If you are craving something rich, comforting, and downright delicious, this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, and ooey-gooey pepper jack Velveeta cheese, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this soup blends the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the soul-soothing power of a creamy bowl of comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each item plays its own crucial role in bringing texture, flavor, and vibrant color to your bowl, making the cooking process as satisfying as the eating.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base everyone loves in a cheeseburger.
- ¾ cup onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup.
- ¾ cup carrots, shredded: Offers a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- ¾ cup celery, diced: Delivers a fresh, crisp texture that balances richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed: Gives a flavorful kick that deepens the overall taste.
- 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced (about 1¾ pounds): Create a creamy texture and make the soup satisfyingly filling.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a mild herbal aroma that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: Adds a hint of earthiness and brightens the dish.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a subtle spicy note without overpowering.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Forms a savory, flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Essential for sautéing and making the roux, adding richness.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Creates the thick, velvety consistency that makes this soup so luscious.
- 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta, cut into cubes: Melts into creamy, cheesy perfection with a slight spicy twist.
- 1½ cups milk: Lightens the soup while contributing to its creamy mouthfeel.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Finishes the soup with a tangy creaminess that elevates every bite.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until fully cooked. This process builds the meaty foundation of the soup. Remember to drain off any excess fat once the beef is done to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs
Using the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Stir these together and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften gently and their flavors marry beautifully. Then, add the pressed garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. This step layers the base flavors in the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes and previously cooked ground beef. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. Allow the potatoes to become tender in about 10 to 12 minutes. This simmering melds all the savory ingredients into a cohesive, wholesome base.
Step 4: Make the Roux for Thickening
While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook, constantly stirring for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll see the mixture bubble and turn a light golden color. This step is essential for developing the delicious, silky thickness that makes this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe so comforting.
Step 5: Incorporate the Roux into the Soup
Slowly add the roux mixture back into the simmering soup pot. Bring the soup back to a boil while stirring to fully integrate the thickener. Cook for 2 minutes to achieve that perfect broth consistency that is creamy without being too heavy.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Add Milk
Turn the heat down to low. Add the pepper jack Velveeta cubes, milk, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and the texture becomes smooth and luscious. This step brings the iconic cheeseburger taste front and center, with a velvety, cheesy embrace.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
Take the soup off the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. This final touch adds a delightful creamy tang that brightens the rich flavors and makes every spoonful absolutely irresistible. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl of soup with a few simple garnishes that add extra flavor and texture. Try topping it with crispy bacon bits for crunch, shredded cheddar cheese to amplify cheesiness, or chopped green onions for a fresh, sharp bite. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can also personalize each serving perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best when paired with some classic sides. Crusty bread or garlic toast makes an excellent companion to soak up every last drop. You can also serve it with a crisp side salad to balance the richness or opt for kettle-cooked potato chips to echo the diner-style cheeseburger experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a casual get-together? Serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible container. Mini mason jars or latte cups create charming individual portions that are great for parties. You can also add a topping bar with shredded cheese, diced pickles, and chopped tomatoes to let guests build their own cheeseburger flavor combos right in their soup bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, give it a gentle stir to keep all the ingredients nicely combined.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, avoid freezing with the sour cream mixed in; add that fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge if possible, or heat directly on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Once warm, stir in fresh sour cream for the finishing creaminess that makes this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of pepper jack Velveeta?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a milder American cheese work wonderfully. Pepper jack adds a nice bit of spice, but feel free to swap based on your preference or what’s on hand.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and veggies still provide great flavor and creaminess, so it remains comforting and hearty.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken the soup, simply cook it a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid or add a bit more roux (butter and flour mixture). To thin it out, stir in extra milk or broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then combine all ingredients except the roux, cheese, milk, and sour cream in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the roux, cheese, milk, and sour cream towards the end and cook until melted and smooth.
What’s the best way to shred carrots for this recipe?
Using a box grater works great, or you can pulse carrots in a food processor briefly for quick shredding. Shredded carrots blend smoothly into the soup and help balance out the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that wins hearts at the first taste. It’s hearty, cheesy, and cozy enough to turn any day around. Once you make it, you’ll have a new go-to soup that’s perfect for family dinners, chilly evenings, or anytime you need a little diner-style comfort right at home.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cheeseburger Soup combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese for a comforting and delicious meal. Loaded with potatoes, carrots, celery, and pepper jack Velveeta cheese, it’s a perfect dish to warm you during chilly days. The soup is thickened with a classic roux, blended with sour cream for a smooth, rich finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup onion, chopped
- ¾ cup carrots, shredded
- ¾ cup celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced (about 1¾ pounds)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
- 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta, cut into cubes
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Using the same saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes until the vegetables become tender, about 10 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes and the cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the roux: Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Thicken the soup: Add the roux mixture into the soup pot. Bring the soup back to a boil, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes to thicken the broth.
- Add cheese and milk: Reduce heat to low, then add the pepper jack Velveeta cubes, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Finish with sour cream: Remove the soup from heat and blend in the sour cream for added creaminess and tang. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour if you want to make this soup gluten-free.
- Velveeta cheese melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses if preferred.
- For a lower fat version, substitute milk with low-fat milk and use lean ground beef.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the soup.
