There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of cheeseburger soup on a chilly day. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting, rich soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a flavorful broth. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this easy cheeseburger soup recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To make this delicious and hearty soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- ¾ cup celery, diced
- ¾ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: onion rings, green onions, crumbled bacon
These ingredients come together to create a rich, cheesy soup that will remind you of your favorite cheeseburger in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add ½ pound of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain the excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
2. Saute the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onions. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Saute the vegetables over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes and the previously cooked ground beef to the pot. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Prepare the Roux
While the soup is simmering, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly. This roux will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
5. Add the Roux to the Soup
Once the roux is ready, stir it into the simmering soup. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Cheese and Milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and whole milk. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Season the soup with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the Sour Cream
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in ¼ cup of sour cream. This adds a tangy richness that complements the creamy cheese base, making the soup even more indulgent.
8. Garnish and Serve
Your cheeseburger soup is now ready to serve! For an extra touch, top it with crispy onion rings, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon. Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
1. Comfort Food at Its Finest
This cheeseburger soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. The combination of creamy Velveeta, savory beef, and tender vegetables creates a cozy meal that’s perfect for colder months.
2. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will love the flavors in this soup. The mild cheese and creamy texture make it a kid-approved dish, while the savory beef and vegetables ensure it’s satisfying for everyone. Plus, the fun toppings like bacon or onion rings make it even more appealing.
3. Easy to Customize
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your taste preferences. Swap the Velveeta for another type of cheese, like sharp cheddar, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor. You can even spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
4. A Complete Meal in One Bowl
With protein from the ground beef, vegetables, and a rich cheese base, this soup offers everything you need for a complete meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for an easy and filling dinner.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, making them a great choice for soups. They will become tender without turning mushy.
- Make it Gluten-Free: You can easily adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the soup while it’s simmering. The potatoes should be tender but not falling apart, which will ensure the soup maintains its hearty texture.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect solution for a comforting, hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The savory ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, and tender vegetables come together in a rich, satisfying broth. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or as a cozy meal for guests, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.