Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Alright, this easy cheeseburger soup? It’s creamy, hearty, and tastes just like your favorite burger—in a bowl. Packed with ground beef, melty cheese, and all the cozy flavors you love.

I made it on a chilly night when I wanted comfort food without the hassle. Cooked up the beef, added potatoes, broth, and cheese, then let it simmer until thick and delicious. The whole house smelled like a diner, and dinner was ready in under an hour.

It’s rich, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. If you want a no-fuss, satisfying soup that feels like a hug, this one’s for you. Let’s get it simmering—you’re gonna want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This is a complete meal in a bowl. The combination of protein, starch, and dairy makes it satisfying enough to stand alone—no sides required.
• Creamy and Cheesy Without Being Heavy: The addition of Velveeta cheese gives a velvety, consistent melt that coats every bite, while the milk keeps the base smooth but not too rich.
• Balanced Flavors: Aromatic vegetables, herbs, and broth create a layered flavor profile that’s savory but not overwhelming. The sweetness of the carrots and the saltiness of the cheese balance beautifully.
• Approachable for New Cooks: It uses one pot, standard kitchen tools, and a simple process. Anyone can make this soup with minimal effort.
• Family and Kid-Approved: The mild seasoning and cheesy flavor appeal to a broad audience, especially younger eaters.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes – This includes chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes, and dicing cheese.
• Cook Time: 30 minutes – Enough to fully cook the vegetables, simmer the broth, and melt the cheese.
• Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes – Under an hour from fridge to table.

Servings:

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it ideal for family dinners or storing leftovers for lunch the next day. Double the batch if you’re cooking for a crowd or want to freeze portions.

Difficulty Level:

Easy – Designed for beginner home cooks but still enjoyable for experienced ones. No advanced techniques are required. It’s a stovetop soup with basic steps: browning meat, sautéing veggies, and simmering in broth.

Make-Ahead Tip:

You can chop all vegetables and cube the cheese a day ahead. Store them in the fridge to speed things up when you’re ready to cook.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any special gadgets for this soup, just the basics:

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot retains heat well and prevents scorching the milk or cheese.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and cubing cheese.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To portion ingredients accurately.
• Ladle: For serving.
• Optional: Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: If you prefer a smoother texture or partially mashed potatoes.

Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and a creamy, savory broth that’s reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. For best results, use fresh ingredients and measure accurately.

• Ground Beef (½ pound): Use lean ground beef (85% lean or better) to avoid excess grease. Brown it fully for best flavor development.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Two tablespoons are used to sauté the aromatics, while the remaining two help create a roux to thicken the soup.
• Carrots (¾ cup, diced): Use peeled, finely chopped carrots for even cooking and a slight natural sweetness.
• Celery (¾ cup, diced): Adds a subtle flavor and balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Onion (¾ cup, diced): A yellow or white onion works best, providing a base flavor for the soup.
• Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, slightly peppery undertone.
• Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings lightness and freshness to the overall flavor.
• Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): Use Yukon Golds for a creamy texture or Russets for a fluffier bite. Cut into small, even cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Chicken Broth (3 cups): A flavorful base that supports the soup’s body without overpowering the cheese and beef flavors. Low-sodium broth gives you better control over salt levels.
• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Used with butter to form a roux for thickening. Be sure to cook the flour for 1–2 minutes to remove any raw taste.
• Velveeta Cheese (1 to 2 cups, cubed): The processed cheese melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature creaminess. Adjust amount based on desired cheesiness.
• Whole Milk (1 ½ cups): Helps develop a creamy soup base without adding the heaviness of cream.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Start here and adjust after tasting, depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese.
• Black Pepper (¼ to ½ teaspoon): Adds mild warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Optional Garnishes

Add these after serving to enhance presentation and texture:

• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy contrast to the rich broth.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, sharp bite and bright color.
• Crumbled Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch.
• Mini Onion Rings or Fried Shallots: A fun topping that mirrors cheeseburger-style onions.

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these steps closely for the best results. You’ll be building layers of flavor, just like with a classic soup or stew.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

• Place your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
• Cook until the meat is browned all over with no pink remaining (about 6–8 minutes).
• Drain excess fat if using higher-fat beef. Set the cooked beef aside in a bowl.

Tip: For extra flavor, don’t rush this step—browning the meat adds depth to the soup base.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion.
• Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Stir in the dried basil and parsley during the last minute of cooking.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth

• Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes.
• Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir to combine everything.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Tip: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.

4. Make the Roux

• In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the ¼ cup flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• The mixture will look like a thick paste. This roux helps thicken the soup.

5. Finish the Soup

• Slowly whisk the roux into the soup pot. Stir until fully combined.
• Reduce the heat to low.
• Add the milk and cubed Velveeta cheese.
• Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Tip: Keep the heat low when adding cheese and milk to avoid curdling.

Variations for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This recipe is flexible and can be customized based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Add Pickles: Stir in chopped dill pickles before serving for a true cheeseburger flavor.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter protein works well here without sacrificing texture.
• Add Mustard or Ketchup: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or ketchup for added tang.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it some kick.
• Swap Cheese: Instead of Velveeta, use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. For best meltability, grate cheese yourself.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and check that your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate the experience with simple additions or garnishes.

• Top with Classic Cheeseburger Toppings: A spoonful of sour cream, crispy bacon, or diced tomatoes works beautifully.
• Serve with Bread: Try with crusty rolls, garlic toast, or hamburger buns sliced and toasted.
• Pair with a Simple Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• For Kids: Serve in a bread bowl or with a side of fries for a fun, burger-inspired meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions build better flavor than frozen mixes.
• Dice Ingredients Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure that everything cooks at the same rate.
• Stir Constantly After Adding Cheese: Prevents clumps and ensures the soup stays smooth and creamy.
• Cook the Roux Thoroughly: Cooking the flour in butter for 1–2 minutes removes any raw flour taste and helps the soup thicken evenly.
• Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Keep the heat low once milk and cheese are added to avoid curdling or separating.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Add extra salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if needed.

Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Soup

• Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese and potatoes may change slightly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	390–420 kcal
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	13g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	740mg
Calcium	220mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and toppings used.

Cheeseburger Soup FAQs

Can I use cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, but for best results, grate it yourself and melt it slowly on low heat. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, diced hash brown-style potatoes can be substituted. Add them directly to the broth and adjust cook time as needed.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or corn for a meaty texture.

How thick should the soup be?
It should be creamy and spoon-coating, not runny or overly thick. If it’s too thick, thin it with extra broth or milk.

Conclusion

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort food and a hearty weeknight dinner. It brings together everything you love about a cheeseburger—meat, cheese, potatoes, and savory flavor—in one simple, satisfying bowl. With a short ingredient list and a straightforward method, this soup is a dependable favorite you’ll find yourself making again and again.