As the chill settles in and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort you on a chilly day. Cheeseburger Soup captures the essence of your favorite diner burger, bringing it to your bowl with rich and creamy goodness. The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a luscious texture that coats your tongue like a cozy blanket. Trust me, this is a delicious discovery you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheeseburger soup is a hearty dish that’s simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The comforting flavors will remind you of backyard barbecues, while the creamy cheese offers a delightful richness. It’s not just a soup; it’s a cozy embrace in a bowl!

Ingredients Needed For Cheeseburger Soup

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite meat, but make sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
• 1/2 cup onion, diced: Fresh onions add a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
• 1/2 cup celery, diced: Celery provides a nice crunch and enhances the overall savoriness.
• 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes: Opt for a no-salt-added version for more control over sodium levels.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: While fresh parsley works too, dried is convenient and adds herbal notes.
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter enhances creaminess and a rich flavor; use a good quality for the best results.
• 3 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to adjust seasoning to your liking.
• 4 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the soup and create a lovely coating for the ingredients.
• 3 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed: This cheese melts beautifully and adds that creamy cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% if necessary.
• 4 slices bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon brings a smoky crunch that takes this soup to another level.
• Shredded cheddar cheese for topping: A sprinkle of this adds both a flavor boost and visual appeal.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream: Stirring in sour cream at the end gives a lovely tang to the soup.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

1. Brown the ground beef in a saucepan. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the onion, diced celery, and parsley flakes. Sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy, then set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly.
5. Add this mixture to the soup and bring to a boil again. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
6. Stir in the cheese and milk, cooking and stirring until the cheese melts completely. Lastly, stir in the sour cream until blended.
7. Garnish with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Serve this comforting soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad to create a balanced meal that everyone will love. A dollop of additional sour cream on top can also enhance the flavor!

How to Store Cheeseburger Soup

To store your leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in individual portions; simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy a cozy meal again.

Tips to Make Cheeseburger Soup

• For an extra layer of flavor, season the ground beef with some garlic powder or onion powder before browning it.
• Don’t rush the sautéing step; allowing the vegetables to soften properly brings out their sweetness.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and substitute half the Velveeta with lower-fat cheese.
• Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can kick up the flavor profile a notch!

Variations and Substitutions

• Feel free to swap out the ground meat for a vegetarian option, like mushrooms or lentils, for a veggie-loaded twist.
• Try incorporating other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to the mix for added nutrients and textures.
• If you don’t have Velveeta, try using a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheese for a similar creamy effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just reheat it slowly on the stove, adding a bit of milk if it has thickened too much.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure to let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

If you prefer a more natural cheese, use a combination of cheddar and cream cheese to achieve that creamy texture. Just ensure that you melt them slowly to avoid clumping.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of regular flour.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the soup while it simmers for an extra kick. Enjoy the warmth!

Cheeseburger Soup

A warm, creamy soup that captures the essence of a cheeseburger with tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey Choose your favorite meat, well-seasoned.
• 1/2 cup onion, diced Fresh onions for a sweet aromatic base.
• 1/2 cup celery, diced Adds crunch and enhances savoriness.
• 1 can (16 oz) diced tomatoes Opt for no-salt-added for better control over sodium.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes Dried parsley adds herbal notes, fresh works too.
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided Enhances creaminess; use good quality.
• 3 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth allows for seasoning adjustment.
• 4 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy texture.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Helps thicken the soup.
• 3 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed Melts beautifully, adds cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups milk Whole milk for creaminess, can substitute with 2%.
• 4 slices bacon Cooked until crispy for smoky crunch.
• to taste shredded cheddar cheese for topping Adds flavor boost and visual appeal.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream Stir in at the end for tang.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Brown the ground beef in a saucepan. Drain and set aside.
• In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter with the onion, diced celery, and parsley flakes. Sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the broth, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
• Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy, then set aside.
• In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
• Add this mixture to the soup and bring to a boil again. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low.
• Stir in the cheese and milk, cooking and stirring until cheese melts completely. Lastly, stir in the sour cream until blended.
• Garnish with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad. Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days, or freeze for individual portions.

Keyword Cheeseburger Soup, Comfort Food, Creamy Soup, Easy Dinner, Hearty Soup