Cheeseburger Soup

The ultimate comfort in a bowl, Cheeseburger Soup combines everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and rich broth—into a soul-warming dish. It’s creamy, filling, and just right for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or prepping ahead for a week of delicious meals, this easy soup is a game-changer. The combination of simple ingredients and classic flavor makes it a go-to recipe for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something truly comforting. Add a side of crusty bread and you’ve got the perfect meal.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground beef

• 3/4 cup chopped onion

• 3/4 cup shredded carrots

• 3/4 cup diced celery

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 4 cups diced peeled potatoes

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1-1/2 cups milk

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 tablespoon of butter until vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes).

3. Add the broth, potatoes, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

4. In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to form a roux.

5. Gradually stir in the roux to the soup. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened.

6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese is melted.

7. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

What Is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, rich, and hearty soup that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy comfort of a warm bowl of soup. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this soup is a full meal in itself. It’s a dish that originated as a family-favorite comfort food and has since grown into a beloved recipe across the U.S., especially during the colder months.

Unlike traditional soups, Cheeseburger Soup is thick, cheesy, and indulgent, offering layers of flavor in every bite. It captures the essence of a cheeseburger—savory, satisfying, and slightly smoky—without needing a bun or grill. It’s also a great introduction to soup-making for beginner home cooks thanks to its simple ingredients and foolproof preparation method.

The Origins of Cheeseburger Soup

While there’s no official documentation of the first Cheeseburger Soup ever made, this recipe gained popularity in midwestern American kitchens and potluck circles. Its rise can be attributed to the strong culture of comfort food in the Midwest, where families regularly prepare creamy, meat-based soups in large batches.

What makes Cheeseburger Soup uniquely American is its inspiration from a cultural staple—the cheeseburger—reimagined in a form suitable for cold winters and home-style cooking. It likely began as a creative way to use pantry staples and leftover ingredients, which makes it not only delicious but also practical and economical.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Is the Best Comfort Food

Cheeseburger Soup excels as a comfort food for many reasons:

• Warm and Filling: The combination of meat, cheese, and potatoes is not only filling but also warms you from the inside out. It’s ideal for cold evenings or when you’re in need of a mood-lifting meal.

• Nostalgia in a Bowl: The taste evokes the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, making it a nostalgic experience—especially for those who grew up enjoying fast food but now prefer homemade alternatives.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love Cheeseburger Soup. The familiar flavors make it approachable for kids, while adults appreciate the creamy richness and savory depth.

• One-Pot Convenience: It’s a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes and easier cleanup. Plus, it can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Healthier Than It Sounds

Despite sounding indulgent, Cheeseburger Soup can be made with several healthy modifications. You can use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey for lower fat content. Using low-fat milk, reduced-sodium broth, and light cheese can make the soup healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions increases the nutritional profile, offering vitamins and fiber. Potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates and potassium, making the dish both satisfying and nutritious.

For those following gluten-free diets, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener or cornstarch, and you have a fully gluten-free version.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the biggest advantages of Cheeseburger Soup is how well it stores and reheats. You can double the recipe and store portions in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

This makes it a perfect meal prep recipe. It’s easy to reheat on the stove or in the microwave without losing its creamy consistency. In fact, many say it tastes even better the second day!

Customizations and Variations

Cheeseburger Soup is versatile, and you can make it your own in many ways:

• Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon added during the final step enhances the burger-like flavor and adds a savory crunch.

• Use Different Cheeses: Try sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, or mix in some pepper jack for a spicy twist.

• Add Pickles: Stir in finely chopped dill pickles or pickle juice for a tangy “burger” kick.

• Top It Like a Burger: Serve the soup topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and toasted croutons made from burger buns.

• Make It Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce carbs while maintaining the texture and heartiness.

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth, and you’ll have a vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Pairing Suggestions

Cheeseburger Soup pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:

• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.

• Drinks: It pairs wonderfully with crisp lagers or a dry apple cider. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing contrast.

• Toppings: Don’t forget toppings like extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for that extra layer of flavor.

What Makes This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Stand Out

There are many variations of Cheeseburger Soup online, but this particular version (based on the Taste of Home classic) stands out due to its:

• Perfect Balance of Texture: The combination of chunky vegetables, creamy broth, and melted cheese delivers an ideal mouthfeel—never too watery or too thick.

• Flavor Depth: With basil, parsley, and sautéed vegetables, it doesn’t rely solely on beef and cheese. Instead, it develops rich, well-rounded flavors.

• Easy Roux Technique: The use of a butter-and-flour roux ensures a consistent, smooth, and creamy base every time. No clumps, no curdling—just velvety perfection.

• Scalable and Freezer-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking, which is especially useful for families or busy weekdays.

Loved by Home Cooks Everywhere

This Cheeseburger Soup is one of the most beloved recipes on Taste of Home, with thousands of home cooks making it part of their winter meal rotation. It’s frequently featured in food blogs, Pinterest boards, and TikTok meal prep videos for a reason—it works.

It’s beginner-friendly, satisfying, and offers the comfort of a home-cooked meal with all the joy of eating a cheeseburger. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or cooking for one with leftovers in mind, this soup hits the spot.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a warm meal—it’s a bowl full of comfort, nostalgia, and culinary creativity. Its delicious blend of classic cheeseburger ingredients in a creamy soup form has made it a favorite across generations. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, one thing is certain: this is a recipe worth making again and again. If you haven’t tried Cheeseburger Soup yet, now is the time. Once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever got through soup season without it.