A Historical Overview of Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup is a uniquely American comfort food that draws inspiration from the classic cheeseburger, which rose to popularity in the 1920s and 30s. As hearty soups became household staples in colder states like the Midwest, creative home cooks combined ground beef, cheese, and potatoes into a rich, creamy stew that mimicked the flavors of a cheeseburger. Over time, this dish became a family favorite, often served at potlucks, football parties, and cozy weeknight dinners.

Quick Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Quick Cheeseburger Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty goodness—perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese, it delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in comforting soup form. Easy to make in under an hour, it’s a family-friendly recipe you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tbsp butter
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
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3 cups chicken or beef broth
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2 cups milk
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2 tbsp flour
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
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Stir in potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
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Whisk flour into milk, then slowly add to the pot. Cook until slightly thickened.
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Stir in cooked beef, cheese, and sour cream. Simmer until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving

Notes
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
For extra cheesiness, top with shredded cheese before serving.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Common Questions Answered
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the beef first, then add all ingredients (except cheese and sour cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cheese and sour cream before serving.
2. How do I thicken my cheeseburger soup?
Whisk flour or cornstarch into milk before adding it to the soup. You can also let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
3. Can I make it low-carb?
Yes! Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower florets or zucchini for a lighter, low-carb version.
