If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that tastes like your favorite burger in soup form, then you’re going to love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the good stuff you want—without the bun. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to bring this cozy classic to life in your kitchen.

cheeseburger soup - A close-up view of a thick, creamy soup in a black bowl set on a white marbled surface. The soup shows different layers: a light yellow creamy base with small chunks of cooked vegetables such as carrots and celery, along with pieces of browned ground meat. On the top layer, there is a generous amount of shredded yellow cheese that partially melts into the hot soup. A silver spoon is scooping up a portion of the soup, revealing more solid chunks mixed in the creamy texture. A slice of rustic bread is slightly blurred in the background, adding context to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has become one of my cozy night go-tos because it hits every note—it's hearty, cheesy, and so easy to make. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how simple ingredients transformed into a rich, velvety soup that tasted just like a cheeseburger dinner in a bowl.

Comfort in a bowl: It combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger but in a creamy, warming soup perfect for chilly days.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already.
Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap cheeses or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Quick and satisfying: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without skimping on flavor.

cheeseburger soup - The image shows a creamy yellow soup in a white pot with a thick texture made of several ingredients. There are visible chunks of light yellow potatoes, green pickles, small brown pieces of meat, and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout the soup. The creamy base has a smooth texture with some black pepper specks and herbs spread all over. A ladle is lifting a portion of the soup, highlighting the chunky ingredients and creamy consistency against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how all these familiar ingredients come together to create something so rich and inviting. Every component plays its part—texture from the potatoes and veggies, flavor from the herbs and beef, and creamy indulgence from the cheese and sour cream.

cheeseburger soup - Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a rich red color with a slight marbled texture, bright orange shredded carrots, crisp pale green diced celery, small diced white potatoes with smooth skin, translucent chopped white onion, small cubes of creamy pale yellow Velveeta cheese, fresh green dried parsley flakes and dried basil scattered delicately, and a dollop of smooth white sour cream, all naturally arranged with some ingredients overlapping gently, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings that classic burger flavor.
Chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery: These veggies add both sweetness and a subtle crunch that balance the creaminess.
Dried basil & parsley flakes: Herbs layer in freshness and depth without overpowering.
Butter: Used twice—for sautéing and making the roux—which gives the soup a silky mouthfeel.
Chicken broth: The savory liquid that carries all flavor notes together.
Peeled and diced potatoes: They soak up the broth and add comforting chunkiness.
All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the soup perfectly without lumps.
Cheese (Velveeta or cheddar): This is the star that makes the soup decadently cheesy and melty.
Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothes out the texture.
Salt & pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
Sour cream: A tangy finish that brightens and rounds out the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe invites creativity. Sometimes I swap Velveeta for sharp cheddar if I want a more natural cheese flavor. Other times, I toss in some diced jalapeño for a kick. You can make it your own with little twists to suit your taste buds.

Variation: I once added crispy bacon bits on top, which added amazing smoky crunch. Give it a try if you want to kick things up a notch.
Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Cheese swap: Feel free to experiment—Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack give it a fun twist.
Lower sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly for a healthier version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Drain

Start by browning the ground beef in your favorite 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. You want to cook it until it’s fully browned with a tiny bit of crisp edges for that extra flavor punch. Then drain off the excess fat—trust me, this helps keep the soup from getting greasy but keeps all that meaty goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies with Butter and Herbs

Using the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, and sprinkle in the dried basil and parsley flakes. Cook this until the veggies soften—about 5-7 minutes—until everything smells aromatic and tender. This step really builds a base of flavor that sets the soup apart.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Potatoes, and Beef & Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes and browned beef back to the pot. Bring everything up to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, until those potatoes are fork-tender. This is when the soup starts to thicken with those hearty chunks you crave.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken the Soup

While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and keep cooking, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden—this is your roux, which will thicken the soup gorgeously. Then whisk it into your simmering soup and bring back to a boil for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Milk, and Seasonings

Turn your heat down to low and stir in your cubed Velveeta or shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns velvety smooth. Remove from heat and then blend in the sour cream to give it a nice tang and richness.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, a few small tweaks make a huge difference in the final dish. These tips ensure your soup turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.

Drain the beef well: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy soup and keeps flavors balanced.
Cook the roux thoroughly: Stirring the flour and butter until bubbly ensures no raw flour taste and a smooth texture.
Use Velveeta or processed cheese: It melts consistently and gives that signature creamy, smooth finish without clumps.
Add sour cream off heat: Stir it in at the end so it doesn’t curdle but adds tang and creaminess.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl of cheeseburger soup with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and sometimes crispy bacon bits for texture. A little swirl of sour cream on top adds a beautiful tangy contrast. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of dill pickles—or just serve pickles on the side—is a surprisingly delightful touch that mimics the burger vibe.

Side Dishes

Since the soup is so rich, I like keeping sides simple. A fresh green salad or some crusty bread is perfect to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness. Sometimes I serve it with classic kettle chips or even garlic bread for a more hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—so fun and cozy! You can also ladle it into mason jars for a picnic-friendly twist or top it with a cheeseburger slider on the side for double cheeseburger fun on game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day lunch even better!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully, but I recommend doing so before adding the sour cream. Freeze in portioned containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir well and add sour cream fresh when reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese from clumping. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. It brings back that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe actually tastes great the next day because the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

What cheese is best for this soup?

Velveeta cheese melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture, but sharp cheddar cheese lends a richer flavor. You can choose based on your preference or even combine both.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be delicious and cheesy.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming greasy?

Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef. Also, avoid using high-fat cheeses without balancing with milk and sour cream to keep the soup creamy but not greasy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one I return to time and again when I want that perfect mix of comfort and ease. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day that satisfies all those burger cravings without any fuss. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will find a spot in yours too. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some cozy magic happen!