This Cheeseburger Soup transforms the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal. Seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a rich broth come together in one comforting pot.

It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, game day, casual family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy, beefy, and comforting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 6–8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic cheeseburger flavor
• Rich and creamy broth
• Tender potatoes and vegetables
• Made with simple ingredients
• Ready in approximately one hour
• Family-friendly
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for cold weather
• Delicious with burger-inspired toppings
• Reheats well for lunch

Ingredients

Soup

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings

• Crumbled cooked bacon
• Additional shredded cheddar
• Chopped dill pickles
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Crispy fried onions
• Croutons
• Toasted hamburger bun pieces
• Fresh parsley
• A drizzle of burger sauce

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces.

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and shred the cheddar cheese.

Preparing everything before cooking makes the soup easier to assemble.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Drain the Beef

Carefully drain away most of the excess grease.

Leave a small amount in the pot for flavor. If you’re using very lean beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil before cooking the vegetables.

Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot.

Cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Scrape up any browned pieces from the bottom of the pot because they add flavor to the soup.

Step 5: Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Avoid cooking the garlic for too long because it can burn and become bitter.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Add the salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and smoked paprika.

Stir the seasonings into the vegetables and cook for approximately 30 seconds.

Step 7: Add the Beef and Flavorings

Return the browned ground beef to the pot.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard.

Stir until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated.

The mustard adds a subtle cheeseburger flavor without making the soup taste strongly of mustard.

Step 8: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes and beef broth.

Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot partially with a lid.

Step 9: Simmer the Soup

Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Test a potato with a fork. It should be soft but still hold its shape.

Avoid overcooking the potatoes because they can begin to break apart.

Step 10: Make the Creamy Base

While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.

Add the flour and whisk continuously for approximately 1–2 minutes.

This mixture will thicken the soup and give it a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 11: Add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the butter and flour mixture while whisking.

Continue cooking for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

It should coat the back of a spoon without becoming extremely thick.

Step 12: Add the Creamy Mixture

Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup.

Add the heavy cream and stir until everything is completely combined.

Allow the soup to warm over low heat for approximately 3 minutes.

Do not let it boil once the dairy has been added.

Step 13: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Add the shredded cheddar one handful at a time, stirring after each addition until melted.

Continue until the soup is smooth and creamy.

Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than packaged shredded cheese.

Step 14: Add the Sour Cream

Place the sour cream in a small bowl.

Stir in a few spoonfuls of the warm soup to bring it closer to the same temperature.

Add the mixture to the pot and stir until smooth.

Tempering the sour cream helps prevent it from separating.

Step 15: Adjust the Consistency

If the soup is too thick, add a small amount of beef broth or milk.

If it’s thinner than you prefer, simmer it over low heat for several additional minutes, stirring frequently.

Remember that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 16: Taste and Season

Taste the soup before adding additional salt.

The broth, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and toppings may already provide plenty of seasoning.

Add more black pepper, mustard, smoked paprika, or garlic powder as desired.

Step 17: Serve

Ladle the warm soup into bowls.

Finish each serving with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, green onions, chopped pickles, or toasted hamburger bun pieces.

The Best Ground Beef for Cheeseburger Soup

Ground beef with an 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio provides the richest cheeseburger flavor.

Drain the excess grease after browning so the soup doesn’t become oily.

You can also use:

• Lean ground beef
• Ground chuck
• Ground turkey
• Ground chicken
• Ground sausage
• Plant-based ground meat
• A mixture of beef and sausage

If using lean meat, add a small amount of olive oil when cooking the vegetables.

The Best Potatoes for the Soup

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they become tender and creamy while maintaining their shape.

Other options include:

• Russet potatoes
• Red potatoes
• White potatoes
• Baby potatoes
• Frozen diced hash browns

Russet potatoes release more starch and produce a thicker soup. Red and Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better.

The Best Cheese to Use

Sharp cheddar provides the strongest classic cheeseburger flavor.

Other delicious options include:

• Mild cheddar
• Medium cheddar
• Colby Jack
• Monterey Jack
• American cheese
• Pepper Jack
• Smoked cheddar
• A combination of cheddar and mozzarella

Avoid adding the cheese while the soup is boiling. Excessive heat can cause it to separate and give the soup a grainy texture.

How to Keep the Cheese from Becoming Grainy

Reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese.

Add it gradually and stir until each handful has melted before adding more.

Freshly shredded cheese is recommended because packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking ingredients that can prevent it from melting smoothly.

Whole milk and heavy cream also create a smoother texture than low-fat dairy products.

Can I Use American Cheese?

Yes. American cheese melts exceptionally well and gives the soup a flavor similar to a classic diner cheeseburger.

Replace one cup of the cheddar with approximately 6–8 slices of American cheese.

Tear the slices into smaller pieces and stir them into the soup over low heat.

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Cook and crumble approximately 8 slices of bacon.

Use a small amount of the bacon grease to cook the vegetables.

Stir half of the bacon into the finished soup and reserve the remaining pieces for topping individual bowls.

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

Add one finely diced jalapeño with the vegetables.

Replace one cup of cheddar with Pepper Jack cheese.

Finish the soup with sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.

Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup

Sauté eight ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onion.

Replace the cheddar with shredded Swiss cheese and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Finish with crispy fried onions and chopped parsley.

Big Mac-Style Cheeseburger Soup

Add chopped dill pickles to the finished soup.

Top each bowl with shredded lettuce, diced onions, extra pickles, toasted sesame-seed bun pieces, and a drizzle of burger sauce.

Add the lettuce immediately before serving so it remains crisp.

Cheeseburger Soup Without Potatoes

Replace the potatoes with:

• Cauliflower florets
• Chopped turnips
• Extra carrots and celery
• Broccoli florets
• Cooked macaroni
• Diced zucchini

Add zucchini or broccoli near the end of cooking so it doesn’t become overly soft.

Can I Add Pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni or small shells work well.

Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth during storage.

If cooking the pasta directly in the soup, add additional broth as needed.

How to Make the Soup Thicker

For a thicker consistency:

• Use Russet potatoes
• Mash some of the cooked potatoes
• Add additional shredded cheese
• Simmer uncovered over low heat
• Add another tablespoon of flour to the creamy base
• Stir in softened cream cheese

The soup thickens naturally as it cools.

How to Thin Cheeseburger Soup

Add additional beef broth, milk, or a combination of both.

Pour in the liquid gradually and stir until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.

Warm it gently without allowing it to boil.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup

This filling soup pairs well with:

• Garlic bread
• Toasted hamburger buns
• Dinner rolls
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Green salad
• Coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables
• Dill pickles
• Onion rings
• Cornbread
• Grilled cheese sandwiches

Toasted sesame-seed bun pieces make especially fitting croutons.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes. Prepare the soup as directed, but consider leaving out the cheese and sour cream until reheating.

Cool the soup and refrigerate it in an airtight container.

Reheat it gently, then add the cheese and sour cream over low heat. This helps preserve the smooth texture of the dairy.

Storage

Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

The soup will thicken in the refrigerator as the potatoes and cheese absorb some of the liquid.

Store toppings separately and add them after reheating.

How to Reheat Cheeseburger Soup

Reheat the soup in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat.

Add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the consistency.

Stir frequently and avoid boiling because high heat can cause the cheese and dairy to separate.

Individual portions can be microwaved in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

You can freeze the soup, but potatoes and dairy may change texture after thawing.

For the best results, prepare the beef, vegetables, potatoes, seasonings, and broth without adding the milk, cream, cheese, or sour cream.

Freeze the cooled soup base for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it, and add the creamy ingredients and cheese before serving.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

Brown and drain the ground beef before transferring it to the slow cooker.

Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, potatoes, and broth.

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

During the final 30 minutes, prepare the milk and flour mixture on the stove. Stir it into the slow cooker with the cream and cheese.

Add the sour cream immediately before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy soup made with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, cheddar cheese, and burger-inspired seasonings.

Should I brown the ground beef first?

Yes. Browning the beef develops flavor and allows you to drain the excess grease before adding it to the soup.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes. Frozen diced potatoes or Southern-style hash browns can be added directly to the soup.

Can I leave out the heavy cream?

Yes. Replace it with additional whole milk, half-and-half, or evaporated milk.

Can I use cream cheese?

Yes. Add four ounces of softened cream cheese for an especially rich and creamy soup.

Why did my cheese separate?

The soup may have been too hot when the cheese was added. Reduce the heat and add freshly shredded cheese gradually.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely. Bacon adds a smoky flavor and turns the recipe into Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.

Can I add pickles?

Yes. Stir a small amount of chopped dill pickles into the finished soup or use them as a topping.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or thicken the soup with cornstarch.

How long will leftovers keep?

Refrigerated leftovers will keep for approximately 3–4 days.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then cook the soup base in the slow cooker and add the dairy and cheese near the end.

What toppings work best?

Cheddar cheese, bacon, pickles, green onions, diced tomatoes, crispy onions, and toasted bun croutons are all excellent choices.

Pro Tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain away excess grease before assembling the soup.

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Keep the soup below a boil after adding the dairy ingredients.

Use freshly shredded cheddar and add it gradually over low heat for the smoothest texture.

For the full cheeseburger experience, finish each bowl with crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, extra cheddar, green onions, and toasted hamburger bun croutons.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Soup delivers everything you love about a classic cheeseburger in a warm and creamy bowl. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, melted cheddar, and familiar burger seasonings create a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.

Serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner, game-day gathering, fall lunch, or cold-weather meal. Customize it with bacon, pickles, jalapeños, mushrooms, or your favorite burger toppings for a delicious soup that’s easy to make your own.