Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Introduction

Best Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, satisfying bowl. Perfect for chilly days, this soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich cheese for a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for more flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups cream (or whole milk)
• 1 pound Velveeta processed cheese (or substitute with cheddar and cream cheese)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil and heat until hot. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to crumble it. Cook until no longer pink. Transfer the beef to a plate and drain the grease from the pan.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add garlic, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender.
4. Step 4: Add cubed potatoes, cooked ground beef, and chicken broth to the pan. Add enough broth to cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook continuously for about 3 minutes until bubbly and well combined.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the cream, stirring to combine fully and avoid lumps.
8. Step 8: Lower the heat to low and add cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until melted, then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
9. Step 9: Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Step 10: Remove the soup from heat and blend in the sour cream if using. If the soup feels too thick, add more cream, milk, or broth gradually to reach your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Serve hot, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite garnishes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Substitute Velveeta with a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a more natural cheese taste.
• Add cooked bacon bits or chopped pickles as toppings for an authentic cheeseburger feel.
• Use low-fat milk or half-and-half if you prefer a lighter soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency if it has thickened. This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables or beans for added protein and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have Velveeta?

You can substitute Velveeta with a mixture of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 112 reviews

This Best Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting meal reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. Loaded with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and seasoned with herbs and paprika, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and serves 8 generously.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Fats

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons butter (for cheese sauce)

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for more flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)

Liquids and Dairy

• 3 cups chicken broth (more if needed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cream (or whole milk)
• 1 pound Velveeta processed cheese (or substitute with cheddar cheese and cream cheese)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, add canola oil, and once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef and cook it until no longer pink. Transfer the beef to a plate and drain the grease from the saucepan.
2. Cook the onion: In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, stir, and cook for about 1 minute until softened.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add minced garlic, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and sauté for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
4. Add potatoes, beef, and broth: Add peeled and cubed potatoes, cooked ground beef back into the saucepan, and pour in chicken broth. Add enough broth to cover the potatoes completely. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Make the cheese sauce – melt butter: While the soup simmers, place a medium skillet over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Melt completely.
7. Stir in flour: Add all-purpose flour and cook, stirring continuously until bubbly and well combined, about 3 minutes. This creates a roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
8. Add cream: Gradually add the cream (or whole milk) little by little, stirring constantly to combine smoothly.
9. Melt the cheeses: Reduce heat to low, add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
10. Add cheese sauce to the soup: Pour the cheese sauce into the soup, stir thoroughly, and bring to a boil again. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
11. Blend in sour cream: Remove the soup from heat and mix in sour cream for extra creaminess.
12. Add more liquid if needed: If the soup is too thick, slowly add more cream, milk, or broth until the desired consistency is reached.
13. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and any preferred additional toppings such as chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits.

Notes

• For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Substitute Velveeta with a combination of cheddar cheese and cream cheese if preferred.
• Adjust thickness by adding more or less broth or cream according to your preference.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute cream with whole milk and reduce butter amounts.

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, potato soup, easy dinner recipe