This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is hearty, cheesy, and packed with everything I love about a classic cheeseburger—all in one comforting bowl. With seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s the kind of cozy meal I crave on chilly nights or when I want something filling and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup transforms the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger into a rich, creamy soup that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s quick to make, super satisfying, and family-friendly. I can throw it together with basic ingredients I usually have on hand, and it always hits the spot. It’s like eating a cheeseburger—with a spoon.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Russet potatoes
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- Parsley or green onions (for garnish)
directions
- I brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned, I remove it and set it aside.
- In the same pot, I sauté chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter until the veggies are soft.
- I stir in the flour and cook it for a minute to form a roux.
- Then, I slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- I add diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. I let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- I return the cooked beef to the pot and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- For extra creaminess, I sometimes add a bit of cream cheese at this stage and stir until it melts in.
- I season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, then serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or green onions on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I’ve made this soup with ground turkey or chicken when I want a leaner version. Swapping the potatoes for cauliflower is a great low-carb option. I’ve also added chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice for that true burger taste. If I want some spice, I throw in diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, I just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. I don’t recommend freezing it because the potatoes and dairy can change texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, I brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then add everything (except the cheese and milk) to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4, then stir in the cheese and milk at the end.
What kind of cheese works best?
I like using sharp cheddar because it gives the soup a bold flavor, but I’ve also used mild cheddar, American cheese, or a mix of both depending on what I have.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, I’ve used frozen mixed veggies in a pinch. I just toss them in after the potatoes have cooked a bit so they don’t get too soft.
How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
I make sure to reduce the heat before adding the cheese and stir it in slowly. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded helps too, since it melts better.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It’s not gluten-free as written because of the flour, but I’ve swapped it with a gluten-free flour blend or used cornstarch as a thickener and it works just as well.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a cozy, filling dish that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger to the table in soup form. It’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty but simple. Once I made it, it quickly became one of my go-to comfort food favorites.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soups, Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food favorite that tastes just like a classic cheeseburger in a bowl. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, this hearty soup is the perfect cozy dinner for chilly nights or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Carrots (chopped)
- Celery (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp preferred)
- Cream cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it apart. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add diced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- Return cooked beef to the pot. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Optional: Add cream cheese for extra creaminess and stir until fully melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions.
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it apart. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add diced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- Return cooked beef to the pot. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar until melted.
- Optional: Add cream cheese for extra creaminess and stir until fully melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- Add chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice for a classic cheeseburger flavor twist.
- Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for heat.
- Use freshly shredded cheese to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting.
