Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a bowl of pure comfort that brings everyone to the table smiling, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine all the savory, cheesy flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, wrapped up in a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave a little coziness. This recipe is loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a handful of veggies, making it both satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role—adding flavor, texture, and that unmistakable cheeseburger vibe. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each one matters.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and sauté the veggies for a flavorful base.
- Ground beef: Go for lean or regular beef for rich, meaty flavor and heartiness.
- Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic kick to the mix.
- Carrots: Give a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Celery: Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
- Peeled and diced potatoes: Make the soup thick, filling, and wonderfully creamy when cooked.
- Chicken or beef broth: Provides a savory, flavorful liquid base—choose whichever you have on hand.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance.
- Paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and color.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup, making it luxuriously creamy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps form the roux.
- Whole milk: Creates the creamy texture you want in a cheeseburger soup.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for that classic cheeseburger flavor and gooey goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness right at the end.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): Perfect for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off. This step creates the hearty foundation for your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe and infuses every bite with savory flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery right into the pot with the browned beef. Sauté everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the veggies are softened and the onions are translucent. This builds up layers of flavor and gives your soup a wonderful, aromatic base.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Simmer
Now, stir in the diced potatoes, broth (chicken or beef, whichever you prefer), salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The potatoes will become tender and start to thicken the soup naturally, making it hearty and satisfying.
Step 4: Make the Roux
While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux—this is what will give your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe its signature creamy texture. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup pot and stir well. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy, smooth, and luscious. This is where that cheeseburger magic truly happens!
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This last step adds a gentle tang and silky finish, taking the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to the next level. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes
Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness and color. If you want to get playful, add a few crispy bacon bits or a handful of extra cheddar on top—the garnishes bring the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to life and make every spoonful irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but it loves company! Serve it with crusty bread or classic saltine crackers for dunking, or pair it with a simple green salad for something lighter. For a true diner-style experience, a platter of oven-baked fries or pickles on the side makes it feel like a full cheeseburger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe into mini bread bowls for a fun party twist, or serve it in mugs for a cozy movie night. If you have kids, let them top their own bowls with favorite burger toppings—think diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard for an extra nod to classic cheeseburgers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop, making each reheated bowl even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your soup, just leave out the sour cream and garnishes until you’re ready to serve. Freeze the cooled soup in individual portions or a large container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently and stir in the sour cream before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent the cheese from separating. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. A quick stir and it’s just as creamy and comforting as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to season well, as turkey is a bit milder than beef.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch mixed with a little cold milk to thicken the soup. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
What’s the best way to make the soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender right in the pot before adding the cheese and sour cream. Or simply add a bit more flour to the roux if you like it extra creamy.
Can I prepare Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in advance?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just wait to add the sour cream and any fresh garnishes until you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It adds the same creamy tang and blends seamlessly into the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderful about a recipe that brings people together—and this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe does just that. Cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s a bowl of comfort you’ll want to share (or keep all to yourself!). I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a favorite in your home, too.
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and creamy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a satisfying meal on chilly days. Packed with flavors reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger, this soup combines potatoes, carrots, celery, and a rich cheese sauce for a deliciously filling dish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the beef. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Roux and Cheese Sauce: While the soup simmers, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Soup and Cheese Sauce: Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup pot and stir well. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the sour cream to enrich the flavor and add tanginess. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat milk.
- For a thicker texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese sauce.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or savory crackers.
- To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg