Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This easy cheeseburger soup is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, transformed into a warm and creamy bowl of comfort. It’s packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, creating a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for cold nights.

• Rich and creamy texture from Velveeta cheese, milk, and sour cream.
• Hearty and satisfying, with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in every bite.
• Easy to make in just one pot for minimal cleanup.
• Great for meal prep, storing well for leftovers.
• Customizable with different cheese options, add-ins, and toppings.

This soup is an excellent choice for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. The creamy base and cheesy flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Essential Tools & Equipment

Having the right tools makes cooking this soup even easier.

• Large pot or Dutch oven – Provides enough space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon – Helps break up ground beef and stir soup.
• Small saucepan – Used for making the roux to thicken the soup.
• Whisk – Ensures a smooth, lump-free roux.
• Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.

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Preparation Tips

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture.
• Drain the beef well to prevent excess grease from making the soup too oily.
• Stir continuously while making the roux to prevent lumps.
• Add cheese slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound ground beef
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• ¾ cup carrots, diced
• ¾ cup celery, diced
• ¾ cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 to 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

• Onion rings
• Green onions
• Crumbled bacon

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

• Heat a large pot over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned.
• Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Add carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley.
• Sauté for 10 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

• Add potatoes, cooked ground beef, and chicken broth to the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
• Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Thicken the Soup

• In a small pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
• Stir in flour and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture starts to bubble and turns golden.
• Stir this roux into the soup and bring to a boil for 2 minutes to thicken.

5. Add Cheese and Finish

• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper.
• Once the cheese has fully melted, remove the pot from heat and stir in sour cream for extra creaminess.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle into bowls and top with onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon, if desired.
• Serve warm and enjoy.

Best Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish can enhance the meal. Whether you want something crunchy, fresh, or extra cheesy, here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. The crispy texture contrasts well with the smooth, cheesy base.

2. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. A simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions works well.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of melty cheese and crisp bread makes every bite even better.

4. Soft Pretzels

Soft, warm pretzels pair beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup. Their slight chewiness adds variety to each spoonful.

5. Cornbread

A slice of sweet cornbread balances the savory, cheesy flavors of the soup. The crumbly texture complements the smoothness of the broth.

6. French Fries

Since this soup is inspired by a cheeseburger, pairing it with crispy French fries is a natural choice. Serve them on the side or even mix a few into the soup for extra crunch.

7. Pickles

A side of dill pickles adds a tangy bite that helps cut through the richness of the soup. If you love cheeseburgers with pickles, this is a great addition.

8. Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw offers a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. The slight sweetness and crunch of the cabbage bring balance to the dish.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Soup is Too Thin

If the soup doesn’t thicken properly, there are a few easy fixes:

• Let it simmer longer to allow some of the liquid to reduce.
• Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir until thickened.
• Use more flour in the roux for a thicker consistency.

2. Cheese Won’t Melt Smoothly

Velveeta cheese is designed to melt easily, but if using another cheese, you may run into issues. To avoid clumping or curdling:

• Shred cheese finely so it melts evenly.
• Use low heat when adding cheese to prevent separation.
• Stir cheese in gradually rather than all at once.

3. Soup is Too Salty

If the soup turns out too salty, try these fixes:

• Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to dilute the saltiness.
• Increase the amount of potatoes to absorb some of the excess salt.
• Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to balance flavors.

4. Potatoes Are Undercooked

If the potatoes are still firm after simmering, there are a few solutions:

• Cut them into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
• Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding the roux.
• Use a fork to mash a few potatoes directly into the soup for a thicker texture.

5. Soup Becomes Grainy or Curdles When Reheated

Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when reheated. To prevent this:

• Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to keep the texture smooth.
• Do not boil the soup, as high heat can cause curdling.
• If needed, add a small amount of warm milk to restore the creamy consistency.

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How to Customize Your Cheeseburger Soup

Make It Healthier

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use low-fat cheese and skim milk instead of whole milk.
• Increase the amount of vegetables for added nutrients.

Make It Even More Flavorful

• Add Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a deeper, tangy taste.
• Stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
• Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.

Turn It Into a Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

• Cook crispy bacon and stir it into the soup.
• Use smoked cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Garnish with crushed bacon bits for added crunch.

Make It Gluten-Free

• Substitute cornstarch for flour to thicken the soup.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure the soup is fully gluten-free.

Make It Vegetarian

• Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Swap Velveeta for a vegetarian cheese alternative.

How to Store Cheeseburger Soup

Proper storage ensures that the soup stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture. Follow these guidelines to keep it tasting its best.

Refrigerator Storage

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

Although this soup can be frozen, the dairy content may cause a slight texture change when reheated. To freeze successfully:

• Let the soup cool completely.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Tips for Freezing

• If you plan to freeze the soup, consider leaving out the milk and cheese until reheating. Add them after thawing for a fresher texture.
• Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

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How to Reheat Cheeseburger Soup

Reheating properly helps maintain the creamy consistency without curdling.

Stovetop Reheating

• Pour the soup into a pot and heat over low to medium heat.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the dairy to separate.
• If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.

Microwave Reheating

• Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Use medium power to prevent overheating the dairy.

Reheating from Frozen

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
• If needed, add a bit of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Real Cheddar Cheese Instead of Velveeta?

Yes. Swap Velveeta for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese. To prevent clumping, stir in the cheese gradually over low heat.

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except the cheese, milk, and sour cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the cheese, milk, and sour cream at the end.

How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes. Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this soup. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but adding extra seasonings can enhance it.

What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?

• Use a flour-based roux as described in the recipe.
• Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
• Mash some of the potatoes directly into the soup.

Why Did My Soup Turn Out Grainy?

This can happen if the cheese was added at too high a temperature. To prevent this:

• Remove the soup from heat before stirring in the cheese.
• Use low heat and add the cheese gradually.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely. Consider adding:

• Bell peppers for a slight sweetness.
• Mushrooms for a deeper, savory flavor.
• Zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients.

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Final Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Fresh vegetables add more flavor than frozen ones.
• High-quality cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture.

2. Adjust the Seasonings

Taste the soup before serving and adjust with:

• Extra salt and pepper for balance.
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

3. Keep the Soup Creamy

• Always add dairy over low heat to prevent separation.
• If the soup thickens too much, stir in a little milk or broth.

4. Experiment with Toppings

• Crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Croutons for a crunchy texture.
• Chopped pickles for a tangy twist.

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Final Thoughts

This easy cheeseburger soup is a comforting, creamy dish that brings all the best flavors of a cheeseburger into a bowl. Whether served with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or crispy fries, it is a satisfying meal for any occasion.

By following the storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy leftovers without losing the rich, cheesy texture. Customizing the soup with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables makes it easy to adapt to your preferences.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of cheeseburger soup whenever you crave comfort food.