Cheeseburger soup is my favorite way to use up ground beef on busy weeknights. I started making this when my kids were tired of standard skillet meals.
It changed our dinner routine completely. Within 45 minutes, I had a rich pot of soup that tasted exactly like a classic bacon cheeseburger. My family now requests this meal constantly.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup
I always use Velveeta for this cheeseburger soup because it melts perfectly smooth.
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces) – I recommend using kitchen shears
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped small
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded – My preference is grating it for picky eaters
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound ground beef – In my experience, lean beef keeps the soup from getting greasy
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
- 4 cups water
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend using a large Dutch oven for this cheeseburger soup.
Step 1: Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the pot.
Step 2: Add the onion, celery, and carrot to the grease. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the seasonings.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and beef base. Pour in the water and add the cubed Velveeta.
Step 5: Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheddar before serving.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup
Finding the best sides for cheeseburger soup means focusing on crunchy textures and hearty sides.
Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: If you love these burger flavors but want a fork-friendly pasta night, this loaded beef bacon cheeseburger pasta is a great alternative.
Loaded Steak Potatoes: A loaded steak potatoes side brings the perfect starchy contrast to the creamy broth.
Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice: Fluffy Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice helps balance the rich cheese without making the meal too heavy.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: Hosting a soup night? A broccoli cheddar soup recipe pairs wonderfully on the side for guests who want a lighter bowl.
Creamy Sausage Potato Soup: Another cozy option is this creamy sausage potato soup if you want to offer a second comfort food choice.
Ground Beef Chili: For a game day spread, serving this alongside a pot of ground beef chili gives everyone a hearty option.
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes: If you need another quick ground beef dinner for your weekly rotation, these French onion beef sloppy joes are just as easy.
Ground Beef Orzo Recipe: A simple ground beef orzo recipe is also a fantastic dish to make later in the week using the same staple ingredients.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend keeping the garnishes separate so the lettuce stays crisp.
Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stove over medium low heat. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use real cheddar instead of Velveeta?
Yes, add freshly shredded cheddar at the very end off the heat to prevent breaking.
Is this good for picky eaters?
Absolutely. Shredding the carrots hides them well, and the burger flavors are a hit with kids.
Conclusion
This cheeseburger soup turns simple ground beef into a dinner your family will beg for. It is easy to make and ready in under an hour. Grab a pot and cook this comforting meal tonight.
Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the pot.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrot to the grease. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the seasonings.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and beef base. Pour in the water and add the cubed Velveeta.
- Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Top with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and cheddar before serving.
