Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Warm up this season with our delightful Cheeseburger Soup—a creamy, cheesy dish that captures all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, right in a bowl! Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup will become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
  Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
  Unsalted butter is recommended for better flavor control.
• 1 small onion, chopped
  A yellow onion works well, but feel free to use your favorite.
• 3 carrots, diced
  Add sweetness and color to your soup.
• 3 celery stalks, diced
  Provides a crunchy texture and depth of flavor.
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices.
• 4 cups chicken broth
  For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth.
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
• 1 ½ cups milk
  Whole milk will create a creamier texture.
• ¼ cup flour
  This will help thicken the soup.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  Adjust to your preference.
• Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
  Adds a fresh touch to your soup.

Directions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain excess fat and set the beef aside in a bowl.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
   In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Make the Roux:
   In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and is creamy.
5. Combine & Simmer:
   Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season & Serve:
   Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color, and serve hot.

Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup:

1. Choose Quality Meat:
   • Opt for lean ground beef (80/20) for a good balance of flavor and health. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
2. Flavor Boost:
   • Enhance the soup’s flavor by adding garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or a splash of hot sauce to the ground beef as it cooks. A tablespoon of mustard can also add a nice tang.
3. Veggie Variations:
   • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. Potato Choices:
   • Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier consistency. Avoid overcooking them to maintain some texture.
5. Thickening Options:
   • For a thicker soup, you can increase the flour slightly or use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) added at the end.
6. Cheese Choices:
   • Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Mixing cheeses can create a more complex flavor.
7. Milk Alternatives:
   • For a richer soup, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
8. Make Ahead:
   • This soup stores well! Make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
9. Freezing:
   • To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
10. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Toppings like crispy bacon bits or croutons can also elevate the dish.
11. Garnishing:
    • Experiment with garnishes such as diced tomatoes, pickles, or a sprinkle of shredded lettuce for a classic cheeseburger feel.

Popular Questions & Answers about Cheeseburger Soup

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
   • Absolutely! Cheeseburger soup can be frozen. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   • Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or coconut milk and substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for the cheddar cheese.
4. How can I make this soup spicier?
   • To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
5. What can I serve with Cheeseburger Soup?
   • This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or pickles.
6. How long does Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?
   • Typically, it lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
7. Can I make this soup in advance?
   • Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead of time. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. The flavors will develop even more overnight!
8. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
   • If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water. However, using broth will enhance the flavor of the soup.
9. Is there a way to make this soup thicker?
   • Yes! To thicken the soup, you can add more flour in the roux, or mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in at the end. Let it simmer until thickened.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

    • Definitely! Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary for the added veggies.