Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Looking for a rich and hearty meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and your love of cheeseburgers? This creamy, cheesy, and delicious Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheese, all in one warm bowl. It’s an ideal meal for cooler weather or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. This soup takes everything you love about cheeseburgers and turns it into a comforting, creamy soup that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

this Recipe

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, cheesy soup that mimics the flavor of a classic cheeseburger, but in a bowl. The soup is made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, onions, and a blend of seasonings to give it that perfect cheeseburger taste. Often served with a variety of garnishes like crispy bacon, pickles, or even a drizzle of ketchup, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for those days when you want something fun and comforting.

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Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

To make this delicious cheeseburger soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for richer flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
• Bacon crumbles (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Diced pickles (optional, for a true cheeseburger vibe)

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Substitutions and Variations

Cheeseburger soup is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

1. Ground Beef: While traditional cheeseburger soup is made with ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
2. Potatoes: Russet potatoes provide a hearty texture, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer. For a low-carb version, swap potatoes with cauliflower.
3. Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for cheeseburger soup, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, American cheese (for that classic cheeseburger flavor), or even smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
4. Broth: Chicken broth is often used, but for a richer flavor, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth.
5. Extra Veggies: While carrots and celery add a nice texture and flavor, feel free to include additional vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more variety.
6. Toppings: Elevate your cheeseburger soup by topping it with crumbled bacon, diced pickles, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of mustard or ketchup for a true cheeseburger experience.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the best cheeseburger soup:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step will help thicken the soup.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to ensure the flour dissolves smoothly. Add the diced potatoes, basil, and parsley. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Return the Beef: Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Add Cheese and Cream: Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. Then, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and sour cream (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and the soup is creamy and smooth.
7. Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with additional broth or cream.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, chopped green onions, or diced pickles.

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

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to make cheeseburger soup:

1. Brown Beef: Cook ground beef, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter.
3. Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook for a minute.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in broth, add potatoes, and simmer until tender.
5. Add Beef and Cheese: Return beef to the pot, add shredded cheese and cream.
6. Simmer: Let everything cook together for a few more minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with bacon, cheese, and other desired garnishes.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cheeseburger soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef. Too much grease can make the soup overly rich and oily.
2. Not Cooking the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the soup, so make sure to cook the flour for a minute or two before adding the broth to avoid a raw flour taste.
3. Overcooking the Potatoes: Potatoes can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to monitor them and check for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
4. Curdling the Cheese: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese and cream, as high heat can cause the dairy to curdle. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving cheeseburger soup, presentation is key to making this fun and hearty dish even more appealing. Here are some tips:

• Garnish Generously: Add toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, diced pickles, and chopped green onions to give your soup a classic cheeseburger vibe.
• Serve with Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a soft pretzel on the side for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Make it Fun: Serve the soup in a bread bowl or top with mini slider buns on the side to play up the cheeseburger theme.

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How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

This hearty soup is a full meal in itself, but here are a few serving ideas:

1. As a Main Dish: Serve a large bowl of cheeseburger soup with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
2. As a Fun Party Dish: Serve smaller portions of the soup in mugs or bowls for a fun appetizer at parties or game-day gatherings.
3. For Meal Prep: Cheeseburger soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it a great meal prep option. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

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Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

Make your cheeseburger soup even more fun to eat with these presentation ideas:

• Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a delicious, edible serving vessel.
• Slider Topping Bar: Set up a toppings bar with mini slider buns, bacon bits, pickles, cheese, and condiments so everyone can garnish their soup just like they’d top a cheeseburger.
• Cheeseburger Skewers: Serve small skewers of mini burger patties or meatballs on the side for a playful take on the cheeseburger theme.

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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

• For Extra Creaminess: Stir in a little extra sour cream or cream cheese for an even richer, creamier soup.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist on the classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Boost the Flavor: For even more flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard when cooking the soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
A: Yes, cheeseburger soup can be frozen. However, soups with dairy sometimes change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze it, consider freezing before adding the cheese and cream. When reheating, add the dairy after the soup has been thawed and warmed.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: To make this soup gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger soup takes the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and transforms them into a rich, hearty, and creamy soup that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s loaded with all the savory goodness of ground beef, cheese, and potatoes, and can be topped with everything from crispy bacon to diced pickles. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a fun gathering with friends, or just to satisfy your cheeseburger cravings in soup form, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, comforting goodness!

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