A Historical Overview of Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup is a relatively modern comfort food, inspired by America’s love of the cheeseburger. While burgers gained fame in the early 20th century, creative home cooks began turning the flavors into soups in the mid-to-late 1900s, combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, and vegetables in a creamy broth. This hearty dish quickly became a Midwest favorite, often appearing in church cookbooks and potluck gatherings. Today, it’s celebrated as a family-friendly meal that combines the best of burgers and comfort soups.

Quick Cheeseburger Soup – 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, hearty, and packed with flavor. Loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and a cheesy broth, it’s a cozy meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. The flavors are classic and familiar, yet it comes together in under an hour—making it a family favorite that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tbsp butter
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, chopped
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2 potatoes, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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4 cups chicken or beef broth
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2 cups milk
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
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1 tsp dried parsley
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot, brown the ground beef. Remove and set aside.
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Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook until softened.
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Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir well, and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in broth and bring to a simmer until potatoes are tender.
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Stir in milk, parsley, paprika, and browned beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or parsley.

Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add bacon bits for extra cheeseburger flavor.
For a keto-friendly twist, swap potatoes with cauliflower.
Common Questions
1. Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except cheese and milk to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cheese and milk just before serving.
2. What cheese works best in Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but you can also use Colby Jack, American, or a blend of cheeses for a smoother texture.
3. Can I make Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and ensure broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
