Cheeseburger Soup
This award-winning cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and hearty vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
Brown the ground beef
- Start by browning the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Cook the vegetables
- In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, celery, basil, and parsley flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Add the broth and potatoes
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes and cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make the roux
- In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 3-5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This is your roux and will help thicken the soup.
Thicken the soup
- Add the roux to the soup and bring everything to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
Add the cheese and milk
- Stir in the Velveeta or cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Finish with sour cream
- Remove the soup from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. This step adds a rich, tangy flavor that takes the soup to the next level.
Notes
How to Serve Your Cheeseburger Soup
This cheeseburger soup is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions.
Serve it in individual bowls topped with crispy beef bacon bits, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, or some chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Pair it with a side of crusty bread, homemade dinner rolls, or even some sliders for a fun twist. A crisp green salad also makes a great accompaniment.
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
If you’d like to freeze the soup, skip adding the sour cream before freezing. Sour cream can separate when frozen, so stir it in after reheating for the best texture.
Top Tips for Customizing Your Cheeseburger Soup
For a healthier twist, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
Swap out Velveeta for shredded sharp cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Want to sneak in extra veggies? Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sautéing step.
To make this in a crockpot, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the roux, cheese, milk, and sour cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the remaining ingredients at the end.
Swap out Velveeta for shredded sharp cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Want to sneak in extra veggies? Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sautéing step.
To make this in a crockpot, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the roux, cheese, milk, and sour cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the remaining ingredients at the end.