Cheeseburger soup is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that instantly warms you up on a cold day. In the very first spoonful, you get all the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and comforting seasonings—transformed into a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for winter nights.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving comfort food, this cheeseburger soup delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
This cheeseburger soup has everything you want in a cold-weather recipe: it’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
- Comfort food classic: All the taste of a cheeseburger without turning on the grill
- Family-friendly: Mild, creamy, and loved by both kids and adults
- Easy to make: Straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients
- Hearty and filling: Loaded with beef, potatoes, and cheese
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
If you’re looking for a soup that feels like a complete meal, this one checks every box.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you may already have on hand. Together, they create a thick, creamy soup with classic cheeseburger flavor.
Main Soup Ingredients
- Ground beef – Lean ground beef works best
- Butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables
- Onion – Provides a savory base flavor
- Carrots – Add subtle sweetness and color
- Celery – Classic soup vegetable for depth
- Garlic – Enhances overall flavor
- Potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold, diced
- Chicken broth – Creates the soup base
- Milk – Adds creaminess
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
- Sour cream – Stirred in at the end for tang
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground beef substitute: Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
- Cheese options: Velveeta melts smoothly, but shredded sharp cheddar offers richer flavor.
- Milk alternatives: Whole milk is ideal, but 2% works. For extra creaminess, you can replace part of the milk with half-and-half.
- Potato swaps: Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamier texture, while russets give a more traditional soup feel.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This cheeseburger soup comes together easily in one large pot. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3 – Add Potatoes and Broth
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4 – Thicken the Soup
In a small saucepan, melt additional butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup and stir well.
Step 5 – Add Cheese and Seasonings
Lower the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 6 – Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t boil after adding cheese: High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
- Cut potatoes evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Let it rest: The soup thickens slightly as it sits, improving texture.
Flavor Variations
Make this cheeseburger soup your own with these easy twists:
- Bacon-Style Flavor (No Pork): Add smoked turkey or smoked paprika for a bacon-like taste.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne.
- Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Top with diced pickles, green onions, or extra cheese.
- Veggie-Packed Version: Add corn or peas for extra texture.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
This cheeseburger soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Cornbread
For toppings, consider shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy onions.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Because the soup contains dairy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating Tips:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~26g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Cheeseburger Soup
What makes cheeseburger soup thick and creamy?
The combination of a butter-and-flour roux, milk, and melted cheese gives cheeseburger soup its rich, thick texture.
Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?
Yes, cheeseburger soup is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight in the fridge.
Can I cook cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then add everything except dairy. Stir in milk, cheese, and sour cream during the last 30 minutes.
Why did my cheese turn grainy?
Cheese can become grainy if overheated. Keep the soup on low heat once cheese is added and avoid boiling.
Is cheeseburger soup kid-friendly?
Yes! Its mild, creamy flavor makes it a favorite with kids, especially when served with bread or crackers.
Best Cheeseburger Soup You’ll Love This Winter
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- small saucepan
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground beef
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced (russet or Yukon Gold)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- In the same pot, melt part of the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup.
- Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Best Cheeseburger Soup You’ll Love This Winter is everything comfort food should be: warm, creamy, filling, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again throughout the colder months.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or saving leftovers for busy weeknights, this cheeseburger soup is guaranteed to become a winter favorite.