Easy Cheeseburger Soup

A steaming bowl of burger soup delivers all the delicious flavors of your favorite patty in comforting, spoonable form. This thick, filling soup turns basic ingredients into something truly special - picture enjoying your go-to burger, but in a smooth, creamy broth that fills you with warmth. Every bite packs that amazing mix of well-seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and soft veggies that might make you forget traditional burgers even exist.

I whipped up this soup during a stormy weekend when the family wanted burgers but the weather wasn't cooperating for grilling. When I saw my little boy's eyes widen after his first taste, I immediately knew we'd be making this again and again. Even my burger-loving next-door neighbor, who swears by the classic version, begged me for the recipe after trying it at our community dinner.

Key Ingredients and Smart Selection Advice

• Ground beef: Pick 80/20 beef for maximum taste; those fat bits really boost the soup's richness
• Velveeta cheese: It might seem like a strange choice, but nothing melts as smoothly or captures that true burger cheese flavor
• Potatoes: I always grab Yukon Golds; they stay intact while adding extra creaminess
• Raw vegetables: Chopped carrots, celery, and onions build your flavor foundation
• Chicken broth: Grab the low-sodium kind to better manage salt levels, especially with cheese in the mix
• Sour cream: Don't skimp with low-fat versions - full-fat won't break apart in your soup
• Seasonings: Dried basil and parsley don't seem like burger spices, but they work wonders in this soup

Easy Cooking Method Breakdown

Get That Beef Just Right:

Warm your biggest pot over medium-high until it feels hot when you hold your hand above it

Crumble the beef into tiny bits while it cooks

Let it get properly browned for extra flavor punch

Don't rush this part - proper browning makes all the difference

Build Your Taste Foundation:

Heat butter until it bubbles and smells amazing

Drop in your chopped veggies one type at a time - onions go in first until see-through

Add carrots and celery next, cooking them until they're just soft

This gentle cooking unlocks deeper, richer flavors

Craft Your Soup Base:

Dust flour over your veggies and keep stirring

Look for a light golden color to form

Slowly pour in broth while mixing to avoid clumps

Toss in potatoes and let everything bubble gently

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After making this soup dozens of times, I've realized potatoes are actually the hidden heroes here. They soak up all those wonderful flavors while naturally thickening everything up. My wife's mom, who's spent four decades cooking for her family, says she's never found a better way to use up leftover baked potatoes.

Creating Depth of Flavor

The real secret happens when flavors build up in stages. Each ingredient adds to what came before, creating richness you can't get by dumping everything in at once. The veggies slowly release their sweetness, the meat brings that hearty base, and the cheese pulls everything together in a way that truly feels like eating a burger in soup form.

Prep-Ahead Advantages

What makes this soup fit so well into busy lives is how practical it is. Cook up a large pot on the weekend, and you've covered several weeknight meals. The flavor actually gets better after sitting overnight, making tomorrow's dinner even tastier.

What to Serve Alongside

Though fantastic by itself, I've found this soup goes wonderfully with a chunk of fresh crusty bread or some homemade toasted croutons made from hamburger buns. For something lighter, add a simple green salad with zesty dressing on the side.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

In our home, extras rarely stick around long, but when they do, I've figured out the best storage approach. Pop it in a sealed container and it'll stay yummy for 3-4 days in your fridge. Just warm it up slowly - rushing can mess up that smooth, creamy texture.

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This soup has become my favorite dish for both family dinners and neighborhood get-togethers. There's something really rewarding about watching people's faces light up when they first try it - that moment they realize it actually tastes like their favorite burger transformed into a creamy soup. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want something cozy at home, this dish brings comfort with every spoonful.

I've cooked this soup year-round, but it feels extra special when served on a chilly winter night. It's like giving your loved ones a warm, flavorful hug in food form. And isn't that exactly what we want from comfort cooking?

Recipe FAQs

→ Can this soup be frozen?

Yes! But leave out the dairy until reheating. Add milk, sour cream, and cheese when warming it up.

→ What’s a good alternative to Velveeta?

Go with sharp cheddar, or mix cheddar with American cheese for that creamy vibe.

→ Is this slow cooker-friendly?

Totally! Just brown the beef first. Toss everything in (except the dairy), then add cheese and milk for the last 30 minutes.

→ How should I keep leftovers?

Pop leftovers into a sealed container in the fridge. Use them within three days, reheating gently to keep it smooth.

→ What’s good to serve on the side?

Pair this soup with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or some pickles to really get that cheeseburger meal vibe.