If you love the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want something warm, cozy, and a little different, you’re going to adore this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It captures everything you crave in a cheeseburger – juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and that perfect hint of onion and herbs – but turns it into a rich, hearty soup that’s downright irresistible on chilly days. Honestly, making this soup always feels like a little hug in a bowl during those long winter evenings.

What’s great about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to whip up with such simple, everyday ingredients, yet it feels special enough to serve for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with this amazing aroma that pulls everyone in, and it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone happily satisfied without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this one all the time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in building those classic cheeseburger flavors in soup form. Here’s a quick rundown, along with some tips on how to get the best results when you shop and prep.

Butter: I always use real butter here for that rich base – it helps sauté the veggies and beef perfectly.
Lean ground beef: Using lean helps prevent greasy soup but still adds plenty of savory flavor.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I like to use yellow onion for its balanced flavor.
Shredded carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and a nice pop of color to the soup.
Chopped celery: For that classic onion-celery-carrot trio, it adds fresh flavor and crunch.
Dried basil & parsley: These herbs give a lovely savory note without overpowering the soup.
Cubed potatoes: They make the soup hearty and filling; Yukon Gold works beautifully for its creamy texture.
Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth or homemade for richer taste.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent – it turns the broth into a velvety base.
Milk: Whole milk or 2% works best to keep the soup creamy but not heavy.
Cubed Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor – don’t skimp on the cheese!
Sour cream: Adds tang and silky texture at the end – stir it in gently so it doesn’t curdle.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to customize depending on what you like or have on hand. Give these tweaks a try and make the recipe your own.

Vegetable lovers’ version: I’ve added diced bell peppers or even corn to amp up the veggies without losing that cheeseburger vibe.
Lower carb adaption: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to lighten it up while keeping the creaminess intact.
Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños if you like a little heat; it really wakes up the savory flavors.
Dairy-free option: You can use a non-dairy milk and a vegan cheese alternative – I’ve tried it, and although different, it’s still a comforting version worth having.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as you go. Once the beef is ready, drain any excess fat (this step keeps the soup from getting greasy). Then add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent – this builds such a great flavor base you don’t want to rush!

Step 2: Add Herbs, Potatoes, and Broth

Sprinkle in the dried basil and parsley, stirring so that herb aroma wakes up the mixture. Then add the cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the whole pot to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. This part feels like the soup really starts to come together and thicken naturally with all those delicious layers.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux – stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it’s golden and smells nutty. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps, and cook until it thickens slightly. Pour this creamy mixture into your soup pot, stirring carefully to combine. This roux is what transforms the broth into that luscious, cheeseburger-soup texture that’s so satisfying.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar and Finish with Sour Cream

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the cubed Cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Last but not least, stir in the sour cream gently to keep it smooth and velvety. Give everything a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Now you have a soup that’s bursting with cheeseburger goodness and creamy comfort in every sip.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I love topping it with extra shredded cheddar and a few slices of green onion for a fresh touch. Crumbled cooked bacon or a dollop of sour cream also adds a fun indulgence. If you have pickles around, adding chopped dill pickles on top really nails that classic cheeseburger flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a fresh baguette for dipping. Sometimes, I serve it alongside crispy oven-baked fries or even homemade onion rings if we want a real “burger joint” vibe at the dinner table. It’s flexible – just keep your favorite burger sides in mind.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls, turning it into a fun party dish. Another favorite trick is serving it as a dip with kettle-cooked chips or toasted rye bread cubes – it’s a crowd-pleaser during game days or movie nights. Presentation really amps up the cozy, relaxed feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I give it a gentle stir on the stovetop over medium-low heat to warm it evenly without breaking the cheese or sour cream.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because of the dairy, but I’ve had success by slightly reducing the sour cream next time I freeze it and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat slowly on the stove to avoid curdling the dairy. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk if it feels too thick. This method keeps the flavors balanced and the texture nice and creamy, almost like fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first as usual, then add everything except the cheese and sour cream to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cheese and sour cream right before serving for the best results.
What cheese works best in this soup?

Sharp Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully for this soup. If you want a different twist, Colby Jack or even a mild Gouda can work well, but I always reach for sharp Cheddar because it balances the beefiness perfectly.
Is this soup kid-friendly?

Definitely! The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the creamy texture is very approachable for children. Just be mindful of the herbs and seasonings – you can reduce those slightly if your little ones prefer milder tastes.
Can I use low-fat dairy in this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?

You can use 2% milk and low-fat sour cream to make it lighter, though the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Still tasty, just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit less indulgent.
How thick should the soup be? Can I adjust the consistency?

The soup should be creamy but spoonable, not too thin or watery. If it’s too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a try because it’s honestly become one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes. It’s simple, fills the house with an irresistible aroma, and hits all the right notes for burger lovers without the extra work of flipping patties. Plus, it’s flexible enough so you can make it suit your taste and lifestyle. So next time you want a cozy meal that feels like a treat, this soup has your name on it – from my kitchen to yours, enjoy!