When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite beats the warm embrace of a delicious bowl of soup. And if that soup is exploding with the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, you know you’re in for a treat. Cheeseburger soup combines the heartiness of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender veggies to deliver a dish that warms you from the inside out. If you’ve been searching for an easy and satisfying recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, especially on chilly days.
Why We Love This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons why Cheeseburger Soup wins the hearts of many. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, yet you’ll still serve up something delightful that everyone will enjoy.
Additionally, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and fullness. The combination of ground beef, rich cheese, and wholesome vegetables creates both a comforting and nutritious meal. With every spoonful, you get a taste of home-cooked goodness that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Lastly, one of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You can customize it to suit your preferences, allowing you to experiment with various ingredients or toppings. This versatility makes it easy to keep things fresh and exciting every time you prepare it.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup
To whip up this satisfying Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1-3/4 pounds (about 4 cups) cubed peeled potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 to 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Optional: onion rings and thinly sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Making Cheeseburger Soup is straightforward and requires only a few steps. You can easily follow along to create this delightful dish.
Begin by cooking the ground beef. Insert a large saucepan over medium heat and add the beef, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally and crumble the beef until it’s brown and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a separate bowl. Set it aside for now.
In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery. With a teaspoon of dried basil and teaspoon of dried parsley flakes, sauté the vegetables for around 10 minutes or until they become tender.
With your sautéed vegetables ready, it’s time to introduce the potatoes and chicken broth. Add the cubed potatoes and browned ground beef back to the pan. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
While the soup simmers, prepare a roux in a small skillet. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, cooking it while stirring for about 3 to 5 minutes until bubbling. This mixture will help thicken your soup.
Once your potatoes are tender, add the roux to the simmering soup and return the mixture to a boil, stirring for about 2 minutes. The soup should start to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add your cubed Velveeta cheese along with the whole milk, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally until the cheese melts beautifully into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Finally, remove the pot from heat and blend in the sour cream for that extra kick of creaminess. The soup is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup
The wonderful thing about Cheeseburger Soup is its versatility in serving options. It is perfect as a standalone meal but can easily be paired with sides or garnishes to elevate your dining experience.
For a classic presentation, ladle generous portions of the soup into bowls. You can sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions on top for a refreshing crunch. If you’re looking to add a playful touch, consider garnishing the soup with crispy onion rings. They’ll not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.
To make the meal even more filling, serve the soup alongside warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping and will soak up the creamy goodness of your soup.
Should you want to be a bit more indulgent, consider offering a side of French fries or crispy potato wedges. These options will complement the cheeseburger theme and add that wonderful crunch to your meal.
Expert Tips for Cheeseburger Soup
Creating the perfect Cheeseburger Soup can be a breeze if you follow these expert tips:
Choose Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe centers on a few key ingredients, selecting fresh veggies, high-quality cheese, and meat will enhance the overall flavors of your soup.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with the vegetables in your soup. Try adding bell peppers, corn, or even peas for a unique twist.
Adjusting Consistency: If you find your soup too thick, you can add more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Experiment with Cheese: While Velveeta gives a creamy and smooth finish, don’t shy away from mixing in other cheeses like cheddar for an added flavor boost. Just keep an eye on the melting characteristics of your cheese choice.
Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give your soup a little kick.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and just add the cheese and cream when you’re ready to serve, making it perfect for advance meal prep.
How to Store Cheeseburger Soup
Storing your Cheeseburger Soup is quite straightforward. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored this way, your soup will remain delicious in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
If you want to savor the soup for an extended period, consider freezing it. To do this, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date each one, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, just thaw it overnight in your refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated thoroughly.
Variations of Cheeseburger Soup
There’s no limit to how you can elevate and personalize your Cheeseburger Soup! Here are a few fun variations to consider:
Cheeseburger Chili: Add chili beans and a few tablespoons of chili powder for a spicier and heartier take on cheeseburger soup. Top with your favorite chili toppings!
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. You can enrich the flavor profile with additional spices and seasonings.
Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Top your soup with all the fixings of a loaded cheeseburger—lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a fun flair.
Spicy Southwest Flavor: Add diced jalapeños and swap out some of the cheese for pepper jack cheese, bringing a zesty element to this comforting dish.
Italian Twist: Add cooked pasta to the mix along with Italian-style seasonings for a fusion of flavors that will surprise and delight your palate.
FAQs About Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s everything you might be wondering about Cheeseburger Soup:
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty soup featuring ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and creamy cheese, offering all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting bowl.
How can I make my Cheeseburger Soup healthier?
You can choose lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and add more vegetables to enhance the nutritional value of your soup. Opting for low-fat cheese and milk can also reduce calories.
Is Cheeseburger Soup good for freezing?
Yes! Cheeseburger Soup freezes well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers at a later date. Just make sure to store it properly in airtight containers.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can brown the beef beforehand and then combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What can I serve with Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger Soup pairs well with warm bread, crispy onion rings, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 4 Tbsp butter divided
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1-3/4 lbs cubed peeled potatoes (about 4 cups)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8-16 oz Velveeta cubed
- 1-1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- onion rings for garnish, optional
- thinly sliced green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the potatoes, chicken broth, basil, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbling, then stir into the soup.
- Bring the soup back to a boil and then reduce heat. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve hot, garnished with onion rings and green onions if desired.
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