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Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Hearty, Flavor-Packed Bowl

A large pot of Cheeseburger Soup with a ladle held diagonally from the left inserted partly into the soup with soup in it.Cheeseburger Soup

Tender ground beef, vegetables, sharp cheddar, and a creamy broth combine in this Cheeseburger Soup recipe for a satisfying, comforting meal—perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with crusty bread, warm rolls, or crunchy croutons for a meal that reminds you of a classic cheeseburger in bowl form. The recipe is family-friendly and appeals even to picky eaters.

This version is adapted from my sister-in-law Becky’s original, simplified to be practical for busy families. My kids ask for it often, and it’s become a favorite at our table.

A large pot of Cheeseburger Soup with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese on top in the middle with a black ladle inserted from the left.The soup is thickened with a roux for a smooth, rich texture. If you haven’t made a roux before, it’s straightforward: butter and flour cooked briefly, then whisked with milk. If you prefer, you can skip the roux and add chopped Velveeta for a quicker, creamier finish. For the best cheeseburger flavor, use sharp cheddar, though milder cheddars or blends like Gouda or pepper jack can work for different flavor profiles.

With cheeseburger-style soups trending, this kid-approved recipe is worth a try.

Creamy and Delicious Soups

  • Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Soup
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup
  • Chicken Curry and Rice Soup
  • Potato Leek Soup
  • Corn Chowder
  • Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup

Step-by-Step Photos for How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

13-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make Cheeseburger Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

What is a roux, and how do you make it?

A roux is a simple mixture of fat (butter) and flour used to thicken soups and sauces. Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook about one minute until bubbly and lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, then add it to your soup.

Is there a substitute for the roux?

Yes. Chopped Velveeta can replace the roux and cheddar for a quick, creamy alternative.

What type of cheddar cheese is best to use?

Sharp cheddar gives the best cheeseburger-style flavor, but you can use any cheddar or a mix (Gouda, pepper jack) to change the taste.

Cheesburger Soup in a large pot with a black ladle filled with soup placed diagonally from the left and held just above the top of the soup.Can I use shredded cheese from a package?

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and delivers better flavor. Packaged pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as well.

What type of potatoes should I use?

Golden or red potatoes work well and don’t need to be peeled. Russets are fine but are best peeled for texture.

Do you recommend any toppings?

Popular toppings include croutons, bacon bits, chopped chives, and extra shredded cheese. Some people also enjoy chopped pickles on top for a burger-like twist.

Two-photo Pinterest picture with the text of the title in the middle, separating the two photos.Chef’s Tools for Cheeseburger Soup:

  • Large soup pot
  • Vegetable chopper or good knife
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chicken broth or stock
  • Soup bowls

Pinterest picture of Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with the text of the ingredients at the bottom and the text of the title right above the ingredients list.

If you love Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll love these…

A blue bowl filled with creamy chicken and dumplings. A white and blue striped checked kitchen towel is wrapped around the bowl from the bottom left to the upper right of the bowl. A spoon is on top of the towel on the left side of the bowl.Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Soup
A dark blue white polka dotted soup bowl of loaded baked potato soup topped with sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon crumbles.Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Thick and Creamy Potato and Ham SoupThick and Creamy Potato and Ham Soup
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
 
Recipe Type: Soup/Dinner
Author: Adapted from my sister-in-law, Becky’s recipe
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp parsley flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ground mustard
  • 5–6 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3–4 cups whole or 2% milk
  • 1/2–3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2–2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
  • 1/3–1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Drain if needed and set aside.
  2. Add diced carrots, onion, and celery to the pot and sauté briefly until they begin to soften, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add cubed potatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, parsley flakes, and ground mustard. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
  5. In a separate medium pot, make a roux: melt butter, whisk in flour and cook about 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  6. Whisk the roux mixture into the soup, then return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream until combined and smooth.
  8. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add shredded cheddar a cup at a time, stirring until melted and incorporated.
  9. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot with croutons, rolls, or crusty bread.
  11. Enjoy!
 
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Pinterest picture of Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with the text of the title at the top.

Other Cheeseburger Soup Recipes
  • Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon
  • Lightened Up Cheeseburger Soup
  • Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup