Name: Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Ground beef 1 lbLean or regular works fine; Onion 1 mediumFinely chopped; Carrots 1 cupDiced or shredded; Celery ½ cupAdds flavor and crunch; Potatoes 3 cupsDiced small for quicker cooking; Chicken broth 3 cupsUse beef broth for a richer flavor; Milk 2 cupsWhole milk or half-and-half adds creaminess; Velveeta cheese 2 cups (cubed)Substitute cheddar for a sharper taste; Butter 3 tbspFor sautéing; All-purpose flour ¼ cupHelps thicken the soup; Salt u0026 pepper To tasteAdjust seasoning as needed; Garlic powder ½ tspOptional, for added depth; Paprika ¼ tspAdds mild smoky flavor

When life gets hectic and you crave something that feels like home, few dishes deliver comfort quite like a warm bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup. Imagine everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheese, tender potatoes, and creamy goodness—all simmered together into one hearty bowl.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy, this cheeseburger soup is your ticket to pure comfort. You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull it off either. With a handful of basic ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a filling meal that tastes like it came straight from a diner kitchen.

✨ Why You’ll Fall in Love with Easy Cheeseburger Soup

If you’ve never tried cheeseburger soup before, you’re in for a treat. It’s that rare kind of recipe that feels indulgent but comes together easily. You get the rich, cheesy flavor of a classic burger without firing up the grill or dirtying half your kitchen.

Here’s why this dish stands out:

One-pot convenience: You’ll only need a single pot, which means minimal cleanup.
Customizable flavor: You can make it spicy, smoky, or even low-carb—it’s totally up to you.
Crowd-pleasing comfort: From kids to adults, everyone will go back for seconds.
Budget-friendly: Made with everyday ingredients, it’s an affordable way to feed a hungry family.

With its thick, creamy base and savory layers of flavor, this easy cheeseburger soup recipe will easily become one of your weeknight staples.

🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a full list of what you’ll need to bring this creamy, cheesy masterpiece to life. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes / Substitutes
Ground beef	1 lb	Lean or regular works fine
Onion	1 medium	Finely chopped
Carrots	1 cup	Diced or shredded
Celery	½ cup	Adds flavor and crunch
Potatoes	3 cups	Diced small for quicker cooking
Chicken broth	3 cups	Use beef broth for a richer flavor
Milk	2 cups	Whole milk or half-and-half adds creaminess
Velveeta cheese	2 cups (cubed)	Substitute cheddar for a sharper taste
Butter	3 tbsp	For sautéing
All-purpose flour	¼ cup	Helps thicken the soup
Salt & pepper	To taste	Adjust seasoning as needed
Garlic powder	½ tsp	Optional, for added depth
Paprika	¼ tsp	Adds mild smoky flavor

Pro Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle cooked bacon bits or top your bowl with shredded cheddar and sliced green onions before serving.

🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup is straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. Here’s how to create a bowl of creamy, cheesy perfection from start to finish.

🔹 Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy.

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.

This combination lays the foundation for that irresistible homemade flavor you can’t get from canned soup.

🔹 Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Now, toss in your diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth has absorbed some of that meaty goodness.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute—this creates a roux that will thicken your soup. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

When the mixture begins to thicken, add the cubed Velveeta cheese (or cheddar if you prefer). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.

This rich sauce is what gives your cheeseburger soup its signature creamy texture.

🔹 Step 4: Combine and Finish

Pour the cheese sauce into your soup pot and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat, letting all the flavors meld together.

Give it a taste test and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder if needed.

🍞 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Now comes the best part—serving your Easy Cheeseburger Soup. You can keep it simple or dress it up depending on your mood.

Here are some tasty ideas:

With bread: Pair it with toasted buns, garlic bread, or buttery dinner rolls for dipping.
As a meal: Serve it in bread bowls for a fun, hearty presentation.
For texture: Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or croutons on top.
For balance: A light side salad adds freshness and cuts through the richness.
For drinks: This soup pairs beautifully with a light beer or chilled white wine.

If you’re making this ahead of time, let the soup cool before storing. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

🧊 Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

When it comes to leftovers, this recipe is as convenient as it gets. Here’s how to store it right and reheat it without losing its creamy texture:

In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
In the freezer: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm it slowly over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Note: Because the soup contains dairy, avoid rapid boiling during reheating—it may cause separation.

🥦 Creative Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try mixing things up with these tasty twists.

💚 Healthier Option

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Replace cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.
Add more veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients.

🥓 Low-Carb or Keto Version

Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower florets instead.
Use heavy cream and cream cheese for a thicker, keto-friendly base.

🌶️ Flavor Boosters

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Mix in a spoonful of mustard or pickle relish for that true burger flavor.
Garnish with sesame seeds or crispy onions for a fun burger-like texture.

🧂 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this soup is easy, a few small missteps can change the outcome. Keep these in mind:

Overcooking the potatoes: They’ll turn mushy and ruin the texture.
Boiling after adding cheese: It can cause curdling—keep the heat low.
Skipping the roux: Without it, your soup won’t thicken properly.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.

By keeping an eye on these details, you’ll end up with a smooth, velvety soup every single time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the beef first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the veggies, potatoes, and broth. Cook on low for about 6 hours. During the last 30 minutes, stir in the cheese and milk.

What cheese works best for Easy Cheeseburger Soup?

Velveeta creates a silky texture that melts perfectly, but sharp cheddar adds more flavor. Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds.

Can I freeze Easy Cheeseburger Soup?

Definitely. Just let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to maintain that creamy consistency.

How can I thicken my Cheeseburger Soup?

If it feels too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in while heating gently.

Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

💬 Wrapping It Up: The Cozy Comfort You Deserve

At the end of a long day, when you want something that warms your body and soul, Easy Cheeseburger Soup delivers every single time. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet so simple to make. You’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it makes everyone at the table smile.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few pantry staples, a little patience, and a pinch of love, you can turn simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug.

So grab that pot, brown that beef, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of cheesy goodness. You deserve it.