As soon as September rolls around, I’m basically like George Costanza from Seinfeld: “I gotta focus…I’m shifting into soup mode.” Soup season is here, and I’m leaning all the way in. This cheeseburger soup is one of my family’s all time favorites. And not only because it has the word “cheeseburger” in the title.
It’s made with extra lean ground beef, tender potatoes, and a hearty mix of onion, carrots, and celery. In other words, it’s my sneaky mom move to get a pile of vegetables into my kids without them batting an eye. My crew ranges from age fifteen all the way down to five, so vegetables are forever a dinner table negotiation. But when they hear, “cheeseburger,” they grab a spoon without asking questions.
Creamy, cozy, and loaded with flavor, this soup has all the comfort of a cheeseburger in a bowl. Perfect for those chilly fall nights when you want something hearty & family-friendly on the table.
Let’s Talk About Cheeseburger Soup
This soup works because it’s familiar yet secretly nourishing. The ground beef gives it that cheeseburger flavor foundation, while the veggies add texture, color, and nutrition without overpowering the dish. The potatoes help make it extra hearty, and the cheese ties everything together with a creamy, rich finish.
I love serving it with a side of crusty bread or even a batch of frozen dinner rolls for dipping. It’s one of those recipes that reheats beautifully, so if you’re a leftovers for lunch kind of person, you’re going to be very happy.
Tips, Tricks, & Tangents
- Lean beef is your friend. Using extra lean ground beef keeps the soup lighter while still giving it that burgery flavor.
- Chop veggies small for picky eaters. The finer the dice, the more they blend into the soup. I actually put the onion in my blender. My kids barely notice them, and I call that a win.
- Don’t skip the cheese. This is cheeseburger soup, after all. I like to use a sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but a milder cheese works if that’s what your family prefers.
- Make it ahead. This soup is one of those magical meals that tastes even better the next day.
Craving More Cozy?
If you’re in full soup mode like me, you’ll want to keep the cozy vibes going. My Ham & Gouda Sliders and French Onion Beef Sliders are perfect for those nights when you want warm, hearty, and comforting — just like this cheeseburger soup.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1/2 pound extra lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup onion finely diced
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup celery finely diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups potatoes cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar shredded
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt one tablespoon over butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, carrots, & celery. Cook & crumble until ground beef is browned.
- Add basil & parsley & stir until incorporated with the beef.
- Add potatoes & broth. Bring to a boil & then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until potatoes are fork tender.
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour & whisk until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir cheese sauce into the soup, stirring constantly. Bring soup to a boil & then reduce heat to low & stir in shredded cheese a little at a time until melted.
- Add sour cream & stir until incorporated & soup is heated through.
- Serve immediately!
