Creamy Cheeseburger Soup

Name: Creamy Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 3 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 tsp salt (to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional, for depth); ¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, for that cheeseburger tang); 3 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium); ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; Chopped pickles; Crumbled bacon (beef or turkey); Shredded lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Extra cheddar cheese; Green onions or chives

Posted on May 30, 2025

Main Dishes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Imagine the hearty, cheesy goodness of your favorite cheeseburger—transformed into a warm, rich, and satisfying soup. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and a velvety cheese broth, this one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or game day gatherings.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Filling – Loaded with beef, veggies, and creamy potatoes.
Family-Friendly – Everyone loves the taste of a cheeseburger in soup form.
One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Comfort Food Classic – Warm, rich, and satisfying in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chicken or beef broth
1 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
¼ tsp mustard powder (optional, for that cheeseburger tang)

For the Creamy Cheese Base:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Toppings (Optional):

Chopped pickles
Crumbled bacon (beef or turkey)
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Extra cheddar cheese
Green onions or chives

Tools You’ll Need
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed).
Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes
Add potatoes, cooked beef, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir well to combine.
Add sour cream and stir until creamy and fully blended.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger-inspired garnishes like pickles, shredded cheese, or green onions.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Use Sharp Cheddar – For bold flavor that stands out in the soup.
Don’t Skip the Roux – It thickens the soup for that perfect creamy texture.
Cut Potatoes Evenly – So they cook evenly and hold their shape.
Customize Toppings – Just like a burger, make it your own!
Add Veggies – Bell peppers, corn, or peas work great here too.

Serving Suggestions
With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dunking in the rich broth.
Alongside a Green Salad – Balances the richness of the soup.
As a Party Dip – Serve in a bread bowl with chips or pretzels.
With Sweet Potato Fries – A fun burger-and-fries twist.
With a Pickle Spear – For a tangy contrast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Let the soup cool completely. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Note: Add cheese and sour cream after reheating for best texture.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

2. Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken work well too.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in the roux or skip it for a thinner broth.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and skip the sour cream or use a non-dairy yogurt.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the cheese sauce and sour cream. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in cheese and sour cream before serving.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Cheeseburger Soup brings all the flavors of your favorite diner-style burger into a cozy, spoonable dish. It’s hearty, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying—perfect for cold nights, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something delicious and comforting. With easy prep and customizable toppings, this is a soup everyone will love.

Once you try it, you’ll be ladling this into bowls all season long!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food