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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy soup, especially on those days when you want dinner to feel like a hug. But when that soup also tastes like a classic, juicy cheeseburger, things get even better. This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe brings all the cozy satisfaction of your favorite diner burger and wraps it into a velvety, rich, hearty bowl that feels like comfort at its best. It’s warm, cheesy, savory, and loaded with tender potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables that all simmer together into a dreamy, crave-worthy meal.
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something filling but still simple enough for a weeknight, cheeseburger soup is the perfect answer. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the aroma of onions, melted cheese, and seasoned beef, making everyone wander in to ask what’s cooking. And the best part is how incredibly easy it is to make. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps — just pure homemade comfort food. That’s exactly why this creamy soup has become a go-to dish for busy nights, chilly afternoons, and family gatherings.
This recipe leans into classic American flavors. Think of the taste of a cheeseburger — savory beef, sharp cheddar, golden potatoes, onions, and just the right amount of creaminess. Now imagine all of that in a spoonful. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how the broth thickens naturally as the potatoes cook, and how the cheese melts into a silky sauce that feels luxurious but still familiar.
So if you’re craving a warm, filling, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly, stays budget-friendly, and tastes unbelievably good, this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is exactly what you need. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Ultra creamy and comforting
This is the kind of cozy comfort food recipe that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for cold days or whenever you need something satisfying and rich. - Simple ingredients, big flavors
Ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and pantry staples come together to create a comforting soup without complicated steps. - Family friendly
Kids love it because it tastes like a cheeseburger. Adults love it because it’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor. - If you love easy dinner recipes, this one fits right into your weekly rotation. It’s fast, affordable, and always a hit.
- Customizable
You can make it spicy, add bacon, use different cheeses, or pack in extra veggies. - One-pot recipe
Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Below is the full list of what you’ll need, with notes to help guide you.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
Gives the soup that classic cheeseburger flavor. - 1 medium onion, diced
Adds sweetness and depth. - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
Adds color and natural sweetness. - 2 celery stalks, diced
Provides balance and texture. - 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
They thicken the soup as they cook and make it hearty. - 3 tablespoons butter
Forms the base of the roux. - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Helps thicken the soup without making it heavy. - 3 cups chicken broth
You can also use beef broth for a deeper taste. - 2 cups milk or half-and-half
Creates the creamy texture this soup is known for. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Freshly shredded melts best. Sharp cheddar is ideal. - 1 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste. - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Adds subtle heat and flavor. - 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
For brightness. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds savory depth. - Optional for topping:
crispy bacon, extra cheese, green onions, croutons, pickles (yes, pickles make it taste even more like a cheeseburger).

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the beef
In a large soup pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
Tip: Browning the beef well adds a deeper, richer flavor foundation for the soup.
2. Sauté the vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Tip: Don’t rush this step. Softening the vegetables builds sweetness and flavor.
3. Add potatoes and seasonings
Stir in the potatoes, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Tip: Cutting the potatoes into even cubes helps them cook at the same rate.
4. Pour in the broth
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Tip: Don’t overcook the potatoes — they’ll break down too much and change the texture.
5. Make the roux
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Tip: Keep whisking to avoid lumps.
6. Add the roux to the soup
Slowly whisk the roux into the soup. It will begin to thicken immediately.
Tip: Add it gradually to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth consistency.
7. Stir in milk or half-and-half
Pour in the milk and reduce heat to low.
Tip: Don’t let it boil once the dairy is added — that can cause curdling.
8. Add the cheese
Slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and combined.
Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than packaged cheese.
9. Finish and serve
Stir in parsley and adjust seasonings. Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with bacon, extra cheese, or green onions.
Tip: A few diced pickles or a swirl of mustard give it even more authentic “cheeseburger” flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and smoothest melt.
- Freshly shred your cheese to avoid grainy texture from anti-caking agents.
- Don’t boil after adding dairy — keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Potatoes absorb flavors, so you may need extra salt.
- Use beef broth if you want a deeper, more savory cheeseburger taste.
- Add the cheese gradually to keep the soup velvety and prevent separation.
- If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Stir in 1 cup cooked bacon or sprinkle on top for smoky flavor.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne, or pepper jack cheese.
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to make it keto-friendly.
Veggie-Packed Cheeseburger Soup
Add bell peppers, peas, corn, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Double Cheese Version
Use a blend of cheddar, American cheese, and mozzarella for maximum cheesiness.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup
- Toasted garlic bread
Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. - Simple green salad
Adds freshness and balance to the rich soup. - Warm biscuits or rolls
Soft, buttery bread pairs beautifully with a hearty soup night. - Pickles on the side
Adds tanginess and makes the cheeseburger theme complete.
For cozy nights in or family dinners, this soup pairs well with any simple side that brings comfort and warmth.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge
Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer
This soup freezes well if you leave out the potatoes and cheese until reheating.
Otherwise, the texture may change.
How to freeze properly
- Cook base soup without dairy or cheese
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Add milk and cheese after reheating
Reheating
Warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
If too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
This soup is naturally gluten-free if you skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener, and it can be made low-carb with cauliflower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cheese too quickly — causes clumping or graininess.
- Boiling after adding dairy — leads to curdling.
- Cutting potatoes too large — they take longer to cook and may stay firm.
- Not sautéing vegetables long enough — results in less flavor depth.
- Using pre-shredded cheese — it melts unevenly.
FAQ
Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats very well if you keep the heat low and add extra broth or milk if it thickens.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter version.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I add pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni taste amazing in this soup.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown beef first, then add ingredients (except dairy and cheese). Add milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes.
Why did my soup turn grainy?
The cheese was probably added at too high of a heat or not shredded freshly.
Can I use Velveeta?
Yes. It melts extremely smoothly and gives a classic diner-style cheeseburger flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is everything cozy dinners should be — creamy, warm, rich, comforting, and full of familiar flavors that make every bite satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or craving something indulgent but simple, this soup delivers every single time. I hope you try it soon and make it a regular part of your comfort-food lineup.
If you loved this recipe, try my Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie or my Pumpkin Date Tiramisù next — both are just as comforting, warm, and packed with flavor.
Enjoy your bowl of cheeseburger soup.
Cheeseburger Soup
A warm and comforting cheeseburger soup packed with wholesome ingredients like ground turkey or beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth. This easy recipe is perfect for chilly evenings and can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bacon bits for topping
Directions
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In a skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to a slow cooker.
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Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
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Serve hot, topped with bacon bits if desired.
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Enjoy your delicious cheeseburger soup!

