Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. This easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners, cozy nights in, or entertaining guests. Read on for the ultimate guide to creating this mouthwatering soup that will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a pot of Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, grated or diced
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Bacon bits, diced tomatoes, green onions, or croutons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt butter and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the diced potatoes and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Cheese Base
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly add the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Finish
Add the browned beef back into the pot with the vegetables. Stir in the cheese mixture, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger-inspired garnishes. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheddar for a creamier texture.
- Customize the Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of mustard for a tangy kick.
- Make it Lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use low-fat cheese and milk.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more flour to the roux or blend a portion of the soup.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate combination of savory cheeseburger flavors in a rich, creamy soup. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this recipe will be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort that’s as satisfying as your favorite burger!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Tips
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even pickles to mimic the classic cheeseburger experience.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A side of crispy croutons also adds a great crunch to the creamy soup.
- Serve with a Salad: Balance out the richness of the soup with a light, refreshing salad like a Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad.
- Portion Control: Cheeseburger soup is rich and filling, so serve in smaller portions for a hearty meal or larger bowls for a more indulgent experience.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating: Store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the dairy (cheese and sour cream) may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, do so over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating and the soup from becoming too thick. Add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if needed.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Cheeseburger Soup at its best, whether fresh or as a leftover treat!
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version of Cheeseburger Soup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
2. Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese, milk, and sour cream, then allow it to heat through.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup. You could also use a spicier cheese, like pepper jack, to add extra flavor and spice.
4. Can I substitute the cream for something healthier?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can substitute the full-fat milk and cheese with lower-fat alternatives, or even unsweetened almond milk. For the sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed option that still gives the soup a creamy texture.
Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This Cheeseburger Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. With ground beef, melted cheese, and tender potatoes in a savory broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the diced potatoes, shredded carrots, basil, parsley, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Make the Roux:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
4. Combine and Add Cheese:
- Add the roux to the pot with the soup, stirring well to combine.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, green onions, or extra cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Make It Healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat cheese, and milk to lighten the soup.
- Thicker Soup: Add more flour to the roux or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.