Cheeseburger soup is the cozy dish you didn’t know you were missing. Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of rich, meaty goodness, nestled between velvety melted cheese and tender potatoes. Each spoonful is a delightful hug, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the fuss of grilling. Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully creamy, this soup is sure to become a favorite for cold winter nights or simple family dinners.

I first stumbled upon this recipe one chilly evening, craving the warmth of a cheeseburger yet wanting something that wouldn’t require a grill. As I took my first bite, it felt like wrapping myself in a soft, warm blanket. This cheeseburger soup is truly a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and easy to whip up in just about 40 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, and perfect for using up pantry staples, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal. I promise it’s worth a try, and before you know it, it’ll be a go-to for your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight family meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and savory with every bite; who can resist?
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of veggies and the golden cheese make it so inviting.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy movie night snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using cornstarch instead of flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef: This forms the hearty base of the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- ¾ cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Yellow or white onions work best.
- ¼ cup finely diced carrots: For a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Feel free to swap with bell peppers if you prefer.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Provides a lovely aromatic flavor. Fresh would be even better if you have it!
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes: For garnish and additional flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: This helps to sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) chicken broth: Choose low-sodium to control the saltiness of your dish.
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced: Their creamy texture is ideal for this soup. Russet potatoes can work in a pinch, but Yukon gold is best.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This thickens the soup nicely. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch is a great substitute.
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese (16 oz): For a silky, cheesy finish. You can use any melty cheese like cheddar, but Velveeta gives that extra creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Adds creaminess to balance the flavors. Whole milk or a non-dairy alternative works well.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming it.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste preference, especially if using regular chicken broth.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a tangy finish that takes the soup to the next level.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
- Brown the Beef: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, diced carrots, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine with Broth & Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced Yukon gold potatoes to the meat mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, creating a roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thick.
- Mix in the Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk mixture until well combined. Then, add in the Velveeta cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook on low, stirring often until the cheese has melted completely. Remove from the heat and gently fold in the sour cream. This adds a luscious creaminess that enhances the flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot!
Storing & Reheating
Cheeseburger soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to save some for later, consider using glass containers for easy reheating. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of milk if the texture thickens too much. Do keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but a bit of stirring while reheating will help restore its creamy nature.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch out for overcooking the potatoes; you want them tender but not mushy for the best texture!
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the browning phase.
- If your soup ends up too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency!
- Enjoy this dish with crispy bread or croutons for a delightful crunch.
Cheeseburger soup is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort with its creamy texture and savory flavor. Not only is it fast and easy to prepare, but it’s also an excellent way to please the whole family. Experiment with different cheeses or add in your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Embrace the warmth and flavor, and invite this delicious soup into your home. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple, brightening even the dreariest days with its marvelous taste.

Recipe FAQs
Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire soup in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove, adjusting the consistency with some milk if necessary.
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
Yes! You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or use low-fat cheese and milk to reduce calories.
Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of Velveeta, try sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste. Keep in mind that different cheeses may result in varying creaminess.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, opt for plant-based cheese or simply omit it for a lighter version.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup
This cheeseburger soup offers an irresistible flavor with easy prep. It’s crafted with ground beef, potatoes, and Velveeta cheese, making it a comforting dish perfect for any dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup onion finely diced
- ¼ cup carrots finely diced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 Tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cans chicken broth (14.5 oz each)
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese (16 oz)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pan, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and carrots, along with dried basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon of butter until the vegetables are tender and the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chicken broth and diced potatoes to the meat mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan. Add the flour and continuously whisk until a paste forms. Slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk mixture until fully combined. Then add the Velveeta cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook on low, stirring until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and mix in the sour cream.
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers for extra flavor.
For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or jalapeños to the soup.
This soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat slowly on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 91mg






