If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that feels like wrapping your family in a big, cheesy hug, then this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is it. It’s creamy, hearty, and comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy moms, tired professionals, or anyone who just wants dinner without drama. Think of it as your favorite cheeseburger, only in soup form (and yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds).
As a mom of three, I’m constantly on the hunt for meals that everyone in my household will eat without protest. This cheeseburger soup? Total win. Even my picky eater who normally pushes veggies around his plate came back for seconds. That’s saying something.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Quick & cozy: Ready in about 40 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Kid-approved but hearty enough for adults.
- Customizable: Add toppings, sneak in veggies, or keep it simple.
- Comfort food vibes: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something warm and satisfying.
What Does Easy Cheeseburger Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger with melted cheddar, tender potatoes, and a creamy base all mingling together in a bowl. It’s savory, cheesy, and filling without being heavy. The Worcestershire sauce gives it a subtle zing, while the sour cream adds that velvety finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
One of the best things about making Easy Cheeseburger Soup is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have sitting in your pantry or fridge. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor—from the savory base of ground beef to the creamy richness of cheddar and sour cream. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show! I use lean ground beef to keep the soup flavorful without being too greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can work too, but beef really gives that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): This humble ingredient adds sweetness and depth. Cooking it with the beef and garlic gives the soup a deliciously savory base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings out the bold, mouthwatering aroma we all love. If you’re a garlic fan, feel free to toss in an extra clove.
- Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): Potatoes make this soup hearty and satisfying. They absorb the cheesy, beefy broth and give every spoonful a comforting, home-cooked feel. I love Yukon golds for their buttery texture, but russets work beautifully too.
- Beef Broth (3 cups): This liquid gold ties everything together. It gives the soup that deep, savory backbone while keeping it cozy and comforting. For another beef-based favorite, check out my Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup.
- Milk (2 cups, whole or 2%): Creamy without being heavy. Whole milk gives the best richness, but 2% works fine if that’s what you have. Avoid skim milk—it just won’t give you the creaminess we’re aiming for.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): No Easy Cheeseburger Soup would be complete without cheddar. Sharp cheddar is my go-to—it melts perfectly and gives a tangy bite that balances the richness.
- Carrots (1 cup, shredded, optional): Sneak in some extra veggies! Carrots add sweetness, color, and a little extra nutrition without changing the flavor profile.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): This is the secret weapon for creaminess. It makes the soup velvety smooth and adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
- Flour (3 tbsp) + Butter (2 tbsp): Together, these form a simple roux that thickens the soup into that luscious, spoon-coating texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp): Just a splash deepens the flavor and gives a little umami punch—like the secret sauce on your favorite burger.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Don’t underestimate these basics. They bring all the flavors to life.
- Optional Toppings: Crumbled Beef, extra shredded cheddar, or sliced green onions. These add crunch, color, and a little extra flair—perfect if you want your Easy Cheeseburger Soup to feel like a diner-worthy masterpiece.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Cooking this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is like building a burger—one layer at a time, with each step adding flavor and texture. Don’t rush it; enjoy the process! Here’s exactly how to make it from start to finish:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat.
- Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks so you don’t end up with big clumps.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Tip: Drain off the excess grease before moving on—this keeps your soup rich and flavorful but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and slightly golden.
- The kitchen will smell amazing at this point—like the start of a really good burger night!
Step 3: Create a Flavorful Base
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the beef and veggie mixture. Let it melt completely.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour evenly over the mixture and stir well.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step makes your soup thick and creamy later.
- Think of it as building the “bun” that holds your cheeseburger soup together.
Step 4: Add Broth and Veggies
- Slowly pour in 3 cups of beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Toss in the diced potatoes and optional shredded carrots.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil. You’ll notice the potatoes soaking up that rich broth—this is where the comfort factor really begins.
- If you love hearty soups, you might also enjoy my Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans, which has that same stick-to-your-ribs vibe.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- The potatoes should be fork-tender when it’s ready to move on.
Step 6: Stir in Milk and Worcestershire Sauce
- Gently pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir slowly and keep the heat low—boiling milk can cause it to separate.
- This step transforms the soup from a brothy base into that creamy, cheeseburger-like goodness.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely.
- The soup will instantly become thick, cheesy, and irresistible.
- Pro tip: Sharp cheddar gives the best balance of tang and creaminess.
Step 8: Add the Creamy Finish
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream.
- Mix until everything is fully blended and smooth.
- Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle your Easy Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and pile on the toppings—crumbled Beef, green onions, or even a little extra shredded cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Your pot of Easy Cheeseburger Soup is now ready to warm hearts, fill bellies, and bring everyone to the table.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Don’t skip draining the beef: Unless you want greasy soup (and trust me, you don’t).
- Low and slow with dairy: Keep the heat gentle when adding milk and cheese so it doesn’t curdle.
- Potatoes are the star: Dice them evenly so they cook at the same pace.
- Sneaky veggie boost: Add carrots, celery, or even chopped cauliflower for extra nutrition.
- Make it fun: Set out toppings “bar style” so everyone can dress up their bowl.
Storage for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, but dairy soups may separate. If freezing, do so before adding the cheese and sour cream. Add those fresh when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—replace the flour with cornstarch (mix with cold water first to make a slurry).
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely. Just reheat gently, and maybe add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is comfort food in a bowl—cheesy, cozy, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a meal for picky eaters, or something warm after a chilly day, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
If you love this, you might also enjoy my Broccoli Cheddar Soup or this hearty Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – Quick, Creamy, & Family-Friendly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting meal the whole family will love, ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked and crumbled Beef, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the beef broth while stirring continuously. Add the diced potatoes and optional shredded carrots. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Carefully stir in the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Heat gently without boiling.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Mix in the sour cream until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with crumbled Beef, extra cheese, and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
This soup thickens as it cools, so feel free to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
Shredded carrots add a slight sweetness and color but can be omitted if preferred.
