INTRODUCTION
Cheeseburger soup is a warm, hearty dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting bowl of soup. This recipe is ideal for those who crave the delicious taste of a burger but want something a little different. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and savory ingredients, cheeseburger soup quickly becomes a family favorite. It’s straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. Let’s dive into why cheeseburger soup will become your new favorite recipe and how you can make it at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Cheeseburger soup has many reasons to love it. First, it is simple to make and requires just a few basic ingredients. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up. Second, it incorporates all the wonderful flavors of a traditional cheeseburger into a creamy soup. You will enjoy the taste of beef, cheese, and veggies all in one bowl.
Additionally, cheeseburger soup is versatile. You can easily add your favorite ingredients or adjust the recipe to fit your tastes. This ensures that everyone in your family will enjoy it. The dish is also filling, making it great for lunch or dinner. Finally, the soup can be topped with crispy bacon and pickles, giving it that classic burger experience while keeping it comforting and warm.
HOW TO MAKE Cheeseburger Soup
Making cheeseburger soup is easy and fun. You will be amazed at how quickly you can put it together. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create this delightful dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 strips bacon (chopped)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and cubed, about 2 large)
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup dill pickles (chopped, to serve)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from the pot and place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
- In the same pot, add the ground beef to the bacon grease. Break it apart and cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove excess liquid.
- Add the butter to the ground beef. Stir in the chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
- Add the cubed potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until combined. Fold through the shredded cheese and let everything simmer until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon and chopped pickles.
HOW TO SERVE Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup is best served hot. Ladle generous portions into bowls and top with crispy bacon pieces and chopped dill pickles for an authentic cheeseburger taste. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for those who love a cheesy flavor. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad, making it a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cheeseburger Soup
If you have leftovers, cheeseburger soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If you need to freeze the soup, it can be placed in a freezer-safe container and stored for up to 3 months. When thawing, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stove.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When serving cheeseburger soup, consider adding a few optional garnishes for added flavor and texture. Some delicious enhancements include:
- Additional shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) for extra creaminess.
- Crumbled crackers or crunchy tortilla strips for a nice crunch.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch.
VARIATIONS
You can easily customize cheeseburger soup to suit your taste buds. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, to add unique flavors.
- Extra Veggies: Throw in your favorite vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas for added nutrition and taste.
FAQs
- Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It reheats well and the flavors improve as it sits. - Is cheeseburger soup gluten-free?
The soup as originally written contains flour, which is not gluten-free. You can substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make it gluten-free. - Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can use turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of ground beef for different flavors. - How can I thicken the soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup. Let it cook a few more minutes to thicken.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cheeseburger Soup
If you’re planning to make cheeseburger soup ahead of time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop your vegetables and meat the night before to save time. Store them in containers in the refrigerator.
- Cook in Batches: You can make a large batch of cheeseburger soup and freeze portions for later meals.
- Add Cream Later: If you plan to freeze the soup, add the heavy cream and cheese only when you are ready to serve. This helps keep the creamy texture.
With these simple steps and tips, cheeseburger soup will be a delightful dish you can prepare and enjoy time and time again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite toppings, and watch it become a favorite in your home!
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from the pot and place on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
- In the same pot, add the ground beef to the bacon grease. Break it apart and cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove excess liquid.
- Add the butter to the ground beef. Stir in the chopped onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
- Add the cubed potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until combined. Fold through the shredded cheese and let everything simmer until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon and chopped pickles.