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.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
This cheeseburger soup quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons:
- 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.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smoother. You will need a large 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven for cooking the soup base. A small skillet is essential for preparing the roux. Keep a cutting board and a sharp knife handy for prepping vegetables and potatoes. Finally, ensure you have measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Prepare this hearty cheeseburger soup by following these simple steps for a comforting meal.
First, brown the ground beef in your large 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly and then set the cooked beef aside.
Next, in the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, and diced celery. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly softened.
Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, and return the cooked ground beef to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
While the soup simmers, prepare the roux in a small skillet. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden. This forms your thickening roux.
Stir the prepared roux into the simmering soup in the large saucepan. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes to allow the soup to thicken. Reduce the heat back to low.
Add the cubed Velveeta (or shredded cheddar cheese), milk, salt, and pepper to the soup. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy base.
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat. Blend in the sour cream until it is fully combined and the soup is beautifully creamy. Your delicious homemade cheeseburger soup is now ready to serve and enjoy.
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.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 581 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 118 mg |
| Sodium | 2144 mg |
| Potassium | 1356 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 3903 IU |
| Vitamin C | 31 mg |
| Calcium | 590 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
FAQ
Can I make this cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables separately first, then combine all ingredients (except flour, milk, cheese, and sour cream) in the slow cooker. Add the flour, milk, and cheese towards the end of cooking, and stir in sour cream just before serving.
Can cheeseburger soup be frozen?
Freezing cheeseburger soup is possible, but be aware that the texture of the potatoes may become mealy after thawing. Dairy-based soups can also sometimes separate when frozen and reheated.
How can I make the soup thicker/thinner?
To thicken your cheeseburger soup, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water) at the end. To thin it, simply add more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
What kind of potatoes work best?
For a creamy soup that holds its texture, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal. They become tender without easily turning to mush.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cheeseburger soup with other vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or even a handful of spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
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
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.