Cheeseburger Soup is a fun and hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl of goodness. Packed with ground beef, creamy cheese, and tasty veggies, it’s sure to warm you up!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a cheeseburger? Now you can enjoy it in soup form! I like to serve it with some crunchy crackers on the side for a delightful crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the star of the soup! You can substitute with turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based crumbles.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor. If you’re not a fan, try Monterey Jack or a creamy Velveeta for a different taste.
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold for their buttery taste and smooth texture. However, russet or even sweet potatoes can work if that’s what you have on hand!
Beef broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works too. For a lighter soup, use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy Without Clumping?
To achieve that creamy texture, it’s essential to make a roux before adding the milk and cheese. Here’s how:
- Melt your butter over medium heat, then add the flour slowly while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously until you see a smooth texture without clumps.
- Add cheese to this mix, letting it melt completely before combining with the soup.
This technique ensures a rich, velvety soup that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing!
Cheeseburger Soup: A Comforting Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheeseburger Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can expect about 40 minutes until it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s fully browned. Be sure to drain any excess grease before moving on!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add More Veggies:
Next, stir in the sliced celery, diced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes and carrots are nicely tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Make a Roux:
While the soup simmers, grab a separate small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour slightly and create a roux.
6. Create the Creamy Base:
Slowly pour the milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking all the while until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. This will give your soup that creamy texture!
7. Combine with Cheese:
Now, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
8. Merge It All Together:
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot of soup, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, and add the Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it.
9. Final Seasoning:
Don’t forget to taste your soup! Season it with salt and black pepper to your liking for that perfect flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives for a nice touch.
Enjoy your hearty cheeseburger soup, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful of this comforting dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will still provide good flavor. Just be mindful that turkey tends to cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it while browning.
How Can I Thicken the Soup If It’s Too Thin?
If your soup seems too runny, make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stirring it into the soup. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Certainly! You can use plant-based ground meat or omit it entirely. Substitute with vegetable broth and include additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for flavor. Add in a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.