If you’ve ever wanted to cozy up with a bowl that tastes just like your favorite burger joint but in a warm, creamy soup form, then this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for any day you crave something hearty but simple. Let me walk you through why I think you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Cheeseburger Soup - A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup in a black bowl set on a white marbled surface. The soup shows different layers: a light yellow creamy base with small chunks of cooked vegetables such as carrots and celery, along with pieces of browned ground meat. On the top layer, there is a generous amount of shredded yellow cheese that partially melts into the hot soup. A silver spoon is scooping up a portion of the soup, revealing more solid chunks mixed in the creamy texture. A slice of rustic bread is slightly blurred in the background, adding context to the dish. 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

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe hits that nostalgic spot without the fuss. I remember making it after a rough day, and it immediately felt like a warm hug—easy, filling, and just downright tasty.

Classic Comfort Flavors: It combines all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, onion, and potatoes—into one cozy bowl.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll mostly use pantry staples and a few fresh veggies, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Customizable Comfort: Add or swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs easily.
One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze when everything’s made in one pan, freeing you up from extra dishes.

Cheeseburger Soup - The image shows a creamy yellow soup in a white pot with a thick texture made of several ingredients. There are visible chunks of light yellow potatoes, green pickles, small brown pieces of meat, and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout the soup. The creamy base has a smooth texture with some black pepper specks and herbs spread all over. A ladle is lifting a portion of the soup, highlighting the chunky ingredients and creamy consistency against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe plays a key role. They combine to mimic the juicy, cheesy, and savory elements of a burger while providing heartiness and creaminess that satisfy every spoonful.

Cheeseburger Soup - Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a rich red color with a slight marbled texture, bright orange shredded carrots, crisp pale green diced celery, small diced white potatoes with smooth skin, translucent chopped white onion, small cubes of creamy pale yellow Velveeta cheese, fresh green dried parsley flakes and dried basil scattered delicately, and a dollop of smooth white sour cream, all naturally arranged with some ingredients overlapping gently, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground Beef: This is the base. Brown it well for that rich, meaty flavor that makes the soup feel like a real cheeseburger.
Chopped Onion, Carrots & Celery: Veggies add sweetness, crunch, and depth, balancing the savory beef perfectly.
Dried Basil & Parsley: These herbs give a gentle fresh kick without overpowering that classic cheeseburger taste.
Butter: Used for sautéing and making the roux — essential for that velvety texture that holds the soup together.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory note to build the soup’s body.
Potatoes: They bulk up the soup with creamy texture and make it more filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter for the roux, it thickens the soup beautifully.
Velveeta or Cheddar Cheese: Cheese is what makes it “cheeseburger” – Velveeta melts smoothly, cheddar adds sharpness, so pick your favorite!
Milk: For creaminess; use whole or 2% like I do for the best consistency.
Salt & Pepper: To season and highlight all the flavors.
Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end for that tangy finish that cuts through 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

One of my favorite things about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. Personally, I love throwing in a handful of sharp cheddar for extra flavor and sometimes a dash of hot sauce when I want a little kick.

Variation: Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based beef for a lighter or vegetarian option—I tested the turkey version and it came out just as comforting, if not a bit leaner.
Cheese Choice: Use your favorite cheese—Velveeta makes it ultra creamy, but sharp cheddar or a cheddar-monterey jack blend adds great depth.
Additional Veggies: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or corn for more color and sweetness.
Spice Level: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of Dijon mustard for a flavor twist that brightens the soup.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef Right

I start by browning the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan. Make sure you don’t crowd the pan or stir too often—let it get those nice browned bits for flavor, then drain the excess fat. This step gives the soup its meaty, hearty base, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies with Butter & Herbs

In the same pan, I add a tablespoon of butter followed by diced onion, shredded carrots, celery, parsley flakes, and basil. Cook gently until everything is tender—this softens the veggies and blends the herbs with the beefy flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef to Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, add the peeled diced potatoes, and return the browned beef to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are just tender. This step infuses the soup with all those rich flavors.

Step 4: Make the Roux to Thicken

While the soup is simmering, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden. Then whisk this roux into the soup, bring back to a boil, and cook for 2 more minutes. This is what makes the soup wonderfully thick and creamy.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese & Finish with Sour Cream

Lower the heat to low and stir in your cubed Velveeta or shredded cheddar, along with the milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese completely melts into the soup, giving it that signature cheeseburger flavor and silky texture. Lastly, take the pot off the heat and blend in the sour cream for a nice tangy richness that balances all the flavors.

Top Tip

After making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it just perfect every time. These little tweaks helped me avoid the common pitfalls like a grainy cheese texture or overcooked potatoes.

Use Velveeta for Smoothness: Velveeta melts more evenly than some shredded cheeses, which helps avoid clumps or graininess—especially if you’re new to soup-making.
Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: That browning adds a deep, savory flavor foundation. Even if it takes a few extra minutes, it’s worth it.
Roux Patience: Cook the flour and butter until bubbly before adding to the soup. This cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens your soup perfectly.
Stir in Sour Cream Off Heat: Adding sour cream after removing the pot from heat prevents curdling and keeps it silky smooth.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a few crunchy croutons, and sometimes a dash of chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits for extra texture and that “just-like-a-burger” feel. It’s like finishing off your burger with all the toppings, but in a soup bowl—delicious!

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy broth. Occasionally I whip up some garlic bread or even sweet potato fries for an indulgent meal that hits all the comfort food notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a casual party, I like filling mini bread bowls with the soup—everyone loves the novelty and the edible bowl adds another layer of flavor and fun. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser and looks charming on any buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I honestly think it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing cheeseburger soup can be a little tricky because of the dairy, but if you freeze it before adding the sour cream, it freezes beautifully. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in fresh sour cream after reheating to keep it creamy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. I avoid microwaving because it can cause the cheese to separate, but if you must, use a low power setting and stir every minute.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use shredded cheddar instead of Velveeta in this cheeseburger soup recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded cheddar works well and gives a sharper flavor, but make sure to stir slowly over low heat to avoid clumping or graininess. Velveeta melts more smoothly, especially if you’re looking for a really creamy end result.

Is this cheeseburger soup recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! Freeze the soup before adding the sour cream for best results. Then thaw in the fridge and add fresh sour cream when reheating to keep the texture smooth.

Can I make this cheeseburger soup recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also want to add more seasoning or umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce to boost the flavor.

What side dishes go well with cheeseburger soup?

I love serving this soup with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or even sweet potato fries. The crispy textures contrast nicely with the creamy soup and round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is like a little bowl of joy on a chilly day. It’s one of those dishes that feels like an instant homemade hug—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, this soup delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, it’s a winner that never gets old!