Cozy Cheeseburger Soup

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure policy for details.

Cozy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort-in-a-bowl: creamy, cheesy, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy, nourishing weeknight dinner that feels special without being fussy.

Cozy Cheeseburger Soup in a white bowl with a spoon on a plaid napkin on a cutting board with pickles, cheese and bacon surrounding it.

Sometimes on busy homeschool days, I just want a dinner that feels comforting, filling, and a little bit fun – the kind of meal that makes everyone excited to sit down at the table together. This Cozy Cheeseburger Soup was born out of one of those evenings when I wanted something hearty like a cheeseburger, but warm, spoonable, and nourishing. It’s creamy, cozy, and made with simple ingredients I already had in my kitchen, which is always a win in this season of life. Now it’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again when I want an easy, satisfying dinner that truly feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cozy + Comforting – tastes like a warm, cheesy cheeseburger in a bowl.
Family Favorite – totally kid-approved and husband-approved.
Simple Ingredients – nothing fancy, just pantry staples you already have.
Hearty + Filling – truly satisfying… no one leaves the table hungry.
Easy Weeknight Dinner – comes together simply, even on busy days.
Great Leftovers – reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Perfect Cold Weather Meal – warm, creamy, and so comforting.

Ingredient Breakdown

A flat-lay of the ingredients needed for this recipe.

Ground Beef – gives the soup its classic cheeseburger flavor and makes it hearty + filling.
Onion, Carrots & Celery – add flavor, subtle sweetness, and extra nourishment.
Garlic – deepens the savory flavor and makes it taste cozy and homey.
Potatoes – make the soup creamy, thick, and extra comforting.
Butter + Flour – create a smooth, velvety base so the soup is perfectly creamy.
Milk + Cream – add richness and that irresistible creamy cheeseburger feel.
Broth – balances the creaminess and keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
Cheddar Cheese – melts right in for that delicious cheesy burger taste.
Salt, Pepper + Seasoning – bring everything together with warm, cozy flavor.
Mustard (optional) – adds a subtle cheeseburger tang that makes it extra fun.
Optional Toppings (bacon, pickles, green onion) – add texture, brightness, and even more flavor.

How to Make Cozy Cheeseburger Soup

ground beef browning in a cast iron pan with a wooden spoon

Veggies sautéing in a cast iron pan with a wooden spoon

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

Brown the Beef – In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Veggies – Add a little butter to the same pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute.
Add Potatoes + Broth – Stir in the potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Make the Creamy Base – In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream until it becomes thick, smooth, and velvety.
Combine Everything – Add the cooked beef back into the soup pot, then pour in the creamy mixture. Stir well, season generously, and let everything simmer together so the flavors deepen.
Add the Cheese – Turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar until it melts into the soup and becomes rich and creamy. Avoid boiling at this point so it stays smooth.
Taste + Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy all the cozy, comforting goodness!

Recipe Tips

Plan for leftovers – it reheats beautifully and I think it tastes better the next day!

Shred your own cheese – bagged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Freshly shredded melts so creamy and smooth.

Don’t boil after adding cheese – keep the heat low so the cheese melts beautifully without separating.

Season at the end – the flavors deepen as it simmers, so taste and adjust before serving.

Adjust thickness easily – add more broth if you like it soupier or let it simmer longer to thicken.

Dice potatoes evenly – smaller, even cubes cook quicker and make the soup extra creamy.

Let the veggies soften well – it builds more flavor and sweetness into the broth.

Use good broth – bone broth or a flavorful stock really takes this soup up a notch.

Make it fun with toppings – bacon, green onions, pickles, or extra cheese really make it feel like a cheeseburger in a bowl.

Storage & Reheating

Store in the Fridge:
Let the soup cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezing Tips:
Because this soup is creamy and cheesy, it doesn’t freeze perfectly. If you’d like to freeze it, I recommend freezing before adding the cheese and cream, then stir those in fresh when reheating for the best texture.

This soup makes wonderful leftovers — the flavors deepen, and it’s just as comforting the next day.

Stovetop Reheating: Warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it feels a little thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
Microwave Reheating: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between so it warms evenly. Again, a little extra liquid can help bring it back to that creamy, cozy texture.

Serving Suggestions

potato soup in a white bowl with a spoon on a plaid towel and cutting board

This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but these little additions make it feel extra special around the dinner table.

Crusty Bread or Rolls – perfect for dipping and soaking up every creamy bite.
Buttery Biscuits – such a comforting pairing for a cozy family dinner.
Simple Side Salad – something fresh and crisp balances the richness beautifully.
Pickles on the Side – trust me… that tangy bite makes it taste even more like a cheeseburger!
Bacon Crumbles – for extra smoky, savory goodness.
Green Onions or Chives – add a little fresh pop on top.
Extra Cheese – because there’s never too much when it comes to cheeseburger soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully and still gives you that hearty, cozy flavor. You may just want to season a touch more since turkey is milder.

Absolutely. Instead of flour, use cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken the soup. Mix about 2 tablespoons with a little water to make a slurry and stir it in at the end until thickened.

Yes — you can use all milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, or use ground turkey. It will still be creamy, cozy, and delicious.

Cream-based soups don’t freeze perfectly. If you want to freeze it, freeze it before adding the cheese and cream, then stir those in fresh when reheating.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

This creamy, cozy Cheeseburger Soup tastes like a warm, cheesy cheeseburger in a bowl. It’s hearty, comforting, kid-approved, and made with simple, nourishing ingredients — the perfect dinner for busy family nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:15

Cook Time:30

Total Time:45

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheeseburger soup recipe, cozy soup dinner, creamy cheeseburger soup

Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

Meat & Veggies

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 medium onion diced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups russet or gold potatoes peeled and cubed

Broth + Creamy Base

4 cups chicken or beef broth
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour or arrowroot for gluten-free
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

1 ½ tsp salt more to taste
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp mustard yellow or Dijon
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika

Cheese

2 cups freshly shredded cheddar
½ shredded mozzarella optional

Optional Toppings

crumbled bacon
green onions
diced pickles
extra cheese

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven until cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from the pot and set aside. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add butter or oil to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a paste, then slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
Stir the cooked beef back into the soup pot. Pour in the creamy mixture. Add salt, pepper, paprika, mustard, and seasonings. Simmer 5 minutes to let flavors combine.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheese a handful at a time until melted and creamy. Avoid boiling once cheese is added.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Don’t boil the soup after adding cheese — keep heat low.
Add extra broth to thin or let simmer to thicken.
For gluten-free: replace flour with arrowroot or cornstarch slurry.

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to see! Tag @simplychelseahome on Instagram and leave a comment below!!

Tag @simplychelseahome on Insta

Cozy Cheeseburger Soup – Easy, Comforting, and Kid Friendly