There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm bowl filled with rich, cheesy goodness and hearty beef flavors. This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe hits all those notes and more, making it a perfect dinner when you want comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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 keep coming back to this cheeseburger soup because it’s that rare combination of quick to throw together but packed with flavor. It’s like all your favorite parts of a cheeseburger, but in a creamy, cozy soup you can slurp up on a chilly evening.

Simple ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples and fresh veggies make this shine.
Cheesy comfort: The Velveeta or cheddar melt creates this velvety texture that feels so indulgent without being complicated.
Balanced flavors: The carrots, celery, and herbs add a subtle brightness that keeps this from feeling too heavy.
Family-friendly: Everyone in my house, from picky kids to adults, can’t get enough of this soup.

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

Every ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays its part to create a balanced, flavorful bowl. I find using fresh veggies with the rich cheese and ground beef makes it comforting yet not bland.

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: Provides that hearty, savory base flavor right from the start.
Onion, carrots, and celery: Classic trio that adds freshness, slight sweetness, and texture.
Dried basil and parsley flakes: Herbs that lift the soup with subtle aromatic notes.
Butter: Adds richness while helping cook the veggies and making the roux.
Chicken broth: Build the soup’s savory liquid base, favors beef broth well too!
Potatoes: Give body and creaminess as they soften and break down.
Flour: Thickens the soup beautifully when cooked in butter to make the roux.
Velveeta or cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, irresistible cheesiness.
Milk: Smooths out the soup to just the right texture.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
Sour cream: Stirred at the end for tangy creaminess and a silky finish.

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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

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can tweak it for your tastes or dietary needs. I love adding a bit of smoky paprika or swapping out the ground beef for turkey to lighten it up.

Variation: Once, I tried mixing in some cooked bacon pieces for extra smoky crunch—what a hit that was with my family!
Cheese choice: Velveeta melts ultra-smooth, but real cheddar adds more punch—go with what you prefer.
Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and add mushrooms or lentils; it’s less "cheeseburger" but still super tasty.
Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños can add a nice kick if you like heat.

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

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat and browning the ground beef. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks to get that even texture. Once cooked, drain the excess fat well—too much grease can make the soup heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs

In the same pan (no need to dirty another), melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in your chopped onion, shredded carrots, celery, basil, and parsley. Cook them gently until everything is tender and the onions are translucent. This step infuses the soup with a subtle sweetness and herbiness that balances the beef.

Step 3: Add Broth, Potatoes & Beef, Then Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth, then add the peeled and diced potatoes along with the cooked beef back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for around 10-12 minutes. You want the potatoes nice and tender but not falling apart completely.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken the Soup

While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet, then whisk in the flour. Stir the mixture continuously for 3-5 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly—this cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the roux to the soup, stirring constantly, then bring it back to a boil. Let it cook for a couple more minutes until the soup thickens up beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Milk & Final Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in your cheese cubes or shredded cheese along with the milk. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts into that luscious, creamy base. Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove the pot from heat before folding in the sour cream for a velvety finish that really makes this soup special.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned small tweaks can make your cheeseburger soup shine even more. Here are the tips I swear by to get perfect texture and flavor every time.

Drain the beef well: Excess grease can make your soup oily rather than creamy—trust me, that first draining is key.
Cook the roux slowly: Letting the butter and flour cook until bubbly helps develop that rich thickening without floury taste.
Use fresh herbs if possible: Dried work fine too, but fresh parsley and basil really brighten the soup up if you have them.
Add sour cream last: Stir it in off the heat to keep it from curdling and to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar and some chopped green onions or crispy crumbled bacon for a textural pop. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few pickles on the side make it feel like a real cheeseburger experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or crunchy crusty bread to soak up every last spoonful. I also love a side of oven-baked fries or even a classic grilled cheese for a full-on cheeseburger-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—which was a big hit! You can also use colorful bowls and garnish with fun toppings like diced tomatoes and pickles for a little extra visual interest that gets everyone excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts great for 3-4 days. Flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a win to have it as next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works okay but the texture can change a bit—especially the potatoes get softer. If you do freeze, cool it completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps restore that creamy texture without it thickening up too much or getting grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery soup. The flavor will be milder, so you might want to punch up the seasoning a bit.

What’s the best cheese to use for cheeseburger soup?

Velveeta cheese melts really smoothly and gives the soup a creamy texture, which is why it’s popular in this recipe. However, shredded sharp cheddar cheese offers a more robust, authentic cheeseburger flavor. You can use either based on your preference, or even mix both!

Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Add the cheese, milk, and sour cream at the end and stir until melted and combined.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping in the soup?

To avoid clumping, reduce the heat to low before adding cheese and stir constantly as it melts. Adding cheese gradually and using cheeses that melt well (like Velveeta or shredded cheddar) also helps. Avoid boiling the soup once cheese is added.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has been my secret weapon for winter dinners and casual gatherings because it’s comforting, easy, and beloved by everyone who tries it. I encourage you to give it a go and make it yours—add your favorite toppings, tweak the spices, or keep it classic. Either way, you’re in for a deliciously cozy meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.