Cheeseburger Soup with Potatoes

Cheeseburger soup with potatoes is the kind of cozy, hearty meal that brings instant comfort with every spoonful. It takes everything people love about a classic cheeseburger—the seasoned beef, melted cheese, savory onions—and transforms it into a warm, creamy soup loaded with tender potatoes and vegetables. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for chilly days or nights when you crave a comforting bowl of something satisfying.

This homemade cheeseburger soup delivers all the familiar flavors but in a soothing, spoonable form. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, the result is always a thick, velvety soup with a rich cheese base and hearty chunks of meat and potatoes.

Why Cheeseburger Soup Is So Loved

This soup has become a favorite for many reasons:

• Comfort-food flavor: Creamy cheese, savory beef, and potatoes make the ultimate cozy meal.

• One-pot convenience: Easy cleanup and minimal steps.

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, common ingredients.

• Customizable: Add vegetables, adjust seasoning, or change the cheese.

• Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults love the familiar flavors.

Whether served as a main course or paired with bread or salad, it’s a satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Large skillet (for browning beef)

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula

• Whisk

• Ladle

Ingredients You Need

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Potatoes & Broth

• 3 cups peeled, diced potatoes

• 3 cups chicken or beef broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Finish

• 4 tbsp butter

• 4 tbsp flour

• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

Optional Add-ins

• Crumbled bacon

• Green onions

• Hot sauce

• Jalapeños

• Pickles (for the true cheeseburger experience)

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup with Potatoes

Creating this creamy, flavor-packed soup is simple and straightforward.

Step 1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.

Drain any excess fat if needed.

Remove beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little olive oil if necessary.

Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes, until softened.

Stir in garlic and cook for another 30–45 seconds.

These aromatics form the foundation of the soup’s depth and flavor.

Step 3. Add Potatoes & Seasonings

Stir in the diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Step 4. Pour in the Broth

Add chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Step 5. Make the Cheese Roux

In a separate saucepan:

• Melt the butter

• Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux

• Slowly add milk or half-and-half, whisking continuously

• Cook until thickened, 3–4 minutes

Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Step 6. Combine & Finish

Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot.

Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for enhanced creaminess.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7. Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with:

• Crumbled bacon

• Green onions

• Extra cheddar

• Pickle slices (fun cheeseburger twist)

Serve with crusty bread or rolls.

 

Why Potatoes Work So Well in This Soup

Potatoes absorb flavor beautifully and add heartiness, making the soup feel like a full meal. They balance the richness of cheese and beef, adding texture without overpowering the dish.

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they soften nicely without falling apart.

Variations & Customizations

This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences.

Make It Spicier

• Add cayenne or jalapeños

• Use pepper jack cheese

• Stir in hot sauce

Make It Lighter

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey

• Use low-fat milk

• Reduce cheese slightly

Make It Even Creamier

• Add extra cheddar

• Stir in cream cheese

• Use heavy cream instead of milk

Add More Vegetables

Try folding in:

• Corn

• Green peas

• Mushrooms

• Spinach

These variations boost vitamins and color.

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes the meal complete.

Perfect Sides

• Toasted garlic bread

• Buttery dinner rolls

• Side salad with light dressing

• Roasted vegetables

• Baked potatoes

For a fun twist, serve with:

• Dill pickles

• French-fried onions

• Sesame seed buns (to mimic a burger)

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in a sealed container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Because of the dairy, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, do so without the sour cream and add it fresh after reheating.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm gently with a splash of milk

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often

Expert Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

Use sharp cheddar

It melts well and gives the soup maximum cheeseburger flavor.

Cook potatoes evenly

Cut them the same size so they soften at the same time.

Add sour cream off heat

This prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky.

Don’t skip the roux

It thickens the soup and gives it a velvety, restaurant-style texture.

Taste the broth before adding cheese

Seasoning the base well ensures the final soup is balanced.

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 420–480 kcal

• Protein: 22–26 g

• Carbohydrates: 28–34 g

• Fat: 24–28 g

• Saturated Fat: 10–12 g

• Cholesterol: 80–95 mg

• Fiber: 2–4 g

• Sugar: 4–6 g

• Sodium: 850–1,050 mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on cheese type, beef fat content, and portion size

Looking for more comforting dinner inspiration? White Chicken Enchilada Soup, Baked Ziti Recipe, or Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce are great choices.

Conclusion

Rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting cheeseburger flavors, this soup is a cozy bowl of pure warmth. With seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a velvety cheese base, cheeseburger soup with potatoes is the perfect blend of hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving comfort food, this recipe always hits the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of potatoes work best for cheeseburger soup?

Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best because they soften well while helping thicken the soup naturally.

2. Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to maintain a creamy texture.

3. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?

Cream-based soups can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze without the cheese and add it after reheating.

4. How can I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a small cornstarch slurry to reach your preferred consistency.

5. What toppings go well with cheeseburger soup?

Shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, or croutons make excellent toppings.