Is it a cheeseburger? Is it a soup? It’s the best of both worlds! This Cheeseburger Chowder is pure comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors you love in a classic burger. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

What makes this chowder so special? It’s loaded with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety cheese-infused broth that brings everything together. A little bit of sour cream adds just the right touch of tangy goodness, while fresh veggies give it that homemade, cozy feel. Best of all, it’s easy to make in one pot—less cleanup, more time to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this chowder is pure cozy goodness in a bowl.
Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheeseburger-inspired flavors.
Hearty & Filling: With ground beef, potatoes, and veggies, this chowder is satisfying enough for a full meal.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Customizable: Add crispy bacon, swap the Velveeta for shredded cheddar, or throw in some extra veggies to make it your own!

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
Sweet Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the chowder.
Carrots: Adds a pop of color, natural sweetness, and a bit of texture.
Celery: Brings a hint of freshness and enhances the soup’s flavor.
Water: Forms the base of the broth and helps cook the potatoes.
Potatoes: Makes the chowder thick, hearty, and extra satisfying.
Chicken Noodle Soup Mix: Adds seasoning and an extra layer of savory flavor.
Garlic Powder: Brings a mild garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Chicken Bouillon: Intensifies the broth’s flavor and gives it a rich, umami taste.
Ground Beef: The star protein that makes this chowder taste like a cheeseburger.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety broth.
Velveeta Cheese: Melts perfectly into the soup, making it ultra-cheesy and delicious.
Sour Cream: Gives the chowder a slight tang and extra creaminess.
Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balances the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Cheeseburger Chowder

Follow along to learn how to make cheeseburger chowder!

Step One: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Step Two: Add onions, carrots, and celery, and then saute the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes until everything has softened.

Collage of cooking the veggies in a pot.

Step Three: Add water, potatoes, chicken noodle soup mix, garlic powder, chicken bouillon, ground beef, and pepper.
Step Four: Stir everything together until combined, and then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Five: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step Six: Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in Velveeta cheese, milk, and sour cream.
Step Seven: Garnish with parsley, serve, and enjoy!

Collage of cooking the soup on the stove in a pot.

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What to Serve with It

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy, cheesy broth.
Garlic Bread: Adds extra flavor and pairs beautifully with the rich chowder.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
French Fries or Tater Tots: Lean into the cheeseburger theme with a classic side!
Pickles: A few crunchy dill pickles on the side give that tangy contrast, just like on a real burger.
Bacon Crumbles: Sprinkle some crispy bacon on top for even more cheeseburger flavor.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a melty grilled cheese makes an amazing pairing.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the Cheese: Not a fan of Velveeta? Use shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
Make It Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder: Stir in crispy cooked bacon for extra smoky, savory goodness.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative to ground beef that still tastes delicious.
Go Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Thicken the Chowder: If you like it extra thick, stir in a cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes before serving.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the chowder cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Because this chowder contains dairy, it may separate when frozen. If you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, stir well to help bring the creamy texture back.
Reheating: Warm the chowder on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of milk to thin it out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter helps create a rich, creamy base for the sautéed veggies, so don’t cut corners here!
Use Lean Ground Beef: While full-fat meat adds flavor, lean ground beef keeps the chowder from becoming greasy while still giving it a delicious, savory bite.
Sauté the Veggies Well: Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until soft helps build a rich, flavorful base.
Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes (or other starchy varieties) hold their shape well and won’t turn mushy in the soup. If using another type, be sure not to overcook them.
Cut Potatoes Evenly: Dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook at the same rate. No one wants half-mushy, half-crunchy potatoes!
Remove from Heat Before Adding Dairy: Stir in the cheese, milk, and sour cream after removing the pot from the heat to prevent curdling or separation.
Adjust Thickness to Your Liking: If the chowder is too thick, stir in a bit of water, extra broth, or milk in small increments until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Boost the Cheeseburger Flavor: For an even more authentic cheeseburger taste, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a little yellow mustard.
Make It Your Own: This chowder is super customizable! Add crispy bacon, top it with croutons, or mix in extra shredded cheese for even more indulgence.

Chowder Recipes

You’ll also like Cheeseburger Pizza, Cheeseburger Sliders, Cheeseburger Dip, Cheeseburger Salad, Cheeseburger Egg Rolls, and Impossible Cheeseburger Pie.

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4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

30 Comments

Susan says:

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I’m not really much a soup fan, but this chowder looks and sounds ah-mazing! I’ll be giving it a try this weekend. Congrats, you’re featured at the This Is How We Roll Link Party.

Theresa says:

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Looks so good thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.

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Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says:

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Oh this looks so good and satisfying! I’d love to have you share at our What’s for Dinner Party!
http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-dinner-sunday-link-132/#more-6926

Joanne @No Plate Like Home says:

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Looks like a yummy homemade soup!

Miz Helen says:

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Cheeseburger Chowder sounds like a great idea and a delicious bowl of chowder! Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen

Mary says:

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This looks like such a hearty soup! It certainly can warm those chilled bones from all this cold.

Michelle Leslie says:

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That would for sure warm up my bones. It looks delicious and I can’t believe how cold it is over there and we’re having a heat wave here in South Africa. I’ll try and blow some of that your way Stacie

Cheeseburger Chowder