Cheeseburger soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy texture of soup. It’s a perfect blend of ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, making it not only delicious but also practical for busy weeknight dinners. This recipe is designed for easy preparation and minimal cleanup, ensuring that you can whip it up quickly for your family and enjoy a satisfying meal together.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
- Easy Cooking: With simple steps and a one-pot approach, it takes the stress out of dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
- Family Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar cheeseburger flavors.
- Make-Ahead Useful: This soup can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: For the best flavor, choose a ground beef with a moderate fat content, like 80/20. This will provide a nice richness to the soup.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as peas or corn based on your preference.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can also use Monterey Jack or a blend for variety.
- Milk: Whole milk will give a creamier texture, but you can substitute with low-fat milk if preferred.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Best Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Stir in Seasonings
Sprinkle in the thyme and paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and mix until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the Meat Properly: This adds depth to the flavor. Don’t rush this step; let the beef get a nice brown color.
- Manage the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat; too high can burn the vegetables or soup, while too low may make the cooking time longer.
- Texture Matters: Ensure the potatoes are diced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Once the potatoes are tender, do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Cleanup Tip: Use a single pot for cooking, and make sure to clean the edges of the pot as you cook to prevent splatter.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Substitutions: Use turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat option.
- Vegetable Additions: Swap out carrots or celery for bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese.
- Spice Adjustments: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
What to Serve With Best Cheeseburger Soup
Pair your cheeseburger soup with crusty bread rolls or a side salad for a complete meal. Toppings like crumbled bacon, diced pickles, or a dollop of sour cream can add that extra touch and mimic the feel of a classic cheeseburger.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezer
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, brown the beef first in a pan, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Is it possible to make cheeseburger soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking for an added heat level.
4. Can this soup be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk alternative and dairy-free cheese to create a dairy-free version.
5. What is the best way to thicken the soup?
Using a flour and milk mixture, as described in the recipe, is effective, but you can also use cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delightful and hearty dish, cheeseburger soup is a fantastic option that combines comfort and convenience. For those interested in trying more variations, you can find an award-winning recipe or explore the traditional version shared on Taste of Home’s website. Additionally, check out How Sweet Eats for a wonderfully reviewed take on this dish, and for a visual guide, consider watching a video tutorial that walks you through the cooking process. Enjoy your cooking adventure and see how this comforting bowl of soup can become a family favorite!
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef For the best flavor, choose a ground beef with a moderate fat content, like 80/20.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Provides base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth Can use low-sodium broth.
- 2 cups diced potatoes Ensure they are diced evenly for uniform cooking.
- 1 cup chopped carrots You can swap with other vegetables like bell peppers.
- 1 cup celery, diced Provides crunch and additional flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste tsp Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded You can also use Monterey Jack or a blend.
- 1 cup milk Whole milk for creaminess; low-fat is acceptable too.
- 2 tbsp flour Used for thickening the soup.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For browning the meat.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Cooking
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the thyme and paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and mix until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
