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This Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a simple, easy, and delicious hearty cheeseburger soup that everyone loves! Keto/Low carb soup cheeseburger soup recipe, too.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Soup
This soup has quickly become one of my all time favorite meals – it is simple, uses ingredients I often already have on hand, is incredibly easy, and tastes AMAZING!
While many cheeseburger soups contain potato, I am offering up a potato free cheeseburger soup that is loaded with fresh vegetables and a ton of delicious ground beef – plus tons of cheesy flavor.
Cheeseburger soup is one of those things that brings a ton of comfort in fall – it is perfect for watching the game, family dinners, or just lunch on the go!
I developed this easy cheeseburger soup recipe to even work in a keto diet since it is naturally low carb (do be sure to check out my Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe notes below as there is a change you’ll want to make to the ingredients if staying away from processed foods.)
Cheeseburger soup is one of those dishes that is perfect on a cold night or a stressed weekday when you just need to tuck into something hearty and comforting.
This dish is great for meal trains, potlucks, and neighbor gifts because it can be frozen and reheated well.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef (1/2 pound): Ground beef is the primary protein source in cheeseburger soup, imparting a rich and savory flavor reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup. It’s used for sautéing the vegetables and enhancing their flavors.
- Onion (3/4 cup, chopped): Chopped onions provide a sweet and aromatic flavor, contributing to the soup’s overall depth and savory profile.
- Carrots (3/4 cup, shredded): Shredded carrots introduce a subtle sweetness and a touch of color to the soup. They also provide a pleasing textural contrast.
- Bell Pepper (1, diced): Diced bell pepper adds a slightly sweet and mildly tangy flavor, as well as vibrant color and a hint of crunch.
- Celery (3/4 cup, diced): Diced celery imparts a gentle, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the soup. It’s a classic soup ingredient.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) and Dried Parsley Flakes (1 teaspoon): These dried herbs infuse the soup with herbal notes, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): Chicken broth serves as the flavorful base of the soup, providing depth and richness to the broth.
- Shredded Velveeta or Cheddar Cheese (2 to 4 cups): This cheese is essential for giving the soup its signature creamy, cheesy goodness. You can choose between Velveeta for a smoother texture or cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Whole Milk (1-1/2 cups): Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the soup, enhancing its cheesy and comforting qualities.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon) and Pepper (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon): These seasonings balance the flavors in the soup, with salt enhancing the ingredients and pepper providing a touch of warmth.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Sour cream is added at the end to give the soup a creamy and tangy finish, adding depth to the overall flavor.
- Crunchy Crumbled Bacon (4-6 strips, for garnish): Bacon bits provide a savory and smoky crunch that complements the cheeseburger theme of the soup. They serve as a delightful garnish.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add ground beef – cook and crumble beef until no longer pink. Remove beef, set aside, and add in vegetables to brown lightly.
- Saute beef, onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add beef back in. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat; blend in sour cream.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
To Freeze Cheeseburger Soup: Let cool and add to a ziploc bag, with any extra air bubbles squeezed out. Lay flat in a freezer (so soup freezes in a flatter shape instead of a giant blob so it is easier and more even when defrosting.)
To reheat Cheeseburger Soup: Let the soup thaw overnight in the fridge. Add to a soup pot and bring to a boil – or microwave to piping hot. If soup thins out, or you’d like a little more creamy goodness when you reheat soup, you can add in a dash of cream and whisk it into the soup, plus 1-2 more ounces of velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese – simply stir them into hot soup and let them melt before eating.
Make it keto: This easy cheeseburger soup can easily be turned into a keto cheeseburger soup recipe – with just one swap. I am calling for velveeta cheese in this cheeseburger soup (which, yea, is heavily processed) – making it not the healthiest choice, and adding processed food into the recipe. To make this soup keto/all natural, simply swap the velveeta for a nice melting cheddar (or a cheddar-mozzarella mix) of shredded cheese. I prefer the easy creamy texture that velveeta gives this soup, but it is just as flavorful with unprocessed cheese.
How to add cheese without clumping: While cheese is amazingly delicious in soup, it isn’t the easiest ingredient to incorporate to soups and stews – since it can clump and separate from the soup, leaving you with a gross and sticky mess. To prevent clumping cheese, follow my handy tips below!
- Use Velveeta. If using velveeta, as the recipe calls for, you can be a lot less precise – that stuff can take pretty much anything and still come out creamy, smooth, and perfect in a recipe.
- Don’t Use Drier Cheeses. Cheeses with a higher moisture content incorporate much better into soups – whereas drier cheeses tend to clump up more. To prevent clumping, opt for a cheese with more moisture (mozzarella, colby, non-aged cheddars, farm-style cheese) instead of something drier. (Think creamy, not hard.)
- Add Cheese Slowly. Add cheese by gradually sprinkling cheese over soup, and stirring well to melt and mix cheese, before adding the next handful. If adding too much cheese too quickly to a soup, cheese is more likely to clump and seize up without fully incorporating.
- Turn Temp To Low. Cheese’s proteins break down over high heat, and can force the cheese to “seize” up, release all it’s moisture, and clump. Keep heat to a very low boil when adding cheese (if your soup was at a heavy boil, you can turn the heat off to add in the cheese, stirring well to incorporate and fully melt before returning heat to low.)
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that the choice of meat will influence the flavor of the soup.
Absolutely! While Velveeta and cheddar are common choices, you can experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor. Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese can add unique and delicious twists to the soup.
To make a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground meat or crumbles, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives. For a vegan option, ensure that all ingredients are plant-based and non-dairy.
Yes, cheeseburger soup can be made in advance and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Cheeseburger soup can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Popular garnishes include crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add texture and extra flavor.
Yes, you can customize your soup by adding vegetables like corn, peas, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
You can make a lower-fat version of cheeseburger soup by using lean ground meat, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables separately before adding everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for several hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for initial steps, then pressure cook on high for a shorter time.
Consider serving crusty bread, dinner rolls, a side salad, or garlic bread to complement the soup. These sides help create a satisfying meal.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup
Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve slices of crusty bread, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls alongside your soup. They’re perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Side Salad: A crisp and refreshing side salad made with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds a contrast of textures and flavors to the meal.
French Fries or Potato Wedges: For a truly indulgent experience, serve your cheeseburger soup with a side of crispy French fries or seasoned potato wedges.
Pickles: Pickles, especially dill or bread-and-butter pickles, provide a tangy and crunchy element that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Vegetable Sticks: Offer a platter of vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a dip, such as ranch dressing or hummus, for a healthier side option.
Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings make for a tasty and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with cabbage and carrots can balance the richness of the soup and provide a nice contrast in taste and texture.
Baked Beans: Baked beans, either homemade or canned, are a classic and hearty side that complements the comfort food vibe of cheeseburger soup.
Garlic Knots: Soft and garlicky knots of bread are a delightful accompaniment that pairs well with the soup’s savory flavors.
Cheese Crisps: Make your own cheese crisps or cheese straws to serve as a crunchy and cheesy side that matches the theme of the soup.
Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices or chunks add creaminess and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
Jalapeño Slices: If you like a bit of heat, consider serving sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeño rings as a condiment.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the soup can enhance its creaminess and provide a bit of tanginess.
Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top of the soup for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper diced
- ¾ cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 to 4 cups shredded Velveeta or cheddar cheese
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4-6 strips crunchy crumbled bacon to garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add ground beef – cook and crumble beef until no longer pink.
- Remove beef when browned, set aside. Do not drain fat. Add vegetables to pan and cook until browned, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. When lightly browned, stir beef back in.
- Add broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat; blend in sour cream.
Hi there! I enjoyed cruising around your website/blog. Your recipe for Cheeseburger Soup caught my eye. I love Velveeta cheese and always have it on hand. I actually had everything but the hamburger and our friendly grocer was able to fix me right up. This was fun to make and it was a hit for a hearty dinner. Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait I’m making it today !! Thank you .