Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger in comforting soup form. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, it’s a quick and easy meal that comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a cozy bowl of cheesy goodness.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
carrots
celery
onion
garlic
cheddar cheese (shredded)
cream cheese
chicken or beef broth
milk or heavy cream
butter
flour (or a low-carb thickener if preferred)
salt
black pepper
optional: mustard, pickles, or bacon for topping

directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease if needed.

Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw taste.

Add diced potatoes and broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.

Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Perform a quick release once cooking is done.

Set to sauté mode again. Stir in cream cheese and milk (or cream) until melted and smooth.

Add shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped pickles, crumbled bacon, or a swirl of mustard for a true cheeseburger feel.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes (plus pressure build and release)
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Make it low-carb by substituting potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Add chopped tomatoes or relish for extra burger flavor.
Top with shredded lettuce and diced onions for a fun twist.
Make it spicier with a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze without the cheese and cream, then stir them in after reheating.
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and gives a strong cheeseburger flavor.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just reduce the sauté time as they soften quickly.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour substitute to thicken it.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

You can, but it adds richness and helps thicken the soup.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, cheese, and cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a deliciously cheesy, filling soup that brings all the flavors of a classic burger into a warm, satisfying bowl. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home. One spoonful, and it’s sure to become a new comfort food favorite.