Some nights call for pure comfort. The kind that feels familiar, filling, and just plain cozy. This best cheeseburger soup recipe brings everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. It is rich without being heavy, hearty without being complicated, and absolutely perfect for easy family dinners.
I make this soup when we want comfort food that still feels homemade and nourishing. Ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheese, and a savory broth come together in the most satisfying way. It is one of those recipes that disappears fast and gets requested again and again. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like a cheeseburger in soup form
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Hearty and filling for easy dinners
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Perfect for cozy nights and leftovers
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Potatoes, peeled and diced
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Milk or half-and-half
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon, green onions, extra cheese
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Lean ground beef works best here. It gives you that classic cheeseburger flavor without excess grease. If needed, ground turkey can be used for a lighter option.
Sharp cheddar cheese adds the most flavor. I always recommend shredding your own cheese for the smoothest, creamiest soup.
Potatoes help make the soup thick and hearty. Russet potatoes soften beautifully, but Yukon Golds work just as well.
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef and milk. Let the soup warm through.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Keep the heat low once cheese is added.
- Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Taste and season at the end for best balance.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup thickens as it sits, which makes it even cozier.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This soup works well for making ahead. Prepare it fully, cool completely, and refrigerate until ready to reheat.
For freezing, leave out the cheese and dairy. Freeze the base for up to three months, then reheat and add cheese just before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Stir in a little mustard for classic burger taste.
- Use Velveeta for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Add peas or corn for extra color.
- Serve with toasted buns or crusty bread.
FAQs
Yes, it is creamy and hearty, similar to a stew.
Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend or skip the roux and thicken with potatoes.
It has cheesy richness, but the beef and vegetables give it true cheeseburger flavor.
📖 Recipe
Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Description
This hearty cheeseburger soup is packed with ground beef, potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. It's the perfect easy dinner when you're craving comfort food made with simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled cooked bacon, green onions for topping
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add potatoes, basil, parsley, and cooked ground beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Lower heat and stir in milk and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with green onions or bacon if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese. You can also use Velveeta or processed cheese if you prefer a smoother texture. This soup reheats well and is great for next-day leftovers. Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze without the cheese and milk, then add when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this best cheeseburger soup recipe with warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even toasted burger buns. It is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime comfort food sounds good.
Nutrition and Notes
This soup is hearty, filling, and made with familiar ingredients. It serves about six people and is beginner-friendly. I have tested it many times to get that perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and comforting.
Reader Reviews
Readers love how this soup turns a classic cheeseburger into an easy one-pot dinner. Many say it becomes a regular in their comfort food rotation.
Related Recipes and Internal Links
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