Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Name: Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 0.5 pound ground beef; 0.75 cup chopped onion; 0.75 cup shredded carrots; 0.75 cup chopped celery; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 4 cups cubed potatoes; 3 cups chicken broth; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups milk; 2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese; 0.25 cup sour cream; sliced green onions for garnish

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This hearty, creamy Cheddar potato soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Rich with flavor and texture, it combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and sharp Cheddar cheese for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter, divided
pound lean ground beef
cup chopped onion
cup shredded carrots
cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
4 cups cubed potatoes
3 cups chicken broth
cup all-purpose flour
1 cups milk
2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
cup sour cream
Sliced green onions for garnish

Directions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the dried basil and parsley. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to develop flavor.
Pour the thickened sauce into the soup, stirring constantly. Bring the soup to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cubed Cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Stir in the sour cream and continue to cook until just heated through. Do not boil after adding the sour cream.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Cooks Notes

Sharp Cheddar cheese adds a robust flavor to this soup, but you can use any variety of Cheddar you prefer. For extra texture and flavor, consider garnishing the soup with classic burger toppings like diced pickles, crumbled bacon, or crispy onions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition Fact	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	400	-
Total Fat	23g	29%
Saturated Fat	13g	63%
Cholesterol	83mg	28%
Sodium	685mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3g	10%
Total Sugars	6g	-
Protein	21g	42%
Vitamin C	11mg	12%
Calcium	337mg	26%
Iron	2mg	13%
Potassium	801mg	17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, creamy soup that brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting bowl of soup. This American dish has gained widespread popularity for its rich texture, savory beef, and melty cheese, making it the perfect comfort food for cold weather.

History and Origins

The origin of Cheeseburger Soup is somewhat unclear, but it likely emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend of "creative soups" that were inspired by popular fast foods. Combining the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger into a soup format allowed home cooks to enjoy the beloved burger flavors without the need for a bun, creating a heartier, more filling meal. The dish quickly spread across American kitchens, becoming a staple in comfort food recipes.

Regional Variations

Although Cheeseburger Soup is widely enjoyed across the United States, different regions have added their own twist to the dish. For example, in the Midwest, where comfort food is highly cherished, some variations include adding bacon, sauted onions, and additional spices like garlic powder or mustard for extra flavor. In the Southwest, some recipes incorporate a bit of heat by adding jalapeos or spicy cheese. Additionally, some versions substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative. Despite these variations, the basic concept of a creamy, beefy soup remains consistent.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Cheeseburger Soup stands out from other soup dishes like beef stew or potato chowder due to its unique combination of ingredients. While beef stew is typically more brothy and includes chunks of meat and vegetables, Cheeseburger Soup uses ground beef and incorporates creamy cheese and sour cream to achieve its signature richness. Unlike potato chowder, which focuses more on potatoes and broth, Cheeseburger Soups defining feature is the cheesy, meaty base that mimics the taste of a cheeseburger. The presence of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions also adds a touch of sweetness and depth that differentiates it from simpler cheesy soups.

Where It Is Typically Served

Cheeseburger Soup is typically served in casual settings, such as family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. Its comforting, hearty nature makes it a great option for cold winter nights or after a long day of outdoor activities. It is often paired with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad, which complements the richness of the soup. Many restaurants and diners also serve this dish as part of their winter menu to cater to customers looking for warm, filling meals. The soup is often garnished with toppings like sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese to enhance its "burger" feel.

Interesting Facts

Cheeseburger Soup is an excellent way to use up leftover ground beef and cheese, making it a perfect dish for reducing food waste.
The dish has inspired numerous creative adaptations, including low-carb and vegetarian versions, where ground turkey or plant-based proteins replace the beef.
Despite its name, Cheeseburger Soup is often considered a "comfort food" that brings nostalgia, not just for cheeseburgers but for simpler, hearty meals from childhood.
In some variations, pickles are added as a garnish, adding a tangy crunch that mimics the pickle topping of a traditional cheeseburger.

Cheeseburger Soup is a great example of how chefs and home cooks take inspiration from classic dishes to create new, exciting meals. Whether you're craving a simple bowl of comfort or looking to experiment with different toppings and flavors, this soup is sure to satisfy all tastes.

FAQ about Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Yes, you can adjust the vegetables to your preference. Some people substitute cauliflower for potatoes to make it lower in carbs, while others may skip celery or carrots. Feel free to experiment with other veggies as well.

While the soup can be frozen, the potatoes may change in texture after freezing and reheating. For best results, it’s recommended to consume it fresh. However, if you must freeze, let the soup cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.

Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can also use sharp cheddar, Velveeta for extra creaminess, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cheese and sour cream at the end.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra milk or broth to loosen it up.

Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. Alternatively, you could use heavy cream or even cream cheese for a richer taste.

The total cooking time for this soup is about 50 minutes, including both the preparation and cooking steps. The soup is quick to prepare, with about 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.

Yes, crumbled bacon can be added to the soup for extra flavor. You can either add it directly to the soup or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.

Comments

Nancy Harris

05/25/2025 01:59:57 PM

I absolutely loved this soup! The only modification I made was adding two cloves of chopped garlic, some crispy fried bacon, and Velvetta instead of cheddar. Additionally, I used frozen cubed hash brown potatoes simply because that's what I had on hand. To address the comment about omitting celery and carrots because they're not in a cheeseburger, it's important to remember that this is a soup, not a cheeseburger. In my opinion, most great soups begin with onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. I served this soup to a group of six guys on a fishing trip, and it received an overwhelming 12 thumbs up of approval.

Charles Young

12/16/2023 03:26:38 PM

I was desperately looking for a recipe that my husband loves from an old Taste of Home edition, but I had lost it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't quite replicate it—until now! I added a seeded, minced jalapeno, crumbled bacon, and a bit of cayenne to the adult portions. My husband believes I discovered the original recipe, but this version is even better!

Kevin Diaz

03/22/2023 11:24:12 AM

For those who were disappointed that it didn't taste like a cheeseburger, here's a tip: grill or charbroil the hamburger, or cook it on a pellet grill first, and even freeze it for added flavor. Then, add it to your soup in crumbled, shredded, or cubed form. If you found it lacking salt, simply add some. And if you feel it's not cheesy enough, try adding more cheese or using a processed cheese like Velveeta.

Sarah Smith

06/04/2025 08:22:33 AM

A household favorite! I never follow the recipe exactly, always doubling the ingredients and adding my own twists. I kickstart the dish with a few strips of bacon, opting to sauté the onion, celery, and carrot in reserved bacon fat instead of butter. A touch of garlic and onion powder always find their way in. I skip making a separate roux, simply combining flour and butter with the beef and veggies before adding the rest of the ingredients. For a gluten-free option, you can omit the flour and use instant potato flakes as a thickener. I've experimented with sharp cheddar and Velveeta for added flavor. Seasoning with salt and pepper throughout is a must. Note that due to the potatoes, I don't recommend freezing this dish.

Susan Moore

08/24/2023 01:34:24 PM

I absolutely adored it! Instead of using sour cream, I decided to use leftover French onion dip. I also incorporated a 16 oz package of Velveeta slices and threw in some Italian sausage links. I made these modifications in response to another viewer's criticism, but I truly believe that as cooks, we have the freedom to be creative with recipes!

Patricia Collins

06/06/2023 12:35:23 AM

We absolutely adore this dish! I substitute cauliflower for potatoes, and of course, season with salt and pepper. It's incredibly delicious!

Jennifer Edwards

11/05/2022 03:05:59 AM

I started with this fantastic basic recipe and tweaked it to suit our preferences. While cooking the lean ground beef, I threw in some fresh garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Instead of chicken broth, I opted for beef broth and included ground mustard and McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning to give it that burger flavor I love. I followed the rest of the recipe as written. This soup is now a staple in my recipe collection!

Sarah Roberts

06/05/2024 09:58:21 PM

My family absolutely loved this recipe! I made some modifications based on the ingredients I had on hand. I cooked some bacon, crumbled it, and set it aside to use as an optional topping later. I doubled the amount of carrots and celery, diced them, and cooked them in the bacon drippings. Once they were done, I removed them from the pan and cooked 1 pound of ground beef, adding minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, toasting it for 1 minute. Then, I returned the vegetable mix to the pan and stirred in 1/2 cup of flour, browning it. Slowly, I added about 5 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of chicken bouillon, 4 teaspoons of garlic powder, and potatoes. To finish the soup, I added 3/4 cup of heavy cream and around 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Delicious and comforting!

Lisa Clark

03/26/2024 03:00:31 PM

I enhanced my dish by incorporating pickle juice and saved time by using canned diced potatoes and carrots.

Susan Robinson

12/01/2024 04:24:57 AM

A favorite among our family!!!

Sandra Wilson

05/13/2025 04:41:27 PM

I enhanced the flavor by incorporating minced garlic, salt, and Worcestershire sauce into the meat and vegetables.

Matthew Carter

12/02/2023 04:52:12 AM

I measured all the ingredients with care and love, and the result was truly amazing.

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