Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: A Comforting Hearty Meal
There’s nothing quite like diving into a warm bowl of cheeseburger soup on a chilly evening. This comforting, hearty meal captures the flavors of your favorite burger in a cozy and delicious form, making it the perfect dish for families and food enthusiasts alike. The rich combination of ground beef, melted cheese, and savory vegetables will undoubtedly become a household favorite.
Growing up, Saturday nights in my house meant one thing: soup night. My mom had a repertoire of soups she loved to make, and this particular cheeseburger soup was always the star attraction. I still remember the delight on my siblings’ faces when we were invited to add our own toppings like crumbled bacon and shredded lettuce. It was a creative way to make dinner interactive and exciting, a tradition I’ve continued with my own children.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is beloved for its simplicity and the familiar flavors it brings to the dining table. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that provides comfort in every spoonful. The soup captures the essence of an all-American cheeseburger, offering a rich and creamy base with chunks of seasoned beef and diced vegetables. Perfect for meal prepping, this dish can be customized with your favorite burger toppings to suit everyone’s tastes, allowing for endless personalization options.
Ingredients Notes
The key ingredients for this soup include ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and onions. To ensure a robust flavor, opt for high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content, which adds richness to the soup. For those looking to lighten the dish, ground turkey serves as a great alternative. Cheddar cheese is classic for a reason, but sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses can add additional depth. Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully due to their buttery texture, but russet potatoes can also be used in a pinch.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large pot until it’s fully cooked. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks to avoid any large clumps. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside in a separate dish.
Step 2
In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your soup.
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Step 3
Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 5
Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the beefy flavors. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as diced pickles, bacon bits, or chopped tomatoes.
Storage Options
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Variations & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also incorporate more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition. For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a spoonful of sriracha. If a dairy-free version is needed, substitute almond milk and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the ground beef, onions, carrots, and celery on the stove first. Then transfer everything except the cheese and milk to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and cheese about 30 minutes before serving.
What can I serve with cheeseburger soup? Cheeseburger soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or crusty garlic bread. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fruit platter. Adding a side dish can balance out the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery? If your soup is too thin for your liking, create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for a few more minutes. The cornstarch will thicken the broth, giving it a heartier texture without altering the flavor.
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: A Comforting Hearty Meal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp
- 1 cup milk full-fat
- 0.5 cup carrots diced
- 0.5 cup onions chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced carrots and chopped onions to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cheese, stirring until melted.
- Pour in the milk and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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