Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy meal, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Rich, creamy, savory, and loaded with classic cheeseburger flavor, it’s a soup that wins over kids and adults alike! Hearty potatoes, a flood of melty cheese, and tasty ground beef make every bite feel like a happy embrace—you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat all fall and winter long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is using simple, everyday ingredients that each play a special part—bringing out big flavors, luscious texture, and irresistible cheesy goodness. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus tips on why they matter:

• Ground beef: The backbone of cheeseburger flavor, giving the soup its savory, hearty bite.
• Butter (divided): Adds richness and helps perfectly sauté veggies and thicken the soup.
• Carrots, diced: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color to each spoonful.
• Celery, diced: Contributes classic soup flavor and pleasant texture for balance.
• Onion, diced: Sautéed onions build a subtle, savory foundation that makes the soup irresistible.
• Dried basil: Just a hint lifts the whole dish, making every bite more aromatic.
• Dried parsley: An herby note that brightens the flavor and color.
• Potatoes, diced: These make the soup hearty and comforting, soaking up all the cheeseburger flavor.
• Chicken broth: Infuses savory depth and a well-seasoned backdrop for every bite.
• All-purpose flour: Helps turn your soup’s base into a silky, spoon-coating delight.
• Velveeta, cubed: The magic for creamy, dreamy meltability and signature cheeseburger taste.
• Whole milk: For extra creaminess and a velvety finish.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything into balance.
• Sour cream: Swirled in at the end, it gives a tangy lift and beautiful creaminess.
• Onion rings, green onions, bacon (optional, for topping): Perfect for adding crunch, color, and extra indulgence.

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes—or until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step sets up the deep, savory flavor base you want in a classic cheeseburger-inspired soup. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies With Herbs

Return the pot to the stove and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion, then sprinkle in the dried basil and parsley. Stir everything together and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant. This aromatic foundation is what gives the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe its homemade comfort.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes back into the pot, followed by the cooked ground beef and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it all simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for those potatoes to turn perfectly tender, soaking up all that rich, meaty flavor.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and just starting to turn golden. The roux is the secret to a thick, silky-smooth soup, bringing everything together luxuriously!

Step 5: Thicken and Add Cheese

Pour the roux straight into your simmering soup pot, stirring well. Boost the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a boil for 2 minutes, so it thickens up beautifully. Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted into dreamy perfection—this is where the burger magic kicks in!

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This little step adds luscious depth and a light tang that makes the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe totally crave-worthy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then get ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing makes this soup pop quite like a few fun toppings. Scatter over crispy onion rings for crunch, a sprinkle of green onions for color and zip, or smoky crumbled bacon for extra indulgence. A handful of shredded cheddar or even diced pickles will take this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe right over the top!

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a warm, crusty baguette or homemade bread rolls to soak up every drop of cheesy goodness. If you want to channel the diner spirit, serve it alongside a simple green salad or a basket of crispy fries for a playful, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or family gatherings, serve your Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in toasted bread bowls. Or, try pouring it into small mugs and setting out a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize their own bowl—kids especially will have a blast with this hands-on dinner experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors melt together even more deliciously overnight, making the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a treat for easy next-day lunches.

Freezing

While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch—just know that the dairy might separate a little. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cheesy, comforting bowl, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until hot and creamy again. If it’s become extra thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency. It makes an easy, flavorful lunch or quick weeknight dinner in no time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Velveeta gives the soup its signature smooth melt, you can swap in shredded cheddar or a blend of your favorite melty cheeses. Just make sure to stir well so everything blends smoothly into the base.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

If you want to lighten up the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey, and swap whole milk for low-fat milk. You can also cut back a bit on the butter and cheese—but keep in mind, you might sacrifice some decadent flavor and texture!

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to sneak in extra nutrition by tossing in finely chopped bell peppers, peas, or even corn. This soup is wonderfully adaptable, so you can get creative with what you have on hand.

How spicy is this soup?

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is kid-friendly and mild as written. Want a little kick? Add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the pot when you add the potatoes for some gentle heat.

Will this soup work in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything (except the milk, cheese, and sour cream, which get stirred in at the end) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then finish off just as you would on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is the bowl of happiness you didn’t know you needed! It’s warm, hearty, and brimming with all those classic burger flavors we can never resist. Give it a try—your family’s new favorite comfort food is only one simmering pot away!

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