Hearty & Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: an incredibly satisfying cheeseburger soup. This rich, creamy and hearty soup delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, comforting bowl. Our recipe simplifies the process, ensuring a perfect outcome every time, making it ideal for busy families and novice cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup

• It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. As a study published in ScienceDirect explains, comfort food provides a feeling of well-being.
• You get rich, cheesy, and savory flavors in every spoonful.
• It’s incredibly family-friendly and pleases even picky eaters.
• The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ¾ cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Velveeta processed cheese, cubed, or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

Notes & Substitutions

When making this delicious cheeseburger soup, ingredient choices can enhance the flavor and texture. For ground beef, opt for lean ground beef to minimize grease, but a little fat adds flavor. If using higher fat beef, drain it exceptionally well. You can easily switch up the vegetables; consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn for extra texture and nutrients. For the cheese, Velveeta ensures a super smooth, creamy soup. For more information on why Velveeta melts better than cheddar in soups, consider this comparison of cheese melting properties. If you prefer a more pronounced cheesy flavor and don’t mind a slightly grainier texture, shredded cheddar cheese works wonderfully. Feel free to use beef broth or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to match your preferences. For a richer soup, swap some of the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream. If you don’t have sour cream, cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy tang.

Instructions

Prepare this hearty cheeseburger soup by following these simple steps for a comforting meal.

1. Brown the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan, then drain and set aside.
2. In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, parsley, and basil with 1 tablespoon butter until tender.
3. Add broth, potatoes, and beef; bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter, stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Add this mixture to the soup, bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
5. Stir in cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until cheese melts. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the best cheeseburger soup, always ensure your ground beef is well-drained to prevent a greasy soup. To prevent sour cream from curdling, remove the soup from the heat before stirring it in. You can also temper the sour cream by mixing a spoonful of hot soup into it first, then adding it to the pot. Choose russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for soup as they hold their shape well without becoming mushy too quickly. If your soup is too thin, create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened. For a thicker soup, cook it down longer. Enhance the flavor by tasting and adjusting seasonings, adding a pinch more salt or pepper as needed. To prevent potatoes from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking them; they should be tender but not falling apart.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy cheeseburger soup hot with your favorite burger toppings. Classic options include crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced green onions, and tangy dill pickle slices or relish. For added crunch, offer homemade croutons, your favorite crackers, or toasted burger bun cubes on the side. Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad to complete your meal.

Variations

Experiment with different ground meats like ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of this hearty soup. Explore alternative cheese blends such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda for unique flavor profiles. If you love a kick, introduce spicy elements like diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. For hands-off cooking, adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or an Instant Pot; brown the meat and sauté vegetables first for the best flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover cheeseburger soup safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the texture of the potatoes and the creaminess may change upon thawing and reheating. The potatoes can become mealy, and the soup might separate slightly. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore its original creaminess.

Nutrition

Please note, the following nutrition information is an approximation per serving for this cheeseburger soup. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This recipe yields about 6 servings.

FAQ

Conclusion

This hearty and flavorful cheeseburger soup truly embodies comfort in a bowl. With its rich, creamy texture and satisfying blend of savory ingredients, it’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser for any meal. We encourage you to try this simple, delicious recipe and discover why it quickly becomes a cherished family favorite in your home. Enjoy the comforting warmth and delectable taste of homemade goodness.

Hearty & Delicious Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

This comforting and rich cheeseburger soup features seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, potatoes, and a creamy cheese base, finished with a touch of sour cream. It’s a hearty meal perfect for a cozy evening.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Servings 6 people

Calories 581 kcal

Equipment

• 3-quart saucepan
• small skillet
• Stirring Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ¾ cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 4 tablespoons butter divided
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups Velveeta processed cheese cubed or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Brown the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan, then drain and set aside.
• In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, parsley, and basil with 1 tablespoon butter until tender.
• Add broth, potatoes, and beef; bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
• In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter, stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Add this mixture to the soup, bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
• Stir in cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until cheese melts. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream.

Notes

For an extra rich flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese. Garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra shredded cheese before serving.