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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (30 Minutes)

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe combines savory meat, tender potatoes, and fresh veggies in a creamy, cheesy, broth. A lightened-up version of the original recipe, it’s easy to make and oh-so comforting! 

Up close photo of cheeseburger soup topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, pickles and parsley.

I first had cheeseburger soup one holiday season when my sister-in-law made it for the whole family. Thick, rich, and loaded with cheese, I was instantly in love! So much so that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks. 

However, her version has a whopping 14 OUNCES of Velveeta cheese! While, I’m okay with a little indulgence every once in a while, typically in the form of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies or double chocolate oatmeal cookies, I try my best to eat nutritious meals most days. 

So, I took my sister-in-law’s recipe and lightened it up while keeping all the incredible flavor. One of the most popular recipes on the site, it was a fast favorite! 

Overhead photo of easy cheeseburger soup surrounded by shredded cheese, veggies, and parsley.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this one-pot cheeseburger soup recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details! 

  • Meat – We typically use lean ground beef. However, this soup tastes great with venison or ground turkey, too! 
  • Butter – Omit this if using ground beef. The soup will be plenty rich without it. 
  • Veggies – Onion, carrots, celery, red potatoes, and bell peppers add lots of flavor, color, nutrients, and texture. The best part is picky eaters don’t even realize they’re included! Russet potatoes also work well, but we don’t recommend substituting any other potatoes.
  • Broth – We recommend using low-sodium chicken broth so you have better control over the sodium in the dish. Beef broth or vegetable broth will also work.
  • Seasonings – Garlic powder, dried mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper enhance the savory taste. 
  • Cornstarch – This helps thicken the soup. 
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – We use shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a classic cheeseburger taste. For the best results, buy a block of cheese, and grate it yourself! 
  • Half and Half – This is crucial for the rich flavor and creamy consistency. Whole milk, heavy cream works, or cream cheese all work well, too. 
A bowl of healthy cheeseburger soup with a copper spoon in it.

Helpful Tools

How to Make This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe 

  1. Brown the ground beef (or meat of choice). Melt the butter in a large soup pot (if using). Then, brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. 
  2. Simmer. Add the chopped veggies, chicken broth, garlic powder, and dried mustard powder. Bring the liquid to a boil. Then, cover the pot, and simmer until the veggies and potatoes are tender. Reduce the heat to low. 
  3. Create a slurry. Whisk the cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Then, slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring continuously. Stir to thicken, and turn off the burner. 
  4. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the shredded cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow the cheese to melt. Then, stir in the half and half, and adjust the seasonings to taste. 
  5. Serve. Enjoy your creamy soup with your favorite toppings! 
Overhead photo of a bowl of cheesy soup topped with pickled onions, pickles and cheese.

Topping Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

The best part of burgers are the toppings, right? The same goes for cheeseburger soup, too! Some of our favorite options include: 

  • Shredded Cheese
  • Bacon Pieces
  • Red Onion
  • Sour Cream 
  • Pickles
  • Croutons or Crackers
  • Chives
  • Red Pepper Flakes
Overhead photo of a ladle of easy cheeseburger soup and pickled onion.

Common Questions 

How should I serve this cheeseburger potato soup? 

Complete with meat, veggies, and fats, this recipe is plenty filling on its own. However, it also pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even French fries! 

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? 

Yes! Brown the meat in a skillet. Then, transfer the cooked ground beef to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except the dairy, cover, and cook. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the cheese, and allow it to melt. Then, stir in the slurry followed by the half and half. 

How long do leftovers last? 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the soup in the microwave or in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth as needed to loosen it back up. 

Can I freeze this easy cheeseburger soup recipe? 

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. We recommend omitting the potatoes if you plan on freezing as they can become a bit mushy once thawed. 

Up close photo of a white bowl filled with Cheeseburger Soup and toppings.

Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (30 Minutes)

Make this easy cheeseburger soup recipe in one pot in just 30 minutes, and enjoy a creamy comfort food full of protein and nutrients!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Soup/Stew
Cuisine: All American
Keyword: cheeseburger potato soup, cheeseburger soup, cheeseburger soup recipe, easy cheeseburger soup recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 425kcal
Author: Sammi Ricke
Cost: $10

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (venison, beef or turkey)
  • 2 Tablespoons butter (omit if using ground beef)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 3 celery, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 red potatoes, diced (peeling is optional)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup half & half

Instructions

  • Brown ground venison or turkey in 2 Tablespoons butter in a large soup pot. If using ground beef, omit the butter.
    1 lb ground meat (venison, beef or turkey), 2 Tablespoons butter
  • Add in all the chopped veggies, chicken stock, garlic powder, and dried mustard powder. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until all the veggies are tender. Turn heat to low.
    1 onion, diced, 3 carrots, thinly sliced, 3 celery, thinly sliced, 2-3 red potatoes, diced, 1/2 red bell pepper, diced, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot of soup and continue to stir. In 1-2 minutes the soup will start to thicken at this point turn off the burner.
    3 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 cup cold water
  • Add in the shredded cheese, parsley, salt and black pepper. Once cheese is melted and incorporated, stir in the half & half. Add in more seasonings, if necessary.
    2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup half & half
  • Top soup with dill pickles, additional shredded cheese, croutons and/or crackers!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 425kcal

Did you enjoy this Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!

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20 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for joining our link-up with this wonderful soup recipe! I have pinned it & I am really looking to trying it, I think it will be hit with the entire family!! Have a great week 🙂

  2. As soon as I saw the pickles on top I had to look closer. Definitely less cheese than typical cheeseburger soup. I have not cooked with venison and just not sure, but would make this for my boys with ground beef. Thanks for sharing on #LetsGetRealSocial

  3. I am definitely trying this for dinner!! Don’t lament the loss of Velveeta…that stuff is NASTY! I will take real cheese any day! Thanks for sharing your recipe on Allergy Free Wednesday, I am featuring it this week!

  4. I love how you have made this recipe healthier! I’m so interested to read that you used venison. I’ve tasted venison but I have never cooked with it myself. Your Cheeseburger Soup really does look delicious. Sharing. Thank you for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop. Hope to ‘see’ you again this week – the hop is open now!