Cheeseburger Soup

The aroma of ground beef sizzling with onions and herbs, combined with rich cheddar melting into a creamy broth, makes Cheeseburger Soup the definition of indulgent comfort. This dish captures the soul of an American diner classic in a spoonable, soul-warming format perfect for cooler evenings or any time you need a little culinary nostalgia. Each bite brings together hearty potatoes, tender carrots, and savory ground beef in a rich base that mimics the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger.

With only one pot and simple ingredients, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare, yet delivers deep flavor and a luscious, creamy texture. It’s a family favorite that even picky eaters devour, and it’s ideal for meal prepping as it reheats beautifully. Serve with crusty bread, croutons, or even dill pickle slices on the side for a fun cheeseburger-inspired twist. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just need something satisfying for dinner, this recipe checks every box for comfort, ease, and crave-worthy flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 3/4 cup chopped onion

• 3/4 cup shredded carrots

• 3/4 cup chopped celery

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups cubed or 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 pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley. Cook until vegetables are tender.

3. Stir in the broth, potatoes, and beef. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10–12 minutes.

4. In a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Add the flour mixture to the soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

6. Stir in cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until cheese is melted.

7. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream until smooth. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Cheeseburger Soup is a beloved American-inspired dish that combines the heartiness of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy, creamy warmth of a homemade soup. It’s the perfect marriage of two comfort food favorites—soup and burgers—creating a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Ideal for colder months, weeknight dinners, or even casual gatherings, this soup has earned its place in the pantheon of family-friendly comfort food recipes.

A Dish Rooted in Diner Nostalgia

The inspiration behind Cheeseburger Soup lies in the timeless appeal of the all-American cheeseburger. It channels the familiar flavors of browned beef, melted cheddar, and tender potatoes, but presents them in a heartwarming, spoonable form. Think of it as everything you love about a cheeseburger—juiciness, richness, and bold flavor—transformed into a cozy, creamy bowl of soup that can be made in under an hour.

The dish likely gained popularity during the 1980s and 1990s in the Midwest and Southern U.S., where recipes for hearty chowders and meat-based stews are a staple of home cooking. Over time, it’s been passed around through community cookbooks, Pinterest boards, and food blogs, gaining a reputation as a “go-to” recipe for chilly days and hungry households.

What Makes This Cheeseburger Soup Special

Unlike typical soups that may rely on a light broth or simple base, Cheeseburger Soup is luxuriously rich. Its foundation begins with browned ground beef—flavorful and protein-packed—sautéed with aromatics like onion, carrots, and celery to deepen the flavor. Potatoes provide a satisfying texture and bulk, making the soup feel hearty and fulfilling. What elevates this dish is the luscious, creamy cheddar cheese stirred in at the end, creating a velvety texture and signature cheeseburger taste.

A final swirl of sour cream rounds out the soup with a subtle tang, perfectly balancing the richness. The result is a soup that’s deeply savory with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality. It’s an ideal comfort dish for anyone who loves traditional American flavors but also wants something easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

While Cheeseburger Soup is known for being indulgent, it also offers a surprising number of nutritional perks:

• High Protein Content: Thanks to the ground beef and cheese, this soup is packed with protein, making it a filling option that helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
• Vegetable Boost: The inclusion of carrots, celery, and onions adds vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Many home cooks also toss in extra veggies like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
• Customizable Fat Content: You can easily adjust the recipe by using lean ground beef or even ground turkey, swapping whole milk for low-fat milk, or using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: By using gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry, this soup can be adapted for those with gluten sensitivities.

Perfect for All Occasions

One of the reasons Cheeseburger Soup has become a favorite in households across the globe is its versatility. It works beautifully as:

• A Weeknight Dinner: With under an hour of total prep and cook time, this meal is great for busy evenings.
• Leftover Gold: It stores well in the fridge for several days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
• Meal Prep Ready: You can batch cook it and freeze portions for easy reheating, making it a top choice for meal preppers.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar taste of cheeseburgers wrapped in a creamy soup format means even picky eaters tend to enjoy it.

Tips for Elevating Your Cheeseburger Soup

• Toppings Matter: Garnish with shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, crispy bacon, or croutons for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Serve with Bread: A crusty roll, garlic toast, or even a soft hamburger bun complements the soup and completes the cheeseburger experience.
• Go Low-Carb: If you’re watching your carbs, swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced zucchini without sacrificing heartiness.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This version of Cheeseburger Soup is a carefully balanced recipe—rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor without being overwhelming. It doesn’t require complicated ingredients or cooking techniques, making it accessible to beginner cooks while still delivering gourmet results. The combination of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients means it’s also budget-friendly and flexible.

What truly sets it apart, however, is the emotional satisfaction it brings. Few dishes can transport you with just one bite the way this soup can. It’s a hug in a bowl, reminiscent of family dinners, cozy winter nights, and the unmistakable joy of comfort food done right.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup offers the best of both worlds: the soul-satisfying flavor of a cheeseburger and the heartwarming comfort of a homemade soup. It’s an easy, reliable, and crowd-pleasing meal that fits seamlessly into any weekly rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something indulgent and nostalgic, this dish hits every note.

Its popularity is no surprise—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Rich in flavor, creamy in texture, and deeply comforting, Cheeseburger Soup truly deserves a spot in your go-to recipe collection.