Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This cheesy and comforting cheeseburger soup delivers all the flavors of a classic burger in a warm, creamy, and satisfying bowl. Made with ground beef, hearty vegetables, rich broth, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s the ultimate cold-weather comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

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With a smooth, velvety texture and a deep, savory taste, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a one-pot recipe that comes together quickly, making it a go-to meal when you need something hearty, filling, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
• Rich and creamy – A luscious cheese base makes it extra satisfying.
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love this dish.
• One-pot recipe – Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
• Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start, gather everything you need for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven – Ensures even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board and knife – For chopping vegetables and dicing potatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Helps with stirring and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Small saucepan – For preparing the flour mixture to thicken the soup.

Preparation Tips

• Chop vegetables evenly – This ensures uniform cooking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese – Melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Brown the beef properly – Cooking it until it’s fully browned adds depth of flavor.
• Simmer gently – Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• ½ pound ground beef
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• ¾ cup carrots, diced
• ¾ cup celery, diced
• ¾ cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 to 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

• Onion rings
• Green onions
• Crumbled bacon

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Beef

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it is no longer pink.
• Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot.
• Add carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley.
• Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and aromatic.

3. Simmer the Soup

• Add the potatoes, cooked ground beef, and chicken broth to the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.

4. Thicken the Soup

• In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until it starts to bubble and lightly brown.
• Stir this mixture into the soup and bring it to a gentle boil for 2 minutes to thicken.

5. Add Cheese and Finish

• Reduce heat to low and stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper.
• Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream for added richness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon.
• Serve warm and enjoy

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is hearty on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can create a balanced and complete meal. Here are eight great options:

1. Garlic Bread

A classic pairing for creamy soups, garlic bread adds a crispy, buttery contrast that’s perfect for dipping. The combination of roasted garlic, melted butter, and crusty bread complements the soup’s cheesy richness.

2. Side Salad

A fresh salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. A tangy dressing, such as balsamic or lemon-based, cuts through the richness beautifully.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For an extra indulgent meal, serve this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar or gouda. The crispy bread and melty cheese make for an irresistible combination.

4. French Fries

Since this soup is inspired by a cheeseburger, serving it with crispy French fries keeps with the theme. Try seasoned fries or sweet potato fries for added flavor.

5. Coleslaw

A tangy, slightly sweet coleslaw adds crunch and freshness. A vinegar-based slaw works well to contrast the creamy texture of the soup, while a creamy coleslaw can complement it.

6. Pickles or Pickled Vegetables

The acidity of pickles or pickled onions, carrots, or cucumbers balances the richness of the soup. This is a great way to add brightness and a bit of crunch to the meal.

7. Cornbread

A slightly sweet cornbread or corn muffins pairs beautifully with the savory, cheesy soup. The crumbly texture and slight sweetness enhance the depth of the flavors.

8. Soft Pretzels

If you love dipping bread into soup, soft pretzels are an excellent choice. Their chewy texture and salty flavor contrast well with the creamy soup.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Making a rich and flavorful cheeseburger soup is easy, but a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure a perfectly creamy, well-balanced soup every time.

1. Overcooking the Potatoes

The potatoes should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking can cause them to break down and create a grainy texture. To avoid this:
✔ Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
✔ Simmer on medium-low heat and check for doneness after 10 minutes.

2. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese

Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy or clumpy soup. Instead:
✔ Grate cheese fresh from a block for the smoothest texture.
✔ Stir the cheese into the soup off heat to prevent separation.

3. Adding Dairy Over High Heat

High heat can cause milk and cheese to separate or curdle. To prevent this:
✔ Add the cheese and milk gradually over low heat.
✔ Stir continuously to help it blend smoothly.

4. Skipping the Thickening Step

The flour and butter mixture (roux) is essential for thickening the soup and creating a creamy consistency. Skipping this step can result in a thin broth. To get the best texture:
✔ Cook the flour and butter for at least 3 minutes before adding it to the soup.
✔ Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Not Browning the Beef Properly

Browning the beef correctly develops a deep, savory flavor that enhances the soup. To ensure the best taste:
✔ Use medium-high heat when cooking the beef.
✔ Allow the beef to brown without stirring too frequently.

6. Seasoning Too Late

Adding seasoning at the right time ensures the flavors develop properly. To avoid a bland soup:
✔ Season the soup in layers—add salt and spices to the vegetables while they cook and adjust the seasoning after adding cheese.

7. Storing and Reheating Improperly

Dairy-based soups can become grainy or separate when reheated improperly. To maintain the best texture:
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling.

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How to Customize Your Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is already packed with flavor, but there are many ways to modify it to fit dietary preferences or personal taste:

Make It Spicy

✔ Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
✔ Stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra spice.

Make It Keto-Friendly

✔ Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets.
✔ Use heavy cream instead of milk for a low-carb option.

Make It Gluten-Free

✔ Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
✔ Double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Boost the Protein

✔ Add crumbled bacon or cooked sausage for extra flavor.
✔ Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

How to Get the Creamiest Texture

• Use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded – Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grating cheese from a block ensures a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Add cheese over low heat – High temperatures can cause cheese to separate and turn grainy. Stir it in gradually, keeping the heat low.
• Use a roux for thickening – Cooking flour with butter before adding it to the soup prevents lumps and creates a richer texture.

Ways to Add More Flavor

• Brown the beef properly – Let it develop a deep color before removing it from the pan. This adds more depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Use beef broth instead of chicken broth – This enhances the beefy, cheeseburger-like taste.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce – A small amount boosts the umami flavor.
• Try smoked paprika or mustard powder – These ingredients mimic the flavors of a classic cheeseburger.

How to Make It Healthier

• Swap potatoes for cauliflower – A great low-carb option.
• Use ground turkey instead of beef – A leaner alternative that still provides great flavor.
• Replace Velveeta with real cheddar – Aged cheddar adds sharpness and eliminates processed cheese.
• Use milk alternatives – Coconut or almond milk can work for a dairy-free version, but they will slightly alter the taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

Proper storage helps maintain the soup’s texture and flavor.

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Dairy-based soups can separate when frozen, but if you plan to freeze it, let the soup cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Curdling

• Stovetop: Heat on low, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (30-45 seconds), stirring in between to evenly distribute heat. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
• From Frozen: Let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the cheese and milk to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese and milk at the end to prevent curdling.

2. What can I use instead of Velveeta?

If you prefer not to use processed cheese, substitute it with:

• Sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor
• Monterey Jack for a creamier melt
• Colby cheese for a mild taste

Shred the cheese fresh and add it gradually over low heat for the smoothest texture.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It’s leaner and still provides great texture and flavor. For a richer taste, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika.

4. How do I make the soup thicker?

If your soup isn’t thick enough, try these methods:

• Mash some of the potatoes – This will naturally thicken the broth.
• Add more roux – Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of flour, cook for a minute, then stir it into the soup.
• Use cornstarch slurry – Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, though it will have a slightly different taste. Use plant-based butter, replace milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and swap out the cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

6. What toppings work best?

For extra texture and flavor, top your soup with:

• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy onion rings
• Shredded cheese
• A dollop of sour cream

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it properly and reheat slowly to maintain its creamy consistency.

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Conclusion

This easy cheeseburger soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that brings together the best flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, comforting bowl. Whether you make it for a cozy family dinner or prepare it ahead for meal prep, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please.

By following the storage, reheating, and customization tips, you can enjoy this soup exactly how you like it—whether thicker, spicier, low-carb, or dairy-free. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or crispy fries, and enjoy a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.