Homemade Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner Recipe

Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is comfort food at its coziest. Imagine everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—melty cheese, hearty beef, tender potatoes—all spooned into one creamy, soul-warming bowl. This Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is like the culinary version of wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on a chilly night. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to impress even the pickiest eaters (yes, I’m looking at your kids). With rich cheddar, flavorful veggies, and a creamy base, it turns humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and totally freezer-friendly—so go ahead, make a big pot and thank yourself later.

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What is Homemade Cheeseburger Soup?

Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is a thick, creamy soup that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in comforting spoonfuls. It’s loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery—all simmered together with herbs and finished off with melted cheddar cheese and a touch of sour cream. Think of it as the love child of a hearty stew and your favorite diner burger. Originally a Midwest classic, this soup has made its way into kitchens nationwide for good reason—it’s cozy, rich, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether served with crusty bread or topped with green onions, every bite feels like a little celebration of comfort.

Reasons to Try Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge at 6 PM wondering how to make something hearty and family-approved, this Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is your hero. Here’s why:

1. It’s simple. Nothing fancy—just wholesome, everyday ingredients.
2. It’s hearty. Ground beef and potatoes make it satisfying enough to stand alone.
3. It’s versatile. Add bacon, swap the cheese, or toss in extra veggies.
4. It’s meal-prep friendly. Stores and reheats like a dream.
5. It’s kid-approved. Seriously, it’s like tricking them into eating veggies with cheese.

For another cozy dinner idea, check out this Ground Beef and Potato Soup—it’s another reader favorite for busy nights.

Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ¾ cup chopped onion
• ¾ cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups cubed potatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups cubed Cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

If you’ve ever wished someone would walk you through a recipe step by step, like a friend chatting with you in the kitchen, this is your moment. Making Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is simple—but these expanded directions will help you get it creamy, flavorful, and absolutely foolproof. So tie on your apron, grab that wooden spoon, and let’s make magic happen.

Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients

Start this step by step process by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your lean ground beef, chopped onion, shredded carrots, and chopped celery. Stir occasionally as the beef browns and the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.

As the mixture cooks, your kitchen will start to smell amazing—like the beginning of a hearty stew. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small, bite-sized crumbles. This ensures even cooking and a smooth texture in your final soup. If any excess grease appears, go ahead and spoon it out. We want all the flavor, not the heaviness.

Tip: If you enjoy this step of sautéing veggies and aromatics, you’ll love how it’s done in my Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe, which follows a similar start.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Once your meat and veggies are tender, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried parsley. These herbs give your soup a cozy, homemade flavor that makes it stand out from canned versions. Stir them in so they coat every bite of beef and carrot.

Now add your cubed potatoes and chicken broth, stirring gently to mix everything together. Bring it all to a gentle boil—you’ll see the broth start to bubble and the potatoes begin to soften. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes.

During this step-by-step simmer, the potatoes absorb the broth’s flavor, becoming tender and rich. The scent of buttery vegetables and herbs will fill your kitchen with that cozy “dinnertime” warmth that families love.

If you’d like a deeper dive into building flavor through simmering, check out my Beef Barley Soup—it’s another masterclass in hearty, layered flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Roux (the Secret Weapon)

Here’s where the magic thickens—literally. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of flour. This step-by-step roux (a mix of butter and flour) is what gives your Homemade Cheeseburger Soup its thick, velvety texture.

Whisk continuously for about a minute, until the mixture looks smooth and golden. This is your base for creaminess. Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour in 1½ cups of milk, whisking constantly. If you rush it, you might end up with lumps—and nobody wants lumpy soup. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when it lightly coats the back of a spoon—smooth, glossy, and heavenly.

Pro Tip: If you’ve ever struggled with roux, my Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup shows another easy way to create a silky texture using the same step-by-step method.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Now it’s time to bring all those delicious layers together. Slowly pour your creamy milk mixture into the soup pot with your simmering beef and vegetables. Stir gently but continuously—this step by step blending ensures everything comes together smoothly without curdling.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Add in your cubed Cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely into a rich, cheesy broth. The key here is patience—slow stirring keeps the texture creamy instead of grainy.

Finally, add your ¼ cup of sour cream, stirring just until it’s warmed through. Don’t let it boil after adding the sour cream, or it could separate. The result? A luscious, golden soup that’s rich, cheesy, and comforting with every spoonful.

If you want to compare how cheese melts in other soups, check out this ultra-creamy Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Like a Pro

You’ve followed every step by step moment—now it’s time to serve! Ladle your Homemade Cheeseburger Soup into warm bowls and top with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar.

For a little crunch, serve with toasted garlic bread or even crusty rolls for dipping. If you’re watching carbs or want something lighter, try pairing it with a crisp side like my Healing Garlic Green Soup for a fresh balance.

Optional toppings that take it over the top: crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or a drizzle of hot sauce—because who doesn’t love a customizable bowl?

Step 6: Bonus Step for Next Time – Save and Reheat Smartly

After enjoying your meal, store leftovers properly so they taste just as good later. Transfer the soup into airtight containers once cooled. This step by step approach helps prevent condensation, which can make your soup watery. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.

For a deep-dive on storing creamy soups safely, visit my Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup—it includes my best storage hacks that keep creamy soups fresh for days.

Final Thoughts on This Step-by-Step Cooking Experience

By following this step by step guide, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Each stage—from browning the beef to whisking that silky roux—builds layers of flavor that make Homemade Cheeseburger Soup a repeat-worthy favorite. Whether it’s your first time making a creamy soup or you’re a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers every time.

And if this cozy bowl made your evening better (and I bet it did), you’ll love my Keto Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe for another creamy, dreamy dinner idea.

Because when it comes to wholesome comfort food, one good soup always leads to another.

What to Serve with Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it smartly can make it shine even more. A simple green salad or a crusty garlic bread works wonders to balance the richness. Or, if you want to keep the comfort train rolling, serve it with a warm loaf of sourdough or a side of roasted veggies. For a cozy dinner spread, check out my Healing Pumpkin Soup or Broccoli Quinoa Soup—both are perfect for soup lovers.

Key Tips for Making Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

1. Use lean beef. You’ll avoid excess grease and keep the soup lighter.
2. Don’t rush the potatoes. Let them get tender before adding the cream mixture.
3. Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can make your soup grainy.
4. Add sour cream at the end. High heat can curdle it.
5. Make it your own. Add bacon bits, hot sauce, or even pickles for fun twists.

For more creamy inspiration, visit my Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Homemade Cheeseburger Soup

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese and milk from separating. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. You can also freeze it—just skip adding the sour cream until after thawing for best texture. Reheat gently on the stove, stir often, and enjoy the same creamy magic.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! It’s a lighter option that still tastes delicious.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but leave out the sour cream until after thawing.

What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder touch.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cheeseburger Soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s creamy, cozy, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it on repeat. For more heartwarming bowls, try my Beef Barley Soup next—it’s another classic for cold nights.

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