Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Craving something warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious? Look no further! This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, melty cheese, and crispy toppings—into a rich, creamy soup. It's perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a satisfying meal without the hassle of grilling. Read on to learn how to whip up this comforting bowl of goodness, with tips, variations, and answers to all your cheeseburger soup questions.

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What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is exactly what it sounds like—an irresistible soup that captures the taste of a cheeseburger. It typically features ground beef, cheddar cheese, and vegetables, all cooked together in a creamy broth. Some recipes may add potatoes, bacon, or even pickles for extra burger-like flavor. This soup is an all-in-one comfort food that's easy to make and even easier to devour!

Ingredients List for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious cheeseburger-inspired soup:

1. Ground Beef – 1 lb (85-90% lean)
2. Butter – 2 tablespoons
3. Onion – 1 medium, diced
4. Carrots – 2 large, peeled and diced
5. Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
6. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
7. Potatoes – 2 cups, peeled and diced (Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best)
8. Chicken or Beef Broth – 4 cups (for a richer flavor, use beef broth)
9. All-purpose Flour – ¼ cup (to thicken the soup)
10. Whole Milk – 2 cups (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
11. Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups, shredded (sharp cheddar recommended)
12. Salt – 1 teaspoon
13. Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
14. Dried Basil – ½ teaspoon
15. Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon
16. Sour Cream – ½ cup (optional, but adds tangy richness)
17. Crumbled Bacon – for garnish (optional)
18. Chopped Green Onions or Parsley – for garnish (optional)
19. Pickles or Pickle Relish – for garnish (optional, but gives a classic cheeseburger vibe)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is how versatile it can be. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like veggie crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or skip the flour altogether and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
• Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and add more non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup some heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is simple to prepare and doesn't require any advanced cooking techniques. Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a comforting bowl of cheeseburger soup ready in no time!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In a small saucepan, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (a thickening agent). Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture thicken for a few minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the potatoes are cooked, add the browned ground beef back into the soup. Stir in the thickened roux mixture, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, dried basil, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangy flavor, stir in the optional sour cream.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or even some pickle relish for a cheeseburger-like finish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of:

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Make sure to sauté the vegetables just until tender. Overcooking can make them mushy and affect the texture of your soup.
• Lumpy Roux: To avoid lumps in your soup, be sure to whisk the flour thoroughly when making the roux. Adding the milk slowly and whisking constantly will help create a smooth, creamy base.
• Not Tasting as You Go: Cheeseburger soup gets its flavor from simple ingredients, so it's important to taste and adjust seasoning as you cook. Don't forget to add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to balance the flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make this cozy dish even more appealing. Here are some tips for serving and garnishing your Easy Cheeseburger Soup:

• Crumbled Bacon: Adding crispy crumbled bacon on top gives the soup a great texture and extra flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top makes the soup even cheesier.
• Pickles or Pickle Relish: This may sound unusual, but it adds that classic cheeseburger taste.
• Chopped Green Onions or Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish, chopped green onions or parsley work perfectly.
• Toasted Buns or Breadsticks: Serve the soup with toasted buns or breadsticks on the side to mimic the burger experience.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

This hearty soup is best served warm with your favorite toppings and some crusty bread or a side salad. Since it’s rich and filling, a small bowl can go a long way. Serve it as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a starter for a larger meal.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

• Soup Bread Bowls: Hollow out small round bread loaves and ladle the soup into them for a fun, edible presentation.
• Individual Mason Jars: For a more casual, trendy approach, serve the soup in individual mason jars with garnishes on top.
• Cast Iron Skillet: If you're feeding a crowd, you can serve the soup in a large cast iron skillet with toppings arranged beautifully on top.

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

• Prepping in Advance: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher before adding the cheese. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if you want to make a lighter version of the soup.

2. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?

Yes, cheeseburger soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely and store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the cream.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

Make sure to add the cheese over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to keep it smooth and creamy.

5. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry instead.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending all the best parts of a cheeseburger into a creamy, flavorful soup. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. With plenty of room for substitutions and variations, you can customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs. Try it today, and enjoy a bowl of comforting cheeseburger goodness!

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