Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (One-Pot Comfort Food)

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a creamy, cheesy soup made in one large pot on the stovetop in about 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, and freezing days when the whole family craves cozy comfort food. You get all the bold burger flavors you love in a warm bowl of cheesy broth, and it’s budget-friendly, filling, and so simple to make!

Easy Cheeseburger Soup

As with many (if not most) American families, cheeseburgers are always near the top of our favorite foods list. So turning them into a soup just makes sense when the weather finally cools off here in Mississippi! While you’re here fellow cheeseburger lover, check out this Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Recipe (Stovetop, Oven, or Crockpot).

And who doesn’t love a good, cheesy soup made with Velvetta (like this amazing squash soup)? I know some folks turn up their noses at it, but it melts into the smoothest, creamiest soup base with no grainy cheese to fight with. Shortcuts are always welcome in my kitchen 🙂

So if you’re already in soup mood this fall, keep reading and make this delicious, hearty cheeseburger soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s all made in one pot. You brown the beef, soften the veggies, and simmer the potatoes all in the same large pot, which means fewer dishes for whoever gets stuck cleaning up (usually me).

It really tastes like a cheeseburger. The beef mixture, a splash of Worcestershire, and a crunchy topping of fried onions give you that burger-joint flavor in every spoonful. Add diced pickles on top and you’ll swear you’re at the malt shop.

It feeds a crowd. This recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s perfect for a big family dinner, and you’ll probably still have a little leftover cheeseburger soup for lunch the next day.

Tools Needed

• Large stock pot or soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk

Ingredients

You’ll only need simple pantry and fridge staples for this one, and most of them are easy to swap.

• Ground beef – lean ground beef works great, or use ground chicken or turkey
• Salted butter – a little olive oil works in a pinch
• White onion – a yellow onion is fine too. See how to easily dice up the onion here.
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic – garlic powder or garlic salt works if you’re out of fresh
• Chicken broth – beef broth or bone broth will also work
• Yukon gold potatoes – russet potatoes or red potatoes are fine
• Whole milk – regular milk of any kind, or a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich soup
• Velveeta cheese – or swap in shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper
• Crispy fried onions for topping
• Optional toppings – fresh parsley, bacon bits, diced pickles, extra cheddar, or green onions

Find the full recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

This comes together quickly, so have your veggies chopped before you start.

1. Brown the beef. Heat your pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef for about 6 minutes. Drain the grease if needed.

2. Soften the veggies. Add the butter, diced onion, celery, and carrots and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Cook the potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes. Turn up the heat and boil for 14-15 minutes, until you have tender potatoes.

4. Add the milk. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the milk, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.

5. Melt the cheese. Stir in the cubed Velveeta for about 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth.

6. Finish with sour cream. Remove the pot from the heat, then whisk in the sour cream. Taking it off the heat first keeps the sour cream from curdling.

7. Serve. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top of the hot soup.

Pro Tips

• Run the onion, celery, and carrots through a food processor to make them extra fine. This is a sneaky trick for picky eaters who aren’t a fan of this vegetable or that one!
• Cut the Velveeta into small cubes so it melts faster and more evenly.
• Keep the heat low once the milk goes in. A hard boil can make the milk mixture separate.
• Yukon golds hold their shape nicely, but russets will break down a bit and make the soup thicker.

Variations

• Real cheese version: Use shredded cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta, adding a handful at a time so it melts smoothly.
• Bacon cheeseburger soup: Cook a few slices of raw bacon in a small skillet and crumble it on top, or use pre-cooked bacon to save time. Just be sure you’re using real bacon!
• For spicy food lovers: Stir in a can of green chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Burger bun topping: Sprinkle on a few sesame seeds for a fun nod to a classic burger bun.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to be the whole meal, but it’s even better with crusty bread or hard rolls for dipping. For a really fun dinner, serve it with onion rings or fries on the side.

• Easy Rustic Sourdough Bread
• Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
• Homemade Crescent Rolls
• Cheese Fries (Easy Air Fryer Cheesy Fries)

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk to loosen it up. I don’t recommend freezing this one, since dairy and potatoes can turn grainy when thawed.

FAQ

Can I use cheddar instead of Velveeta? Absolutely! Shredded cheddar works well. Use freshly shredded cheese and add it slowly over low heat so it melts smoothly.

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth? Yes! Beef broth gives the soup an even deeper burger flavor.

Can I make cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the beef and veggies in a skillet first, then add them to the slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the milk, cheese, and sour cream at the end.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot? Sure! Use the sauté setting for the beef and veggies, add the broth and potatoes, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick release, then stir in the milk, cheese, and sour cream.

A Cozy Bowl for the Whole Family

This easy cheeseburger soup is one of those super easy recipes that makes a cold night feel a little warmer. Make it your own with your favorite burger toppings, and I hope it becomes a family favorite at your house too!

More Delicious Soup Recipes

• Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Red Potato Soup with Cream Cheese
• Instant Pot Black Bean Soup