Name: Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ¾ cup onion, chopped; ¾ cup carrots, shredded; ¾ cup celery, diced; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced (about 1¾ pounds); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta, cut into cubes; 1½ cups milk; ¼ cup sour cream; 3 cups chicken broth; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour if desired)

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If you love the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want it in a warm, creamy bowl, this Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe is the absolute answer to your cravings. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a luscious cheesy broth that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger without the bun. Every spoonful delivers that cozy, satisfying vibe you want on a cool day, making it a beloved dish that brightens any meal. Trust me, once you try this Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various chopped and prepared ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl with raw ground meat in the upper left and another white bowl filled with cubed light yellow potatoes in the upper right. A small glass bowl contains diced bright green celery, and another small glass bowl holds diced orange carrots. In the center, a white plate has four piles of different dried herbs and ground black pepper next to two peeled garlic cloves. To the right, on parchment paper, are cubes of cheddar cheese in a white dish. At the bottom, there is a glass measuring cup filled with light orange broth, another with cream, a small bowl with chopped white onions, a small glass bowl of white flour, a metal ¼ cup scoop with sour cream, and a small glass bowl containing pale yellow butter cubes. The clean and bright layout highlights the fresh and colorful ingredients, with good lighting and a natural look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this soup right is all about simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s the fresh vegetables adding brightness or the cheese creating that velvety, indulgent base.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein providing that authentic cheeseburger taste and satisfying bite.
Onion, chopped (¾ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth while softening into the perfect foundation of flavor.
Carrots, shredded (¾ cup): Bring a slight natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to the soup.
Celery, diced (¾ cup): Offers a mild, refreshing crunch and balances the richness.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Introduces an herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
Dried parsley flakes (1 teaspoon): Gives a fresh, green touch, enhancing the soup’s aroma and appeal.
Garlic cloves (2): Adds a fragrant punch that thrills the taste buds.
Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Used to sauté veggies and make the roux, crucial for creamy texture and richness.
Chicken broth (3 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Potatoes, peeled and diced (4 cups / about 1¾ pounds): These make the soup hearty and filling with their tender, creamy texture.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the soup into a luscious consistency; you can use gluten-free flour if desired.
Pepper jack Velveeta (12 ounces, cubed): This cheese adds melty, spicy creaminess that makes the soup unforgettable.
Milk (1½ cups): Adds silkiness and balances richness perfectly.
Salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
Sour cream (¼ cup): Stirred in at the end for an extra tangy smooth finish.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned all over. This not only builds a rich, meaty flavor but also creates those delicious caramelized bits at the bottom. Once browned, drain off the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, then set the beef aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Herbs

In the same saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Sauté these until the vegetables soften nicely and release their natural sweetness, about 10 minutes. Then press in the garlic cloves and cook for just a minute until fragrant, giving the soup that warm, inviting aroma that makes you feel right at home.

Step 3: Simmer Potatoes and Broth with Beef

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the peeled, diced potatoes and the browned beef back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This gentle simmer cooks the potatoes until they’re tender and starts melding all those savory flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Roux to Thicken

While the soup simmers, melt the remaining butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s bubbly and golden. This step is essential because the roux will thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency without any lumps. Slowly whisk the roux into the simmering soup and bring it back to a boil. Cook for another two minutes as the soup thickens and deepens in flavor.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Finish with Milk and Sour Cream

Lower the heat to low and add the cubes of pepper jack Velveeta cheese along with the milk. Stir gently until all the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety base. Season with the salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, remove the soup from the heat and blend in the sour cream. This lovely final touch adds a tangy creaminess that ties everything together in glorious harmony.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick creamy soup showing three main layers: on top, light green parsley sprinkles scattered for garnish; the middle layer has chunky light yellow potato cubes and bright orange carrot pieces mixed with small brown bits of ground meat; the creamy base is pale beige with visible small green celery pieces and bits of onion or mushrooms adding texture; a silver spoon rests in the bowl, partially submerged with soup covering its surface, with pieces of potato and carrot visible on the spoon; in the top left corner, torn pieces of light golden crusty bread sit on a light blue cloth; the background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe with some fun garnishes! Freshly sliced green onions or chives add a mild onion bite and a pop of color. Crispy bacon bits give a smoky crunch that turns every spoonful into a party. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or extra pepper jack cheese on top can’t be beat, and a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast, creating an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, whether it’s a warm baguette or buttery garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully. For a fun twist, serve alongside crispy oven-baked fries to stay in the “cheeseburger” spirit—comfort food at its finest!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe in a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for an impressive presentation that keeps the soup nice and warm. Mason jars or mini crocks also make for charming individual servings, especially great for casual dinner parties or meal prep. Sprinkling a little smoked paprika on top adds visual appeal and a hint of smoky warmth that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the comforting flavors all over again without losing any of that rich, cheesy goodness.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping. Just let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly, but the flavor will still be delish when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw your soup overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid high heat to keep the cheese from curdling and preserve that silky texture you love in the Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While pepper jack Velveeta gives a wonderful creamy and slightly spicy flavor, feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that smooth soup texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe?

You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken. The cheese and veggies still deliver plenty of flavor and comforting texture.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Make sure any other ingredients like broth and cheese are also gluten-free to keep it safe for those with sensitivities.

How do I make the soup spicier?

Add extra black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies. Using pepper jack cheese already brings mild heat, but adjusting the spices to your liking is easy and tasty.

Can I prepare parts of the soup in advance?

Definitely! You can brown the beef and chop veggies a day ahead to save time. The soup assembly and cooking can then be done fresh, which is especially helpful for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warm hug of this Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe on a chilly day or when you need that ultimate comfort food fix. It’s simple enough to make any day special but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find yourself craving this delightful bowl of cheesy, hearty goodness again and again. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, this soup’s charm will win your heart!

Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need