Cheeseburger Soup

Name: Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp cooking oil; 2 stalks celery, chopped (~1 cup); 1 large carrot, shredded (~½ cup); ½ onion, chopped (~1 cup); 1 pound ground beef; 1½ tsp garlic salt; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 4 cups beef broth; 3 red potatoes, chopped into 1 inch cubes (~3 cups); ¾ cup heavy cream; 3-4 tbsp cornstarch; 12 ounces Velveeta cubes (from a 5 pack); ½ cup plain sour cream

Last night after a whirlwind day of city life, I was searching for the perfect comforting meal that my whole family would love. Enter Cheeseburger Soup—a creamy, hearty bowl of goodness that brings the indulgence of a cheeseburger into a cozy soup form. It’s not only a favorite dinner for Alex and Sarah, but even Donald gives it his stamp of approval every time. If you're looking to try another family favorite, check out my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Cheeseburger Soup

Why you’ll love this recipe

This soup is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to prepare and can be on the table in just 40 minutes. The rich, cheesy flavor combined with tender potatoes and beef makes it a hit with everyone. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

2 tablespoon cooking oil
2 stalks celery, chopped (~1 cup)
1 large carrot, shredded (~½ cup)
½ onion, chopped (~1 cup)
1 pound ground beef
1½ teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups beef broth
3 red potatoes, chopped into 1 inch cubes (~3 cups)
¾ cup heavy cream
3-4 tablespoon cornstarch
12 ounces Velveeta cubes (from a 5 pack)
½ cup plain sour cream

Step-by-step instructions

Place the cooking oil, celery, carrots, and onion together in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Cook until the vegetables are almost soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add in the ground beef and cook until the ground beef is no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Drain any excess grease and then season with garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
Add the beef broth and red potatoes to the pan.
Bring everything to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
Once the potatoes are finished cooking, whisk cornstarch into the heavy cream or ladle ½ cup of broth into a bowl and whisk the cornstarch into the broth until no more lumps are present.
Turn heat down to low and slowly add the cornstarch and heavy cream mixture to the soup while continuously stirring until the soup has thickened, which may take a couple of minutes.
Add the Velveeta cubes and stir until completely melted.
Take the soup off the heat and stir in the sour cream until completely incorporated.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Recipe tips & variations

If you're looking for a bit of a spice kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes while cooking the ground beef. You can also swap out the Velveeta for your preferred cheese if you like a sharper taste. Kids love dipping crusty bread into this soup, so pair it with your favorite loaf!

Storage & reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent any cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQs

How do you prevent Cheeseburger Soup with Velveeta from becoming greasy?

To keep your soup from becoming greasy, make sure to drain the beef thoroughly before adding any seasonings. Removing excess grease not only keeps the soup looking clear but also ensures a lighter texture.

What is the best way to thicken Cheeseburger Soup without lumps?

Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold liquid (like broth or cream) before adding it to the hot soup. This ensures it dissolves completely and evenly thickens the soup without any lumps.

Can Cheeseburger Soup with Velveeta be frozen and reheated later?

Yes, this soup can be frozen. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

How long does Velveeta take to melt fully in Cheeseburger Soup?

Velveeta melts quite quickly—it typically takes only about 5 minutes over low heat once added to the warm soup mix. Make sure to stir continuously to get that smooth, creamy finish.

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This Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warm smiles it brings around your kitchen table!