Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Weekends in 2026

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of creamy soup. Now imagine combining that cozy feeling with the flavors of your favorite diner classic, the cheeseburger.

That’s precisely what you get with this cheeseburger soup recipe: a hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming dish that feels like comfort food in its purest form.

This recipe is perfect for fall and winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or even game day spreads when you want something crowd-pleasing and easy.

With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that will have everyone lining up for seconds.

And the best part? It cooks right in the crockpot, meaning minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup isn’t just another cozy dish; it’s a whole experience in a bowl. Every spoonful carries that comforting cheeseburger flavor, but in a creamy, hearty soup form. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• A Perfect Seasonal Comfort Food. This soup shines during the cooler months of fall and winter. Imagine coming inside after a chilly day, and the crockpot greets you with the savory aroma of beef, onions, and melted cheese. It’s like a warm blanket for your taste buds.
• Game Day and Holiday Friendly. Hosting a holiday party or having friends over for game day? This soup doubles as the star of your spread. Set it next to your appetizers, and people can serve themselves bowl after bowl. It stays warm in the crock pot, making it fuss-free and guest-friendly.
• Easy and Convenient. You don’t need fancy cooking tools or complicated steps. Most of the magic happens in the crock pot. After a bit of chopping and browning, you simply set it and forget it until it’s time to eat.
• Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy. Thanks to Velveeta and sour cream, this soup has that perfect balance of silky smoothness and tangy richness. The melted cheese gives it that indulgent cheeseburger vibe, while the sour cream ties it all together with a creamy finish.
• Hearty Enough for a Meal. With potatoes, carrots, celery, and a good dose of ground beef, this soup isn’t just a starter; it’s dinner. Add some crusty bread or garlic toast on the side, and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal that feeds the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a clear breakdown of all the essentials you’ll need to make a creamy cheeseburger soup at home.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose / Notes
Ground Beef	2 pounds	Forms the hearty, savory base of the soup. Leave it chunky for a “burger” feel.
Yellow Onion	1 large	Adds sweetness and depth; softens as it cooks with the beef.
Garlic Cloves	3, minced	Brings a fresh, aromatic flavor that lifts the richness.
Carrots	3 medium, shredded	Add natural sweetness, color, and softness to balance the meat.
Celery Stalks	2, diced	Contributes freshness and a mild crunch for texture.
Russet Potatoes	4 small–medium, peeled & diced	Thickens the soup naturally and makes it extra hearty.
Cream of Celery Soup	1 can (10 oz)	Adds creaminess and depth of flavor (cream of mushroom works too).
Beef Broth	4 cups	Builds the savory soup base and keeps everything moist.
Salt & Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon each (to taste)	Enhances and balances flavors throughout.
Velveeta Cheese	16 ounces (block, cut into strips)	The star of the show melts into the broth for that signature cheeseburger cheesiness.
Sour Cream	½ cup	Stirred in at the end for extra creaminess and a tangy finish.

💡 Optional toppings include shredded cheddar, crispy bacon crumbles, green onions, croutons, or even pickle slices for that whole cheeseburger experience.

Step-by-Step Cheeseburger Soup

Making cheeseburger soup isn’t complicated, but walking through it step by step ensures you get the most flavor and the creamiest texture possible.

Below, we’ll cover everything in detail from browning the beef to stirring in the final dollop of sour cream.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Every great cheeseburger starts with good beef, and this soup is no different. Begin by heating a large skillet or sauté pan. Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Here’s the trick: don’t overdo the breaking down. Instead of tiny crumbles, aim for larger, chunky pieces that mimic the texture of a burger. Those bigger bites of beef give the soup more body and a heartier feel.

While the beef is sizzling, add in one large yellow onion, chopped into medium pieces. Let the onion cook right alongside the meat. It softens beautifully and releases a natural sweetness that balances the savory richness of the meat.

Sprinkle in a light pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper at this stage. Think of it as layering flavors: by seasoning early, you give the beef and onion base a head start in developing depth and complexity.

💡 Tip: If you want extra flavor, let the beef sit undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes before stirring. This creates a light sear and browned edges, much like the crust on a good burger patty.

Once the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender, use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture into a bowl or directly into the crockpot. The slotted spoon drains off excess grease, preventing the soup from turning too heavy or oily.

2. Prep the Veggies

Next comes the fresh produce, the colorful, crunchy, and aromatic veggies that balance the richness of the soup.

Potatoes

Take four small to medium russet potatoes. Peel them, rinse them under cold water, and cut them into small, even cubes. Uniformity matters here; consistent size ensures they cook at the same rate. Potatoes are the soul of this soup; they not only add bulk but also break down slightly to naturally thicken the broth.

Carrots

Peel and grate three medium carrots. Grating, rather than dicing, is key because it allows the carrots to soften quickly and almost “melt” into the soup. They add a gentle sweetness that complements the savory beef. Plus, they lend a pop of orange color that brightens the bowl.

Celery

Wash and dice two stalks of celery. Slice them thin, including the tender leafy tops if you have them. Celery may seem humble, but it adds a subtle earthy crunch and releases aromatic oils that elevate the flavor profile.

Garlic

Finally, grab three garlic cloves. Gently press each clove with the flat side of your knife to loosen the papery skin. Peel them, then mince finely. Garlic provides that unmistakable depth and warmth. It’s the kind of flavor that makes people lean in closer to the pot and say, “What smells so good?”

💡 Tip: Prep everything before you start layering ingredients in the crock pot. This “mise en place” style of cooking helps you move smoothly through the recipe and avoids last-minute rushing.

3. Build the Soup Base

Now, the fun part is bringing everything together in the crockpot.

Start by transferring the browned beef and onion mixture to the bottom of the crockpot. Spread it out evenly. This creates a hearty foundation for the rest of your ingredients.

On top of the beef, layer the diced potatoes, shredded carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. As you stack them in, you’ll notice how the colors begin to mirror the rainbow of a classic burger platter: earthy brown beef, golden potatoes, bright orange carrots, pale green celery, and those little flecks of white garlic.

Next, pour in one 10-ounce can of cream of celery soup. If you don’t have it on hand, cream of mushroom soup works just as well. This simple addition brings instant creaminess and umami flavor, setting the stage for that cheeseburger richness to shine later.

To keep the mixture from turning too heavy, add four cups of beef broth. This liquid base allows the potatoes to cook evenly, prevents sticking, and creates a rich yet spoonable soup.

Season the mixture with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper (you can always add more later). Give everything a good stir, ensuring the beef, vegetables, and broth are well combined. Already, the crock pot will be giving off a cozy aroma that hints at what’s to come.

💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to check your broth level during cooking. If the soup feels too thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. Think of it like adjusting a sauce, it should be creamy but still have a “soupy” consistency.

4. Add the Cheese

Now comes the star ingredient, the cheese that transforms this hearty soup into a cheeseburger soup.

Take 16 ounces of Velveeta cheese (block style works best). Cut it into thin strips or cubes. By slicing it before adding, you help it melt evenly without clumping.

Layer the cheese directly on top of the soup mixture in the crock pot. Don’t stir it in just yet; placing the cheese on top allows it to melt down through the broth during cooking. This technique ensures every spoonful is infused with cheesy goodness without overwhelming the vegetables early on.

💡 Tip: If Velveeta isn’t your style, shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or even American cheese slices can work. Just keep in mind that Velveeta melts the smoothest, giving that creamy texture this recipe is known for.

5. Cook Low and Slow

This is where the crock pot shines. Cover the pot with its lid and choose your cooking method:

• High heat for 2–3 hours, if you want dinner sooner.
• Low heat for 4–6 hours, if you’re planning and want to let the flavors meld gradually.

Either way, the key is to cook the potatoes until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork. Test by piercing a cube of potato with a fork; it should slide in easily without crumbling apart.

During this time, the beef, vegetables, broth, and cheese are slowly coming together. The Velveeta will begin to melt, sinking into the soup and creating pockets of golden creaminess. Your kitchen will smell like a combination of Sunday dinner and tailgate party. It’s warm, savory, and impossible to resist.

💡 Tip: If the soup starts looking too thick, don’t panic. Simply add more broth or water to loosen it up. Remember, soups are forgiving and flexible.

6. Stir in the Sour Cream

When the potatoes are just right and the cheese has melted into the broth, it’s time for the finishing touch. Add ½ cup of sour cream directly to the crock pot.

Stir everything together slowly but thoroughly. You’ll see the soup transform before your eyes: the sour cream blends with the melted Velveeta, giving the broth a luxuriously smooth and slightly tangy flavor. It thickens the soup just enough to feel hearty without becoming too heavy.

This extra step may seem small, but it’s what elevates cheeseburger soup from “good” to “oh-my-goodness delicious.” The sour cream rounds out the richness of the cheese, balances the saltiness of the beef, and brings a brightness that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.

💡 Tip: If you prefer an even silkier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works as a substitute.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is stirred together, your cheeseburger soup is ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls and get creative with toppings:

• Sprinkle shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
• Add a handful of crispy bacon crumbles for smoky crunch.
• Scatter some chopped green onions for freshness.
• Toss in a few croutons or serve with toasted buns to echo the “burger and fries” combo.

When you take that first spoonful, you’ll taste everything you love about a cheeseburger: savory beef, melty cheese, creamy potato, all wrapped up in one comforting bowl.

And the best part? This soup works for so many occasions. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, festive enough for holidays, and fun enough for game day. Leave it in the crock pot on warm mode, and guests can help themselves whenever they’re ready.

Topping Ideas

One of the best things about cheeseburger soup is its versatility with toppings. Much like building your own burger, the toppings let you customize your bowl and make it uniquely yours. Here are some creative ideas:

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby over the hot soup for an extra layer of melty goodness.
• Crispy Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds smoky crunch and makes every bite taste like a bacon cheeseburger.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh, bright, and a little peppery, they balance the richness of the cheese.
• Pickles or Pickle Relish: A tangy nod to the classic burger topping. Try dill slices or diced sweet pickles.
• Croutons: Buttery croutons give you that “burger and bun” vibe with extra crunch.
• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, they add a spicy kick for those who like a little heat.
• Tomato Dice: Fresh tomatoes scattered on top make it feel like a fully loaded burger in soup form.
• Sesame Seed Bun Croutons: Toast small cubes of sesame seed hamburger buns for an authentic twist on a cheeseburger.

💡 Tip: Set up a topping bar when serving guests. Everyone can build their own cheeseburger soup bowl just the way they like it.

Variations to Try

This soup is delicious as-is, but the fun really begins when you experiment. Whether you want it spicier, healthier, or more indulgent, these variations will help you adapt the recipe to your taste or occasion.

Variation	How to Make It	Why You’ll Love It
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup	Stir in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sour cream.	Adds smoky crunch and that classic bacon cheeseburger flavor.
Deluxe Cheeseburger Soup	Add chopped dill pickles, a spoonful of mustard, and even a drizzle of ketchup before serving.	Tastes just like a loaded diner burger in soup form.
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup	Toss in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.	Perfect for spice lovers who want a little kick.
Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup	Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth.	Keeps the hearty texture while being meat-free.
Cheeseburger Mac Soup	Stir in 2 cups of cooked macaroni at the end of the cooking process.	Turns the soup into a cheesy, burger-pasta hybrid kids adore.
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup	Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce the cheese slightly.	Keeps it creamy and flavorful while making it lighter.
Cheeseburger Chili Soup	Add a can of diced tomatoes and kidney beans, plus chili powder and cumin.	A hearty fusion between cheeseburgers, chili, and soup.

💡 Remember, the crock pot makes it easy to test variations, just tweak ingredients before cooking and let the flavors blend low and slow.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger soup is one of those magical recipes that takes something familiar and gives it a comforting twist. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course, simple enough to prepare on a busy weekday, and delicious enough to impress guests at a party.

Next time you’re craving something warm, creamy, and satisfying, give this cheeseburger soup recipe a try. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, top it with bacon, or keep it classic, one thing is sure: everyone will be asking for seconds.

🔥 More Hearty Soup Favorites

Looking for more hearty, family-friendly soups that are just as easy and delicious? Try these comforting favorites next:

• Easy 30-Minute Taco Soup Recipe for Busy Moms – A quick, flavorful soup packed with beef, beans, and classic taco spices.
• Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe for Busy Weeknights – A lighter spin on a classic, featuring tender chicken, corn, and black beans that come together quickly.
• 20-Min Prep Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Families – A hearty, healthy option loaded with beef, veggies, and comfort in every bite.