There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. My cheeseburger soup recipe is absolutely one of them. It captures all the savory, cheesy goodness you crave from a great burger. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with soft potatoes and a rich, creamy broth. This soup is pure comfort right in your bowl.
I love to make a big pot of this on a chilly evening. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for company. Friends always rave about how it tastes just like a classic burger, but in a wonderfully soupy form.
Why I Love This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This cheeseburger soup recipe is a weeknight winner. It’s surprisingly quick to make. You get all the delicious flavors of lunch. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. It’s pure comfort food magic.
- Speedy for busy nights
- Big burger taste, no fuss
- So very comforting
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Ingredients
The magic of this soup really comes from its humble, yet flavorful, ingredients. It transforms everyday pantry staples into something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect, rich cheeseburger flavor.
Here’s what makes this cheeseburger soup recipe sing:
- Lean ground beef: This is our hearty base, bringing that classic burger taste.
- Olive oil: Just a touch helps soften our aromatic vegetables beautifully.
- Yellow onion, carrots, and celery: This trio creates a flavor foundation, adding sweetness and savory depth.
- Garlic: A little bit goes a long way! It adds that essential aromatic punch.
- Beef broth: This liquid gold ties everything together, forming the lovely, rich soup base.
- Potatoes: They add a wonderful, comforting texture and body to the soup.
- Dried basil and oregano: These herbs bring subtle notes that complement the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for waking up all the other tastes.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens our soup, giving it that wonderfully creamy consistency.
- Milk: It adds richness and further contributes to our creamy texture.
- Velveeta cheese and sharp cheddar cheese: The stars of the show! They create that irresistible, gooey cheeseburger hug.
- Ketchup and yellow mustard: These bring that signature tangy, slightly sweet cheeseburger condiment flavor.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have Velveeta? No worries! About 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese work just fine. For an even creamier soup, reach for whole milk. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones if you have them. You can also toss in other veggies like peas or corn. Remember, exact amounts are in the recipe card!
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Let’s get this delicious cheeseburger soup recipe cooking! Making this hearty dish is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for amazing results. You’ll love how easy it is to get that burger flavor in a comforting bowl.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Grab a big Dutch oven. Cook your ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s all browned. Drain off any extra fat. Set the cooked beef aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add olive oil to the same pot. Toss in the chopped onion. Add the diced carrots and celery too. Cook these veggies until they’re nice and soft. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just one more minute until it smells wonderful.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth. Add your diced potatoes next. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat. Cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes should be tender.
Step 4: Make the Thickener
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour. Add 1/2 cup of the milk. Whisk until it’s perfectly smooth. This mixture is called a slurry. It helps thicken our soup.
Step 5: Thicken and Enrich the Soup
Pour the rest of the milk into the soup pot. That’s the remaining 1 1/2 cups. Slowly whisk in your flour slurry. Keep stirring! Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly. It should start to thicken up a bit. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Goodness
Turn the heat down to low. Now for the best part! Add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese too. Stir gently. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted. It should be completely smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Flavor Boost and Seasoning
Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard. These add that classic cheeseburger tang. Give it a taste test. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Make it perfect for you!
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese. Add any of your favorite toppings. Cooked bacon bits are great! Chopped pickles add a nice crunch. Fresh parsley gives it a pop of color. Serve this amazing cheeseburger soup right away. Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Store Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Leftover cheeseburger soup is a true treat! Store cooled soup in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup. Let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen soup is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Success with Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Browning Beef is Key: Don’t skip browning the beef well. It adds great flavor.
- Dice Veggies Uniformly: Cut onions, carrots, and celery evenly. This ensures even cooking.
- Potato Tenderness: Cook potatoes until fork-tender. They blend up nicely.
- Whisk Slurry Smoothly: Ensure your flour and milk slurry has no lumps. This prevents clumps in your soup.
- Low Heat for Cheese: Melt cheese over low heat. This prevents scorching or separation. Stir constantly.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard to your liking.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Gathering the right tools makes cooking this cheeseburger soup recipe a breeze. You likely have most of these on hand!
- Large Dutch oven or pot: For cooking and simmering. A large saucepan also works.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping vegetables and cheese.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Whisk: Essential for making the thickening slurry smooth.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing.
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This hearty cheeseburger soup recipe is a meal in itself! You can serve it with:
- A crisp side salad.
- Crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
- A drizzle of extra hot sauce for spice lovers.
- A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade.
- Serve in fun mugs for a playful presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Can I make this cheeseburger soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! This cheeseburger soup recipe tastes even better the next day. Make it up to step 6 and let it cool. Store it in the fridge. Then, gently reheat it on the stove and add the final cheese stir in steps 6 and 7 just before serving.
What are some good ingredient swaps for this soup?
Feel free to customize! If you don’t have Velveeta, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar work wonderfully. You can also add other veggies like corn or peas for extra flavor. For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef in this cheeseburger soup recipe.
How do I prevent the soup from being too greasy?
It’s important to drain off excess fat after browning the ground beef. This step removes much of the grease. Using lean ground beef and skimming any remaining fat from the surface after cooking also helps keep this cheeseburger soup recipe wonderfully rich but not oily.
Can I use low-fat milk or cheese?
You can! Using low-fat milk will result in a slightly less creamy soup. Low-fat cheeses might not melt as smoothly. For the best texture and flavor in this cheeseburger soup recipe, whole milk and full-fat cheeses are recommended. But, feel free to experiment if those are your preferences.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful cheeseburger soup recipe that captures all the delicious tastes of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting soup form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Add olive oil to the same pot. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, diced potatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth (this creates a slurry).
- Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk into the soup. Slowly whisk in the flour slurry. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the Velveeta cheese (if using) and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Stir in the ketchup and mustard. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and any desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, use whole milk.
- If you don’t have Velveeta, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of ketchup and mustard to your personal preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and texture.









