Family dinners just got a whole lot easier with this Cheeseburger Soup—a fun, comforting mashup of all your favorite burger flavors in a warm, creamy bowl. Even the pickiest eaters will say, “Yes, please!” From the mix-ins to the toppings, it tastes just like a cheeseburger… but cozier.
Perfect for chilly nights when firing up the grill isn’t an option, this one-pot soup brings all the elements of a classic burger together: ground beef, gooey Velveeta, hearty veggies, and a rich, creamy broth. A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy twist, while optional toppings like onion rings, bacon, or green onions make each bite extra indulgent.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or a leftover-friendly meal, this soup is savory, cheesy, and undeniably comforting.
Ingredients
To get that classic cheeseburger taste, you’ll need a mix of savory, cheesy, and hearty ingredients:
- ½ pound ground beef – Use regular or lean, depending on your preference.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided – For sautéing veggies and making the roux.
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- ¾ cup celery, diced
- ¾ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups potatoes, diced – Waxy or Yukon Gold work best to hold their shape.
- 3 cups chicken broth – Or substitute with beef broth for deeper flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – To thicken the soup.
- 1–2 cups Velveeta, cubed – More cheese equals more indulgence!
- 1½ cups whole milk – Creamy and rich.
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼–½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream – Or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Optional toppings: Onion rings, crumbled bacon, green onions, shredded cheese.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
This one-pot wonder is surprisingly easy to make, ready in under an hour, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cook the ground beef – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the beef over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies – Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add carrots, celery, onion, basil, and parsley. Sauté for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Add potatoes, beef, and broth – Stir in diced potatoes, cooked beef, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the roux – In a small pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until bubbly. Stir the roux into the soup and bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the dairy – Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream.
- Add toppings and serve – Garnish with onion rings, crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra cheese as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
- Prevent curdling – Always remove the soup from heat before adding sour cream.
- Pick the right potatoes – Waxy or Yukon Gold hold their shape well for a hearty soup.
- Even veggie sizes – Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and perfect bites.
- Instant Pot version – Brown the meat, sauté veggies, add potatoes and broth, cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, then add cheese and dairy using the SAUTÉ function.
- Double the batch – Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Variations
- Low-carb – Swap potatoes for cauliflower and skip the flour. Simmer uncovered to thicken.
- Extra cheesy – Use a mix of Velveeta and cheddar or all cheddar for a thinner, cheesier soup.
- Vegetarian – Use plant-based ground beef and veggie broth.
- Shredded carrots – Great for picky eaters who avoid chunks.
- Different proteins – Ground turkey or chicken works well.
- Custom toppings – Try pickles, caramelized onions, or crumbled crackers for fun textures.
Storage
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheating – Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing not recommended – Potatoes and dairy don’t freeze well; they may separate or become grainy.
Why You’ll Love It
This Cheeseburger Soup brings all the flavors of a classic burger into a cozy, creamy bowl. It’s family-friendly, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave something warm and cheesy.
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