If you've ever wished for that perfect comfort food that tastes like a cheeseburger in a warm, cozy bowl, you're going to love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just downright satisfying—perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little soul food. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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

Whenever I make this cheeseburger soup, it feels like bringing a classic diner favorite right into my own kitchen. It’s the kind of soup that fills the house with mouthwatering smells and everyone sits down happy and full. Plus, the ingredients are simple, and the process isn't intimidating at all.

All-in-one comfort: This soup hits all the right notes—meaty, cheesy, and full of vegetables, so you get a balanced meal in one pot.
Quick and easy: It takes less than an hour from start to finish, which means dinner comes together faster than you might expect.
Kid-friendly: If your kids love cheeseburgers, this soup is a sneaky way to get some carrots and celery in their diet without a fuss.
Customizable: You can tweak the cheese, swap veggies, or adjust seasonings to suit your family's tastes easily.

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

The beauty of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that combine to create such rich, comforting flavors. Each one plays a role in making sure the soup comes out just right, so here’s a bit about why they work:

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: The base of the “cheeseburger” flavor—browned to give that hearty, meaty taste we all crave.
Onion, carrots & celery: Classic soup veggies that add texture and subtle sweetness to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Dried basil & parsley flakes: These herbs brighten the soup and add an herby background note without overwhelming the cheeseburger vibe.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a roux for thickening the soup to that perfectly creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: The savory liquid that ties all the flavors together—using broth instead of water means more depth.
Potatoes: Make the soup hearty and give it that comforting feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
All-purpose flour: Works with the butter to make the roux that thickens the soup without lumps.
Velveeta or cheddar cheese: This is where the cheeseburger magic happens—melting into a creamy, cheesy base that’s pure comfort.
Milk: Keeps the soup creamy and smooth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring everything together just right.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess—delicious twist that rounds out the flavor beautifully.

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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

I love making this soup exactly as written, but over the years, I’ve found fun ways to tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the season—don’t be afraid to personalize it!

Swap the cheese: I sometimes use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or even a mix of gouda and cheddar for a creamier twist. It’s all about what cheese you love melted into that broth.
Kick up the veggies: Toss in some corn or bell peppers if you want extra color and sweetness. It makes the soup feel a little more special and fresh.
Make it lighter: Use low-fat milk and lean ground beef to cut calories but keep all that flavor.
Make it spicy: If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños gives the soup a fun kick.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Flavor

Start by browning your ground beef in a medium saucepan. I like to break it up as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbly. Once it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the soup from getting greasy and lets the beef flavor shine through.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Herbs

In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add your diced onions, shredded carrots, celery, and dried herbs. Cook these over medium heat until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base of your soup and brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, add your cubed potatoes, and toss the browned beef back in. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until those potatoes are tender when poked with a fork—this step helps flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken the Soup

While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture bubbles but doesn’t brown—that’s your classic roux. Then whisk this into the simmering soup, cook for a couple more minutes, and watch your soup thicken to that creamy, luscious consistency.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Finish

Stir in your cheese cubes or shredded cheese along with the milk. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is melted into a smooth, golden soup. Season with salt and pepper, remove from heat and stir in the sour cream last—it adds a lovely tang that takes this soup over the top.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe multiple times, a few small tweaks can really elevate your results and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Browning the beef thoroughly: Make sure to get some nice brown bits on the beef—the Maillard reaction adds so much flavor you won't want to skip it!
Don't rush the roux: Cooking the flour and butter well before adding it to the soup prevents that raw flour taste and ensures a silky texture.
Slowly melt the cheese: Add cheese gradually on low heat and stir gently to avoid separating or becoming grainy.
Season gradually: Salt and pepper to taste near the end—cheese and broth both add saltiness, so it’s easier to adjust once everything’s combined.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions or chives. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream on top for that extra creamy, tangy bite. These garnishes add texture and enhance the cheeseburger experience.

Side Dishes

A simple side salad or fresh garlic bread is all you need. My go-to is a crisp Caesar salad because it cuts through the richness beautifully. If you want something heartier, buttery toasted buns are perfect for dunking into the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, I serve the soup in rustic bowls with all the garnishes on the side so everyone can customize. For a party, try mini bread bowls as edible containers—it’s a fun twist that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to do!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover cheeseburger soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It holds up well for about 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a bonus if you like meal prepping.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because of the dairy, but I’ve had success by cooling it completely first, then freezing in shallow containers. When you thaw, do so slowly in the fridge and stir gently while reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t scorch. If it’s a bit thick after sitting, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and keep that perfect soup texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Cheddar cheese works wonderfully, but Velveeta melts more smoothly and gives an ultra-creamy texture. If you opt for cheddar, shred it finely and melt it slowly to avoid clumping.

How do I thicken the soup if it's too watery?

If your soup feels too thin, try simmering it uncovered for a few minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Alternatively, you can make a little roux with butter and flour, as in the recipe, and whisk it in gradually to thicken the soup without clumping.

Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.

What's the best way to reheat leftover Cheeseburger Soup?

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. If it’s too thick or has separated, add a splash of milk or broth and stir until smooth. Avoid microwaving for long stretches to maintain the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is hands-down one of my go-to comfort dishes. It’s cozy, cheesy, and filling without being complicated. I love making it when the weather dips or when I just want that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor without going out. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself turning to this soup over and over, and I'm sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!