Cheeseburger Soup became my weeknight lifeline when I balanced long kitchen shifts with a hungry family at home. As a chef who values bold flavor and practical, doable meals, I learned that comfort food can be quick, cozy, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe captures the nostalgic cheeseburger flavors—savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich cheese melt—without turning dinner into a marathon. I designed it for busy moms and professionals who want something homemade, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, even on the craziest days. You’ll get a bowl that tastes like a hug, reheats beautifully, and leaves you with more time for the people you love. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
what make this Cheeseburger Soup special
Cheeseburger Soup feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how onions and celery soften, filling the kitchen with cozy aroma. It tastes like a classic cheeseburger, but in a bowl you can lift with a spoon.
The beauty is practicality. I reach for this soup on busy nights because it respects my time. This soup is one of our soup recipes; pantry staples come together quickly, and one pot does the heavy lifting. If you want variety, swap turkey for beef or add greens.
I see this as family-friendly cooking for busy lives. It stays creamy and satisfying, with leftovers that reheat nicely.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
Quick, comforting, crowd-pleasing
Cheeseburger Soup feels like a warm hug after a long day. I whip it up fast, tweak it from week to week, and still get that creamy, cheeseburger flavor in a bowl. It respects my time and tastes like home.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch prep, and the recipe stays friendly for cooks at any level. It satisfies grown-ups and is gentle enough for picky eaters, a true crowd-pleaser in our soup recipes rotation.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup

Pantry-ready components
Here’s everything you need to pull together Cheeseburger Soup. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of this article for easy printing.
I like to measure and prep all ingredients before I start, so the pot becomes a smooth, one-pot symphony.
This pantry setup keeps Cheeseburger Soup moving on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- ½ lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup diced celery
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (or 3 cups frozen hashbrowns)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Notes:
- Substitutions: ground turkey instead of beef; dairy-free option can use a milk alternative and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- Gluten-free option: use a gluten-free thickener or omit the flour and ensure broth is gluten-free.
- If the soup thickens too much, thin with more broth or milk.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Sauté vegetables for Cheeseburger Soup
I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften for 5–6 minutes. This is the aroma that tells me comfort is coming to the table.
With the veggie base ready, I’m reminded this is one of our trusty soup recipes—minimal fuss, maximum warmth. The skillet-wreeze of sizzle is my cue to move on to the next step.
Brown the beef for Cheeseburger Soup
I add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as I go. I drain the excess fat so the soup isn’t greasy. Deep browning adds a savory depth that turns simple soup into a satisfying meal.
As a busy cook, I love how this step builds flavor without extra steps. It’s the kind of technique that makes weeknights feel a little less chaotic.
Simmer with potatoes and broth for Cheeseburger Soup
I stir in garlic powder, the potatoes (or hashbrowns), and chicken broth. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. This simmering time is where the creamy magic begins.
Trust the process: gentle simmering keeps everything cohesive and ready for the next silky upgrade in flavor.
Thicken with flour and milk for Cheeseburger Soup
In a separate bowl, I whisk flour with milk until smooth. I slowly whisk this into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. I cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens to that cozy, comforting consistency.
This step is the glue that makes the soup feel indulgent without turning into chowder.

Melt Velveeta into Cheeseburger Soup
I add the cubed Velveeta and stir until it’s melted and fully blended. The cheese melt gives that quintessential cheeseburger flavor and a glossy, creamy texture that everyone loves.
A little note from the kitchen: you’ll get a smoother melt if you keep the cheese pieces small and give them time to mingle with the soup.
Season and finish for Cheeseburger Soup
I season with salt and pepper to taste. If I’m serving this to picky eaters, I’ll keep spices mild and offer extra garnishes like chopped green onions or parsley.
Serve hot, with crusty bread or crackers. The final touch brightens the dish and ties together the creamy base with a fresh finish. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cheeseburger Soup!
Tips for Success
Quick practical tips
These handy reminders help Cheeseburger Soup stay creamy, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.
- Use medium heat throughout to avoid scorching the bottom.
- Brown the meat well for richer flavor—don’t rush this step.
- If Cheeseburger Soup is too thick, thin with more broth or milk.
- Swap turkey for beef to reduce fat; adjust salt accordingly.
- For gluten-free diners, substitute a gluten-free thickener or omit the flour.
With these small steps, you’ll taste big comfort in every spoonful.
Equipment Needed
Essential tools
These are the tools I rely on for Cheeseburger Soup.
- Large heavy-bottom soup pot for even heating and easy cleanup
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula for gentle stirring
- Whisk for milk and flour mixture until smooth and creamy
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate prep
- Optional: immersion blender to adjust texture if desired
Variations
Flavor and dietary variations
I love how Cheeseburger Soup adapts to real life. It fits busy days and different diets. These simple tweaks keep the cozy vibe intact. This is still the creamy, comforting bowl you crave. Family favorites can change with the season and your schedule. With a few adjustments, it stays kid-friendly and wallet-friendly.
- Ground turkey gives a lighter version without losing comfort.
- Gluten-free flour or cornstarch keeps the soup thick and safe.
- Add corn, peas, or bell peppers for color and texture.
- Try mild cheddar or a cream cheese blend for different melt.
- Add chili powder or jalapeño to wake up the heat lovers.
These tweaks honor your family’s tastes without turning dinner into a project. Experiment and print your favorite version for quick weeknights. Remember, you can mix and match to suit leftovers and budgets. Your kitchen, your rules.
Serving Suggestions

Presentation and pairings
- Serve Cheeseburger Soup hot with crusty bread, buttery crackers, or a crisp simple green salad.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
- A light white wine or sparkling water pairs nicely with this creamy soup.
- For picky eaters, offer extra toppings on the side, please.
Cheeseburger Soup: Make It a Weeknight Winner
Make-ahead, storage, and family appeal
Cheeseburger Soup is a weeknight saver I reach for when busier deadlines collide with hungry mouths.
The trick is making it a one-pot finish: you can prep the base and the meat ahead of time, then finish with milk and cheese in minutes.
I love cooking a big pot once and serving it again later without the chaos.
Make-ahead components mean fewer surprises at dinner.
Cook the base and meat, then refrigerate or freeze the separate pieces until you’re ready to finish with milk and cheese.
Reheating on the stove keeps the texture silky, not greasy, and the flavors stay true to Cheeseburger Soup.
For crowds or busy households, double the batch and let each person personalize with toppings.
Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal, turning a simple soup into a complete supper.
This approach fits meal planning for families and professionals who juggle schedules, budgets, and picky eaters.
FAQs
Is Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free or can it be made gluten-free?
Yes, Cheeseburger Soup can be gluten-free. The traditional version uses flour to thicken, but you can keep the flavor by swapping in a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot, or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free, and skip any flour if you want to avoid gluten entirely. Velveeta is gluten-free, but always check labels.
For best results, whisk 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot) with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir that into the simmering soup and cook a few minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency. This keeps the texture creamy without the gluten.
In our soup recipes rotation, this gluten-free approach helps friends with dietary needs enjoy the same cozy flavors.
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, Cheeseburger Soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. It keeps well for about 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
If it seems a little thick after thawing, whisk in a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. This simple hack keeps the soup as comforting as the first night you made it—perfect for batch cooking and busy weeks.
This approach makes it one of our go-to soup recipes when you need a quick, cozy meal ready to go.
Can I use turkey or other cheeses?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a lighter option that still delivers comfort. Velveeta melts smoothly; you can substitute mild cheddar or a cream cheese blend if you want a tangier flavor or different melt. Texture may vary slightly, so add a splash more milk if needed to keep the creaminess.
This flexibility is part of what makes Cheeseburger Soup a practical weeknight staple in our kitchen and in many family-friendly soup recipes collections.
How can I adjust the thickness or richness?
To adjust thickness, add more broth or milk for a soupier finish, or simmer longer to thicken. For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream at the end or melt in a bit more cheese. If you’re using a gluten-free thickener, follow its instructions for best results.
Taste and adjust salt last; a well-balanced finish keeps the classic cheeseburger flavor shining through. This is where you tailor Cheeseburger Soup to your family’s preferences, one spoonful at a time.
Final Thoughts
Making Cheeseburger Soup has become a small holiday in my week. I love the way familiar flavors mingle with simple steps, turning the busiest night into a cozy pause. Each batch tastes like a hug in a bowl, a reminder that comfort and practicality can share the same stove.
Share it with neighbors, slip leftovers into lunch boxes, and watch the room light up. I find joy in the simple ritual of ladling, tasting, and tweaking. If you need a confidence boost on busy days, this is your trusty, forgiving ally: Cheeseburger Soup, always ready to come to the rescue.
Print
Cheeseburger Soup has 3 cozy, creamy, irresistible flavors.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheeseburger Soup is a cozy, creamy bowl that captures classic cheeseburger flavors in a comforting soup.
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup diced celery
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (or 3 cups frozen hashbrowns)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, potatoes (or hashbrowns), and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Slowly add to soup while stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until soup thickens.
- Stir in Velveeta cheese and cook until melted and fully blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free thickener or omit the flour, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- If the soup becomes too thick, thin with additional broth or milk.
- Leftovers refrigerate well; reheat gently on the stove, stirring until smooth.
- Garnish ideas: chopped green onions or parsley; serve with crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Cheeseburger Soup, soup recipes, Taste of Home, cozy, creamy, comfort food, cheeseburger flavor