Name: Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 to 2 cups Velveeta, cubed; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup carrots, diced; 3/4 cup celery, diced; 3/4 cup onion, diced; 4 cups potatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Onion rings; Green onions; Crumbled bacon

Introduction

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, it brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying bowl. Ready in under an hour, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please.

A close-up view of a creamy soup served in a white bowl, showing three golden-brown onion rings placed on top, surrounded by chunks of orange carrots and crispy bits of bacon. The soup is light yellow and smooth with visible pieces of browned ground beef scattered throughout. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over the soup, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef

4 tablespoons butter, divided

3/4 cup carrots, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup onion, diced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

4 cups potatoes, diced

3 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 to 2 cups Velveeta, cubed

1 1/2 cups whole milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

Onion rings, green onions, and crumbled bacon for toppings (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Melt butter in the same pot and sauté carrots, celery, onions, basil, and parsley for about 10 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Stir in potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes until potatoes are soft.

Step 4: In a separate pan, create a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add this mixture to the soup and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in Velveeta cheese and whole milk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Stir in sour cream and heat through gently without boiling. Serve hot with optional toppings like onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker soup, use less milk or add an extra tablespoon of flour with the roux.

Swap Velveeta with sharp cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.

Add cooked bacon bits directly into the soup for extra smoky flavor instead of just as a topping.

Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

FAQs

Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture of potatoes and dairy may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding sour cream and reheat slowly, stirring in sour cream fresh before serving.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients except the cheese, milk, and sour cream in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add cheese, milk, and sour cream during the last 30 minutes and stir until smooth and heated through.