There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl filled with cheesy, savory goodness—this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of hug in a bowl. It combines all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, but in a creamy, sippable soup that's perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a little indulgence!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
What really makes this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe stand out for me is how it takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something memorable and satisfying. I've made this over and over, especially when I want something hearty but also a little nostalgic.
- All-in-One Comfort: It’s like having a cheeseburger and creamy soup all rolled into one cozy dish.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using familiar ingredients means you probably have everything on hand, making it approachable for any cook.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, mild flavors – it’s a dinner pleaser every time.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences without losing that comforting vibe.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays a special part in building those rich, layered flavors you’re craving. From the savory beef to the creamy cheese and tender veggies, everything balances perfectly. When shopping, aim for fresh carrots and celery for that subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings the classic burger flavor; choose lean to keep it from getting greasy.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with butter, giving the soup its savory backbone.
- Shredded carrots: Sneaks in a touch of natural sweetness and helps balance the richness.
- Diced celery: Gives subtle crunch and an aromatic lift that brightens the soup.
- Dried basil & parsley flakes: These herbs add freshness and a hint of earthiness without overpowering.
- Butter: Divided between sautéing veggies and making the roux, butter creates silky texture and rich flavor.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- Peeled and diced potatoes: Tender bites that soak up those delicious flavors and help thicken the soup naturally.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the roux which thickens the soup for that creamy feel.
- Velveeta or cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for a smooth, gooey cheeseburger essence—Velveeta melts ultra-smooth, but sharp cheddar gives a punchy flavor.
- Milk: Lightens the soup, replacing heavier cream without sacrificing creaminess.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- Sour cream: Stirred in last for tanginess and extra creaminess that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your taste or whatever you have in your fridge. Don’t hesitate to experiment—I promise it still tastes amazing!
- Variation: I like to swap the Velveeta for a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack—it adds deeper flavor. Sometimes, I toss in bacon bits for an extra smoky touch that our family goes wild over.
- Make it lighter: Use half and half or even milk instead of cream, and opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
- Veggie boost: Feel free to add extra diced bell peppers or corn to sneak in more color and texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef with love
I start by heating a big saucepan over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat well here—that keeps the soup rich but not greasy, which is key. Set the beef aside while you get the veggies going.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies and herbs
In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the diced onion, carrots, celery, parsley, and basil. Cook them gently until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Simmer the potatoes and beef
Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and the cooked beef back to the pan. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (usually 10–12 minutes). This part lets all those ingredients mingle and cozy up.
Step 4: Make the roux for thickening
While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and keep cooking for a few minutes until it bubbles and smells slightly nutty. Slowly whisk this roux into the soup. It thickens the broth so beautifully and gives that velvety texture you want.
Step 5: Cheese it up and finish strong
Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the cubed cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup is silky smooth. Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream—this final touch adds tang and creaminess that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really help this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe come together perfectly every time—and I’m happy to share!
- Drain the beef well: Removing excess grease after browning prevents a greasy soup – trust me, the difference is huge!
- Don’t skip simmering the veggies: Softened onions and carrots mix into the soup more beautifully, avoiding any harsh crunches.
- Add cheese off the heat: Stir the cheese in after removing the soup from heat to keep it creamy and avoid separation.
- Use a whisk for the roux: This helps you avoid lumps when adding the flour-butter mix to your soup and keeps the texture smooth.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping my cheeseburger soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and some chopped fresh chives or green onions—it adds a fresh pop and a little more flavor punch. Crispy bacon bits are another favorite when I want a smoky crunch. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of sour cream on top for that restaurant-style feel.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully with a big green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or some crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or even soft pretzel rolls work perfectly if you want something extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini bread bowls—talk about fancy comfort food! You can also sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top for a crunchy finish that nods to the cheeseburger concept. It’s always a hit at game-day parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even better after chilling, so leftovers can be even tastier! Just give it a good stir when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is totally doable, but I recommend doing so before adding the sour cream to keep the texture creamy when thawed. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat while stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up. Stir in sour cream after warming if you froze it without it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the cheese, make sure to choose vegetarian-friendly options.
Velveeta melts super smoothly and gives you that classic creamy texture, making it a favorite for many. That said, sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack also work well—they offer a deeper, more ‘real cheese’ flavor. Just make sure to stir the cheese in off the heat to keep the texture perfect.
Yes, frozen carrots and celery can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just be mindful to cook them until they’re tender but not overdone to avoid mushiness. You might want to add frozen veggies after sautéing the onions to keep their texture.
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still spoonable. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit to reduce it. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Final Thoughts
I keep coming back to this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe time and time again because it’s reliably tasty, comforting, and so easy to make. It reminds me of family dinners where the whole table is happy and relaxed, and I hope you’ll find it becomes one of your go-to dishes too. Try it out with your personal twists and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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