If you love all the juicy goodness of a classic cheeseburger but are craving something cozy and spoonable, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is the answer you never knew you needed. It brings together ground beef, melty sharp cheddar, tender potatoes, and a savory blend of veggies and seasonings into a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a comforting hug in a bowl. Simple to make yet deeply satisfying, it captures every flavor you adore about a cheeseburger in a way that warms the heart and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan holds a single layer of cooked ground meat, browned with a crumbly texture, spread evenly across the bottom. A wooden spatula is resting inside the pan with its handle leaning against the edge. The pan is sitting on a white cloth with blue stripes, all positioned on a light wood surface. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy sharp cheddar and tender potatoes, every element works in harmony to create something truly special.

Ground beef (1 pound): The protein base that gives this soup its meaty richness and satisfying bite.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Used in two steps to add creaminess and help thicken the soup perfectly.
White onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a gentle sweetness and depth that balances the savory components.
Carrots (¾ cup, shredded): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant splash of color.
Celery (¾ cup, diced): Brings a mild crunch and freshness that lifts the soup.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant mix that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds an herby, slightly earthy note that pairs well with the beef.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to bring all the flavors together.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides just the right hint of spice and warmth.
Russet potatoes (3 large, peeled and bite-sized): The heart of the soup’s comforting texture, tender yet firm.
Chicken broth (3 cups, low sodium): Adds a savory, savory base without overpowering the other ingredients.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Used to create a rich roux, thickening the soup to velvety perfection.
Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups, shredded): The star ingredient that melts into creamy cheesy goodness.
Milk (1½ cups, 2%): Adds smooth creaminess and helps meld all the flavors.
Sour cream (¼ cup, full fat): Finishes the soup with tang and richness, making every spoonful linger.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat and thoroughly cooking the ground beef until it’s browned and flavorful. Once cooked, drain all the fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, then set the beef aside for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large 5-quart pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, shredded carrots, and celery along with the Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sauté everything together until the onions soften and release their lovely aroma—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is key to building a solid flavor foundation.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth

Now, stir in the cooked ground beef, the bite-sized potatoes, and the chicken broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything gently simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up all those delicious savory flavors.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Combine

In a small frying pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook until the mixture bubbles and turns slightly golden, about 2 minutes — this step thickens the soup while adding a subtle toasty flavor. Pour this roux directly into the pot, stirring well to combine it with the simmering soup.

Step 5: Add the Cheese, Milk, and Sour Cream

Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy delight. Next, pour in the milk and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Finally, swirl in the full-fat sour cream for that added tang and richness that make this dish so irresistible. Once everything is well combined, remove the pot from heat.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a ladle lifting creamy soup from a shiny metal pot. The soup has a thick yellowish broth with specks of herbs and spices evenly spread throughout. In the ladle, there are chunks of light yellow potatoes, small pieces of browned ground meat, and bits of celery and carrot. The broth looks smooth and rich with visible herbs floating in it. The pot’s inside has a golden reflection, and it sits on a white marbled surface with a stack of white plates blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe with fresh garnishes takes it from delicious to downright divine. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or crispy cooked bacon on top for bursts of texture and flavor. A few extra shreds of sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream also make elegant and tasty accents.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every last creamy drop. A simple green salad or crisp pickles on the side offer a refreshing contrast that balances the soup’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or even inside toasted sandwich buns. This playful presentation not only looks impressive but also adds an exciting interactive element to mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheeseburger soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just note that dairy-heavy soups may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir and gentle reheating fix that.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through and creamy again. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating can help restore its perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese instead of sharp cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives this soup its classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a slightly different but equally delicious outcome.

Is this soup spicy?

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe has a mild, savory flavor profile, but if you like some heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The hearty veggies and cheese will still deliver great comfort and flavor.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal here because they hold their shape well while becoming soft enough to provide that perfect bite in the soup’s creamy base.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the beef and sauté veggies ahead of time, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese, milk, and sour cream at the very end to keep the soup creamy and luscious.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly simple to whip up on any night of the week. With each spoonful, you’ll experience all the best parts of a cheeseburger in an irresistibly creamy and warm soup. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it will surely become a beloved staple in your cozy dinners rotation.