Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy beef broth for all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a bowl. This easy Instant Pot recipe is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
I love making this soup because it tastes like my favorite cheeseburger without firing up the grill. Everyone can customize their bowl with fun toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, tomatoes, or green onions, making it a family favorite that’s always a hit. 🍔🧀🥣
Why I Love This Soup
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef so the soup is hearty without being overly greasy. Be sure to drain any excess grease after browning.
- Onion: A yellow onion adds a rich, savory flavor and creates the perfect base for the soup.
- Shredded Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and blend beautifully into the creamy broth.
- Celery: Celery adds texture and gives the soup that classic homemade flavor.
- Potatoes: I like using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes because they become tender while still holding their shape during cooking.
- Beef Broth: I usually use Better Than Bouillon mixed with water, but your favorite beef broth works just as well.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a rich, savory flavor that makes the soup taste even more like a classic cheeseburger.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder blends easily into the broth and adds plenty of flavor without any extra prep.
- Velveeta or Cheddar Cheese: Velveeta melts into an ultra-smooth, creamy soup, while freshly shredded cheddar gives a richer homemade flavor. Either one is delicious, depending on your preference.
- Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry thickens the soup without making it heavy. Whisk it with a little cold water before stirring it into the soup to prevent lumps. 🍔🧀🥣
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Cheeseburger Soup
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the onion, shredded carrots, celery, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cubed potatoes.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Cook on High Pressure (Manual) for 5 minutes. Carefully perform a quick release once the cooking time is complete.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté setting. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Stir it into the soup and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the soup begins to thicken.
- Stir in the Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, green onions, or crumbled crackers. 🍔🧀🥣
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Tips I Found Useful
- I use lean ground beef and drain any excess grease after browning to keep the soup rich without being greasy.
- I cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- I whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the soup to prevent lumps.
- I stir the cheese in a little at a time after pressure cooking so it melts into a smooth, creamy broth.
- If the soup becomes too thick, I simply stir in a splash of beef broth until it reaches the consistency I like.
- My favorite toppings are crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, sliced green onions, and oyster crackers for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great recipe for meal prep and easy leftovers. 🍔🧀🥣
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’d like a lighter version of this soup.
Can I use cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes! Freshly shredded cheddar cheese works well and gives the soup a richer homemade flavor. Velveeta creates the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Why is my soup too thick?
The potatoes will continue to absorb some of the broth as the soup sits. Simply stir in a little extra beef broth when reheating until it reaches the consistency you like.
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, but because it contains cheese, the texture may change slightly after thawing. I think it’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What are the best toppings for Cheeseburger Soup?
My favorites are crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, sliced green onions, sour cream, and oyster crackers. They give the soup all the flavors of a loaded cheeseburger.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup reheats beautifully and the flavors are even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
How to Store
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will naturally thicken as it chills, so I usually stir in a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that cheese-based soups may separate slightly after thawing, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Reheating: Warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra beef broth or milk if needed to bring it back to a smooth, creamy consistency. 🍔🧀🥣
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup
This hearty soup is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side to round out the meal.
- Crusty French bread
- Garlic bread
- Soft dinner rolls
- Homemade biscuits
- A simple garden salad
- Caesar salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Crispy onion rings
- French fries or sweet potato fries for a fun cheeseburger-inspired meal
- Oyster crackers or buttery crackers for topping
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Have you tried my Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup yet? It is all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a bowl form. Grab that ladle and spoon up one hearty and satisfying Instant Pot Soup!
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 2 cups cubed potatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tbs Worcestershire
- 1 tbs garlic powder
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbs corn starch
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the onion, shredded carrots, celery, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cubed potatoes.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure (Manual) for 5 minutes.
- Carefully perform a quick release once the cooking time is complete.
- Turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté setting.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the soup and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the soup begins to thicken.
- Stir in the Velveeta or shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Serverve hot with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, green onions, or crumbled crackers. 🍔🧀🥣
Notes
Serve with crusty bread and top with tomatoes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I just saw this dish for the first time the other day and was wondering how to make it. itd be perfect for these cold days
Thanks So Much for Sharing this Recipe for Cheeseburger Soup, It Actually Sounds Good! These Days People Can Use About Anything & Come Up with a New Soup Recipe! One of the Things I Love About Soups is that You Can Use a Lot of Leftovers to Make Soup! There’s Really No Way to Go Wrong b/c with Soup if You are Out of One Ingredient You Can Just Change it Up & Use a Different One! Well thanks Again for Sharing, Have a Blessed Day! – Jana
I love soups this one was not my favorite but you are right!
Can’t wait to try this
Can you specify how much chicken broth you use?
How much chicken broth?
I used 2 1/2 cups chicken broth because it’s what I had on hand. I added salt, pepper and more onion. Turned out great!
I was in the middle of making this and realized it does not say how much chicken broth we need. How much do you use? I will have to just estimate tonight but wanted to find out what you use.
I’m making this soup now and realized the amount is not specified. So I read the comments to see that there are comments about that from almost a year ago. I wish I would have known before making the soup.
how much did you use? i can’t see older comments but it would appear she isn’t going to tell anyone lol.
It says 2 cups. It’s in the recipe, but not in the printable recipe.
In the post under “You will need” it says 2 c. chicken broth.
FYI – the recipes calls for 2 cups of chicken broth. It is in the website recipe, but not listed in the ingredients of the printable recipe.
You said: “Yes! I share all the instructions below on how you can meal prep and make this soup into an Instant Pot freezer meal that the whole family can enjoy at a later time!”
But, I don’t see the instructions about making it a freezer meal.