Word has gotten out, thanks to my 6th-grader, that this is the ultimate cheeseburger soup recipe. His glowing review has spread across lunch tables and recess conversations—so you know it’s legit. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort, this soup is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Ready to join the fan club? Let’s do this.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, browned
¾ cup chopped onion
¾ cup shredded or chopped carrots
(optional) chopped celery
4-5 potatoes, peeled and diced
48 oz chicken broth
8-10 oz Velveeta, cubed
2 cups milk
6 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Bacon bits
Green onions
Shredded cheese
Diced pickles

Serving Size:

This cheeseburger soup recipe makes 6-10 hearty servings, depending on portion size. It's perfect for feeding a family and leftovers warmed up are delish!

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes:

In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

While the potatoes are doing their thing, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the grease (because no one wants oily soup) and set the beef aside.

3. Add Veggies to the Broth:

Toss the chopped onion and shredded carrots (and optional into the pot with the potatoes. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
Pro tip: Sauté the veggies in a bit of butter first to really bring out their flavor. It’s a little extra work, but your taste buds will thank you.

4. Combine Beef and Broth:

Add the browned ground beef back into the pot.

5. Make the Cream Base:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Stir in the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth, bubbly mixture.
Add a splash of milk to if needed to thin—we don’t want it doughy!
Pour this creamy mixture into your soup pot, stirring frequently. Cook for 2-3 minutes as the soup thickens.
Add 2 cups of milk to soup mix.

6. Add Cheese and Seasonings:

Stir in the Velveeta cubes. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a velvety dream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Garnish and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Who doesn’t love some bacon bits and extra shredded cheese? If you’re a fan, diced pickles and green onions take it to burger perfection. Don’t forget some crusty bread or King’s Hawaiian rolls for dunking—this soup is a meal, not a snack.

There you have it: the cheeseburger soup that won over a 6th-grader’s discerning palate (and probably his entire class). Make it once, and you’ll understand the hype. Bon appétit! 🧀🍔

Cheeseburger Soup: With a Sixth-Grade Seal of Approval