If you are craving something warm, comforting, and downright delicious, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture all the creamy goodness of a classic cheeseburger, transformed into a rich, hearty soup that wraps you in cozy flavors with every spoonful. Loaded with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this soup is a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether it’s chilly weather or just a day when you want dinner to feel like a hug, this recipe checks all the boxes and then some.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe only calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to form layers of comforting taste and texture. Each component plays its part: from the savory beef to the creamy cheese and the hearty potatoes, everything blends seamlessly.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein that delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a slight sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Brings a subtle crunch and freshness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 16 oz can): Provides a bright, tangy contrast that balances the richness.
- Parsley flakes (1 teaspoon, dried): Offers a mild herby touch to lift the flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Important for sautéing and creating the roux to thicken the soup.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Acts as the flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Potatoes (4 1/2 cups, peeled and diced): Adds hearty texture and helps make the soup filling.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the soup, making it velvety smooth.
- Velveeta cheese cubes (3 cups): Melts effortlessly for that rich, creamy cheeseburger vibe. Cheddar cheese works too for a sharper taste.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
- Bacon (4 slices): Crispy bits to sprinkle on top and add smoky crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Elevates the cheesy goodness at the finish.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large saucepan until nicely cooked through and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside. This ensures your soup won’t be greasy but stays packed with that savory beef flavor you love.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter then toss in the diced onions, celery, and parsley flakes. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base that makes every spoonful taste like comfort in a bowl.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Beef
Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced potatoes and canned tomatoes into the saucepan. Add back the browned beef, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender to the bite. This softens the potatoes perfectly, so every bite has that satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux and Incorporate
While the soup simmers, cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy, then set it aside to drain. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan and melt it over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly golden. Pour this roux into the soup and bring the whole pot to a boil, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes. This crucial step thickens the soup, giving it that creamy, hearty consistency we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Milk
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and milk. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a luxuriously creamy base. To finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream for an extra touch of tang and velvety smoothness. Your soup is now rich, cheesy, and ready to serve.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the soup with the crispy bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese. These garnishes add a delightful crunchy texture and extra layers of cheesy, smoky flavor that perfectly complement the creamy soup.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top of your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe isn’t just for looks — it adds crunch, sharpness, and that familiar cheeseburger flair. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives also brings a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping. A crisp garden salad or even some classic French fries on the side can make the whole meal feel like an indulgent cheeseburger experience without the bun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls, turning it into an edible container of creamy goodness. You can also top it with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy version or sprinkle with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick that adds excitement to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Cheeseburger Soup Recipe into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, so if you want to save some for later, place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some room in the container as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup back up as the cheese can thicken when chilled.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works perfectly in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It keeps the soup lighter but still tasty.
Is Velveeta cheese necessary?
Velveeta melts smoothly and gives the soup its signature creamy texture, but you can substitute with sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses if you prefer a more natural option. Just be prepared for a slightly different texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rich cheese and potatoes still make it hearty and satisfying.
Can this soup be made spicy?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking brings a delightful kick to the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
What sides go best with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a fresh salad complement the creamy richness of this soup perfectly. For a fun twist, pair with homemade fries for the full cheeseburger experience.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is proof that some of the best meals are the ones that combine comfort, simplicity, and a touch of indulgence. It’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to bring out when friends and family come over. I hope you give it a try, cozy up with a big bowl, and maybe even find it sneaking into your list of all-time favorite comfort foods.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cheeseburger Soup combines tender ground beef, diced potatoes, and melted cheese in a creamy broth, delivering all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting bowl. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it features sautéed onions and celery, diced tomatoes, and crispy bacon topping for added texture and richness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes (dried)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 1/2 cups potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups Velveeta cheese cubes (cheddar can also be used)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Toppings
- 4 slices bacon
- shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and brown the ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set the meat aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter, then sauté the diced onion, celery, and parsley flakes until tender and fragrant.
- Simmer Soup: Add the chicken broth, peeled and diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, and browned meat back into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare Roux: In a frying pan, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside. To the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in the flour. Cook and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden, then add this roux to the simmering soup. Bring the soup to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and milk, cooking and stirring until all the cheese has melted smoothly. Then blend in 2 tablespoons of sour cream until fully incorporated for extra creaminess.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with crumbled crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Cheddar cheese can be used instead of Velveeta for a sharper flavor.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the milk slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
- The soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and bacon and using vegetable broth.
