joy to any table. With its rich texture and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes a generous amount, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or serving a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of cheese and savory ingredients creates an incredibly flavorful dish.
Versatile Meal: Great as a main course or served alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy appeal, this soup is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Comfort Food: This warm and creamy soup provides the ultimate comfort on cold days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large saucepan
Small skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large saucepan: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
Small skillet: Perfect for making the roux that thickens the soup without clumping.
Cutting board & knife: Ensures safe chopping of vegetables with ease.

Ingredients

Cheeseburger Soup features simple yet satisfying ingredients that blend beautifully together.

For the Base

1 pound ground beef
¾ cup onion (chopped)
¾ cup carrots (shredded)
¾ cup celery (diced)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 cloves garlic

For the Broth and Creaminess

4 tablespoons butter (divided)
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (okay to use gluten-free here)
12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes)
1½ cups milk

Seasonings

¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup sour cream

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley until the vegetables are tender—about 10 minutes. Press in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced potatoes and cooked beef. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make a Roux

While your soup simmers, melt the remaining butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add flour to create a roux; cook while stirring for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Stir this mixture into your soup; bring back to a boil and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Cream

Lower the heat to low. Add cheese cubes, milk, salt, and black pepper to your pot. Stir continuously until all cheese has melted into a creamy consistency. Remove from heat before blending in sour cream for added richness.

Enjoy your delicious Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience and make this creamy soup even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup, perfect for dipping.
Garlic Bread – Add some flavor with garlic bread; its buttery garlic goodness complements the richness of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Garnishes

Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkling chopped green onions on top adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Shredded Cheese – A sprinkle of shredded cheese enhances the cheesiness and makes each bowl look inviting.

Served in Bread Bowls

Edible Bowls – Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist. It adds to the presentation and provides an extra treat at the end!

Accompanied by Salad

Caesar Salad – The crispness of a Caesar salad contrasts nicely with the creamy soup, making for a balanced meal.
Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and color, complementing the hearty nature of Cheeseburger Soup.

How to Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant and delicious.
Adjust Spice Levels – If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add hot sauce or extra pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Simmer Longer for Flavor – Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen flavors. Just be careful not to overcook the potatoes.
Experiment with Cheeses – While Velveeta is great, trying different cheeses like cheddar or gouda can add unique flavors that you may love.

Best Side Dishes for Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Cheeseburger Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese and garlic make for a comforting addition to your meal.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy soup.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, creating a nice contrast in textures.
Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are an excellent pairing, offering sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Classic grilled cheese sandwiches bring nostalgia and are perfect for dipping into your soup.
Veggie Platter with Dip – A colorful veggie platter gives an option for something light and healthy that pairs well with rich soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown it until it’s nice and caramelized for the best taste.
Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long will make them mushy. Aim for tenderness but still maintain some bite, about 10 minutes will usually do.
Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Using cold milk or cheese can cause them to clump. Let these ingredients come to room temperature before adding them to ensure a smooth texture.
Not Adjusting Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can result in bland soup. Always season gradually and taste as you go.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheddar or other low-quality cheeses can make the soup greasy or gritty. Stick with high-quality Velveeta for creaminess and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Use an airtight container: Store your Cheeseburger Soup in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh.
Duration: It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheeseburger Soup

Cool completely: Make sure your soup is cooled before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
Use freezer-safe containers: Choose containers that are safe for freezing, leaving space for expansion.
Duration: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cheeseburger Soup

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it appears too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheeseburger Soup made of?

Cheeseburger Soup consists of ground beef, vegetables like onion and carrots, creamy Velveeta cheese, broth, and seasonings all combined into a hearty meal.

Can I customize my Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or spices according to your preference. Feel free to experiment!

How do I thicken my Cheeseburger Soup?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add more flour during cooking or mix in some instant potato flakes as it simmers.

Is this Cheeseburger Soup healthy?

With lean beef and plenty of vegetables, this cheeseburger soup is hearty yet nutritious. Adjust ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store it properly as mentioned above.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a cozy night at home, this recipe will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Don’t hesitate to try various ingredients and customize it just how you like!