Cheeseburger Soup – Creamy, Hearty, and Loaded with Flavor
When the weather turns cool or you’re craving something cozy and filling, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of Cheeseburger Soup. It’s everything you love about a classic cheeseburger — the juicy beef, melty cheese, and savory flavors — all transformed into a rich, creamy soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
This one-pot recipe is thick, hearty, and bursting with flavor from seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of cheddar cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for a crowd.
Whether you serve it with crusty bread, a sprinkle of crispy bacon, or even some toasted burger buns on the side, this Cheeseburger Soup is guaranteed to warm you up and make everyone at the table happy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
1. Comfort food at its best
Creamy, cheesy, and full of classic burger flavor — it’s cozy and satisfying.
2. One-pot recipe
Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more flavor.
3. Easy to customize
You can swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or make it gluten-free with simple tweaks.
4. Family-friendly
Mild, rich, and kid-approved — everyone loves this creamy soup.
5. Perfect for meal prep
It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
6. Simple pantry ingredients
Ground beef, potatoes, cheese, broth, and milk — all everyday staples.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon mustard (adds classic cheeseburger tang)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- Pickles or relish for garnish
For Serving:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Crumbled bacon
- Toasted buns or croutons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink.
Drain off excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup pot, stirring well to combine.
Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, mixing until completely melted and creamy.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or mustard if desired.
If you want extra richness, stir in sour cream or top each bowl with a dollop before serving.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.
Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese can make the soup grainy. Shred your own for a smooth melt. - Don’t boil after adding cheese.
Keep the soup on low heat to prevent curdling or separation. - Cut potatoes evenly.
Uniform pieces ensure they cook at the same rate and keep a consistent texture. - Use full-fat milk for creaminess.
Low-fat milk works, but whole milk or even half-and-half gives a richer soup. - Thicken as desired.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese sauce. - Add toppings before serving.
Crispy bacon, pickles, or toasted burger bun crumbles make fun finishing touches.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the base recipe, there are endless ways to make it your own.
Classic Cheeseburger Twist:
Add a splash of yellow mustard, a spoonful of ketchup, and diced pickles at the end for true cheeseburger flavor.
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup:
Stir in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and sprinkle more on top before serving.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup:
Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for heat.
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup:
Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced zucchini for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup:
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheeseburger Soup with your favorite cozy sides or toppings:
- Toasted buns or buttery garlic bread
- Side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Dill pickles for a tangy contrast
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Simple roasted veggies for balance
Top each bowl with extra cheese, crispy bacon, or a few diced pickles for that signature cheeseburger touch.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Because of the dairy, freezing isn’t ideal (it can change texture).
If you want to freeze, do so before adding cheese or milk. Add those ingredients fresh when reheating.
Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Make-Ahead Option
You can make the soup base (with the cooked beef, veggies, and broth) a day in advance.
Store it in the fridge, then reheat and add the milk and cheese sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor.
This makes it perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or hosting family dinners without last-minute stress.
Troubleshooting
Soup too thin:
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken, or whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in.
Cheese not melting smoothly:
Use fresh, full-fat cheddar and lower the heat before adding it to avoid clumping.
Soup too salty:
Use low-sodium broth and add salt gradually at the end to taste.
Soup separated or curdled:
It was likely too hot after adding the cheese — keep the heat low and stir gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage works well as a lighter or different twist.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese shreds (they melt best if added gradually).
Can I use Velveeta instead of cheddar?
You can. Velveeta melts smoothly and creates a silkier texture, though the flavor will be milder.
Can I add pasta instead of potatoes?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells work great — just cook them separately and stir them in at the end.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutrition values vary based on ingredients and toppings used.)
Why This Recipe Works
Cheeseburger Soup captures everything comforting about a burger — beef, cheese, and potatoes — in a single creamy bowl.
Cooking the vegetables directly in the broth infuses every bite with savory flavor, while the cheese sauce adds body and richness without being heavy.
The flour-and-butter roux helps the soup thicken naturally, creating that luxurious texture that coats your spoon just right. And because it’s made in one pot, the flavors build as it cooks, making it taste like it’s been simmering all day — even though it’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Tips for Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup Routine
- Add a topping bar.
Set out bowls of bacon bits, cheese, pickles, and croutons for guests to build their perfect bowl. - Serve in bread bowls.
For a fun presentation, hollow out mini loaves and ladle soup inside. - Double the recipe for freezing.
Freeze the beef and veggie base separately, then add cheese when reheating. - Try a smoky version.
Use smoked cheddar or add a touch of liquid smoke for BBQ-style depth. - Turn leftovers into dip.
Thicken with extra cheese and serve with tortilla chips for a party appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup is a warm, hearty, and delicious way to enjoy all the classic burger flavors — no bun required.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every spoonful satisfying and comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cold evening, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends for game day, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Simple to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly customizable — Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
