Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger in a rich, creamy soup. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this easy cheeseburger soup recipe is sure to impress. It's quick to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. Keep reading to discover how to make this satisfying dish, plus some tips, variations, and answers to common questions.

What Is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a delightful blend of ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and veggies simmered together to create a warm, creamy dish reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. It captures the essence of a cheeseburger in a bowl, with hearty ingredients and flavors that will appeal to both kids and adults. This soup is perfect for cold days when you need something comforting, filling, and easy to whip up.

Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

Here's a list of everything you'll need to make this creamy, satisfying cheeseburger soup:

• 1 pound ground beef – Lean or regular, depending on your preference.
• 4 cups potatoes, diced – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best.
• 1 cup carrots, diced – Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• 1 small onion, diced – For flavor and aroma.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced – Adds depth to the soup.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The base for the soup; you can also use beef broth.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that rich, cheesy flavor.
• 1 cup milk – Creates a creamy consistency.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang.
• 3 tablespoons butter – For sautéing the vegetables and adding flavor.
• 2 tablespoons flour – For thickening the soup.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.
• Optional toppings: Cooked and crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions.

Substitutions and Variations

Cheeseburger soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Ground turkey or chicken – For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives – If you’re looking to cut down on calories or need a dairy-free option, you can use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives such as almond milk.
• Vegetables – Feel free to add more vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or corn to make the soup even heartier.
• Gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup if you need a gluten-free version.
• Spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.
• Keto-friendly – Omit the potatoes and replace them with cauliflower for a lower-carb, keto-friendly version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the simple steps to make this delicious cheeseburger soup:

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add the broth and potatoes: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Incorporate the cooked beef: Add the browned ground beef back into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Add the dairy: Pour in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Then stir in the sour cream for extra creaminess.
7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Garnish and serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, or chopped green onions.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and prepare them by dicing the vegetables and shredding the cheese. This will help streamline the cooking process.
• Step 2: Begin by browning the ground beef. This is the foundation of the soup’s meaty flavor, so make sure the beef is cooked thoroughly.
• Step 3: Sauté the vegetables in butter until they’re tender. This step builds flavor and enhances the soup's richness.
• Step 4: Create a roux by sprinkling flour over the veggies. This will thicken the soup as it cooks.
• Step 5: Slowly add the broth and potatoes, simmering until the potatoes are soft and flavorful.
• Step 6: Stir in the milk, cheese, and sour cream, which will make the soup creamy and cheesy. Allow it to simmer to meld the flavors together.
• Step 7: Season to taste and add any desired garnishes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cheeseburger soup is easy to make, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not cooking the flour long enough: When making the roux, it's important to cook the flour for a minute or two to avoid a raw flour taste in the soup.
• Using too much or too little liquid: Make sure to follow the liquid measurements closely. Too little broth can make the soup too thick, while too much can make it watery.
• Not draining the ground beef: Failing to drain the fat after browning the beef can result in a greasy soup.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and break apart in the soup.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheeseburger soup is a hearty dish that can be served on its own, but adding a few sides or garnishes can elevate the meal. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

• Serve with crusty bread: A warm, crusty bread or a side of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Top with crispy bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for an extra savory touch.
• Garnish with green onions or parsley: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley.
• Add a dollop of sour cream: A spoonful of sour cream on top can make the soup even creamier and tangier.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup is best served hot and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Family-style: Serve the soup in a large pot or tureen, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual bowls: Ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish each serving with your choice of toppings.
• With sides: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

To make your cheeseburger soup look as good as it tastes, try these presentation ideas:

• Serve in bread bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and use them as edible bowls for the soup.
• Top with extra cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top of the soup before serving adds a visually appealing touch.
• Colorful garnishes: Use a variety of garnishes like green onions, crispy bacon, and even diced tomatoes to create a vibrant look.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

Here are a few additional tips to make your cheeseburger soup even better:

• Make it ahead: Cheeseburger soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely and store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or broth to thin it out if needed.
• Adjust the consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with water to thicken it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything except the cheese, milk, and sour cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese, milk, and sour cream in the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use Velveeta instead of shredded cheddar cheese?
A: Absolutely. Velveeta melts smoothly and will give the soup a very creamy texture, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Q: How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, cheeseburger soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: Yes! Just make sure to leave out the sour cream when freezing and add it after reheating the soup. Frozen cheeseburger soup will last up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty ingredients that will satisfy your hunger on a cold day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it with variations, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!

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