Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—cozy, creamy, and packed with all the juicy, cheesy burger flavors you love. This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms humble ingredients into a weeknight superstar that’s hearty, family-friendly, and delightfully nostalgic (yes, even veggies are included—trust me, you’ll want every bite!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of fridge and pantry staples can deliver such crave-worthy layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient in this Easy Cheeseburger Soup has an important (and delicious!) purpose, combining to create that signature savory, creamy, ultra-satisfying bite.

• Ground beef: The heart of the “cheeseburger” flavor—opt for lean or regular, whichever you prefer, and brown it up for rich, meaty taste.
• Butter: Adds a touch of richness to both the sauteed veggies and the cheesy base, giving the soup its signature velvety finish.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic flavor-building trio (a.k.a. mirepoix) to add gentle sweetness, color, and depth.
• Dried basil & parsley: These classic herbs bring aromatic freshness right into the soup pot.
• Potatoes: Earthy, tender potatoes add body and make this soup mega-filling and satisfying.
• Chicken broth: Brings everything together with just the right amount of savory backbone—feel free to use homemade or store-bought!
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken your soup for that creamy, luscious “loaded chowder” texture.
• Velveeta (cubed): Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheeseburger gooeyness (and who can resist it?).
• Whole milk: Adds extra creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the savoriness.
• Salt & black pepper: The essentials for seasoning every bite just right.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a tangy, creamy boost of flavor.
• Optional toppings: Go wild with crispy onion rings, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of green onions for the ultimate finish!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Easy Cheeseburger Soup is how customizable it is—you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. Whether you’re swapping ingredients to fit your pantry or looking for a lighter (or even cheesier!) take, there are so many ways to enjoy this cozy classic.

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or go full vegetarian with plant-based crumbles.
• Make it extra cheesy: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for even more cheeseburger flavor.
• Bump up the veggies: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or baby spinach to sneak in extra color and nutrients.
• Gluten-free option: Thicken the soup with cornstarch instead of flour, and double check your broth is gluten-free.

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up any large bits as it cooks, ensuring you get those lovely flavorful browned edges. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside so it’s ready to stir back in later.

Step 2: Saute the Veggies

In the same pot (no need to clean it—you want all those flavorful bits!), melt a tablespoon of butter and add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sprinkle in the dried basil and parsley, and saute everything for about 10 minutes. The veggies should be soft and fragrant, setting up the savory soup base.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes, reserved ground beef, and chicken broth straight into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to be smothered in cheese.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken

While the soup simmers, melt the remaining butter in a small skillet and whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until it’s bubbly (but not brown), making a classic roux. Stir the roux into the soup and bring it back to a boil—this thickens everything up and gives the soup that classic chowder-like body.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Milk, and Finish

Dial the heat down to low and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and golden. Take the pot off the heat and stir in sour cream—this is the secret to ultimate tangy richness! Your Easy Cheeseburger Soup is ready for toppings and serving.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

A big part of the fun is dressing up your Easy Cheeseburger Soup with classic burger toppers! Think crispy onion rings, a generous scatter of sliced green onions, or a crumble of bacon—each bite becomes a new adventure. For an extra pop, try a handful of shredded sharp cheese or a few diced pickles (yes, really!) on top.

Side Dishes

This soup is so hearty it stands alone, but it’s outrageously good with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. Pair with a simple leafy salad, or, if you’re really feeling the burger theme, serve with oven-baked fries for a cozy, diner-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn serving into an experience! Ladle the soup into small bread bowls for an edible twist, or set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can pile on their favorites—just like a burger night. For parties, serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup in mini cups or mugs for a fun, hands-on appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool slightly, then transfer to airtight containers—this lets the flavors mingle and the soup thickens up (which I secretly love for next-day lunches!).

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind the creamy, cheesy base may separate a bit when reheated. If you plan to freeze, let the soup cool, then tuck it away in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, stir well as you reheat to bring back its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Gently warm Easy Cheeseburger Soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently—this prevents any cheesy bits from sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, which can make the cheese and sour cream separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave a meal that makes everyone gather ‘round the table, Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the one—cheesy, cozy, and always a hit. Give it a try next chilly evening; I can almost guarantee you’ll be ladling out seconds with a big, happy grin. Happy spooning!

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