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Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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