a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a bowl of creamy Easy Cheeseburger Soup warming you from the inside out. This delightful recipe combines all the flavors you love in a classic cheeseburger into a comforting, hearty soup. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends when you just want something warm and delicious.
What is Cheeseburger Soup?
Cheeseburger soup is a rich and creamy dish that incorporates all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but served in a comforting soup format. It usually features ground beef, cheese, vegetables, and a creamy broth, making it a filling and satisfying meal. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings, just as you would with a real cheeseburger.
Ingredients for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Making this Easy Cheeseburger Soup is super simple with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Basic Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean works best, but feel free to use your favorite)
- 1 cup chopped onions (sweet or yellow onions are ideal)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup milk (can use whole or reduced-fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for a flavor boost)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang.
- Chopped green onions: For color and flavor.
- Bacon bits: Because bacon makes everything better!
- Extra cheese: Always a good idea if you love cheese.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
1: Brown the Beef
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while cooking. Drain excess fat if needed.
2: Add Vegetables
- Add the Onions, Celery, Carrots, and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
- Include the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3: Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the Broth: Slowly add the beef broth while stirring to combine.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes along with Worcestershire sauce.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
4: Simmer the Soup
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5: Make it Creamy
- Stir in the Milk: After the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk and mix well.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6: Adjust and Serve
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add extra salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnished with your choice of toppings, like sour cream, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or more cheese.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Use Quality Ingredients
Choosing quality ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor. Select lean ground beef and fresh vegetables to enhance the overall taste of your soup.
Customize Your Cheese
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese beyond cheddar. Pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of different cheeses can give your soup a unique twist.
Add More Vegetables
Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in additional veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for more flavor and color.
Adjusting Consistency
If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a thinner soup, add more broth or milk.
How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Soup
Refrigeration
Leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup may be comfort food, but it can also be nutritious! Let’s break down some of the benefits you might get from the key ingredients:
Protein
Using ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and repair. If you opt for lean beef, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal without excessive saturated fat.
Vegetables
The mixture of onions, carrots, and celery not only adds flavor but also includes vitamins and minerals significant for overall health. Plus, potatoes add fiber, improving digestion.
Dairy
The addition of milk and cheese provides calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. You can also opt for low-fat dairy options if you prefer a lighter choice.
Variations on Cheeseburger Soup
Keto-Friendly Cheeseburger Soup
For a low-carb option, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. This substitute maintains a similar texture while keeping the soup keto-friendly. Don’t forget to use heavy cream instead of milk for that rich creaminess!
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
If you love a bit of heat, spice things up with diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy cheese for an extra kick.
Taco Cheeseburger Soup
Mix things up by incorporating taco seasoning into your meat while cooking. Add black beans, corn, and top it with your favorite taco toppings like avocados, salsa, and cheese.
Perfect Pairings for Cheeseburger Soup
Breads
Nothing complements the creamy goodness of cheeseburger soup quite like warm, crusty bread. Consider these options:
- Crusty baguette: Perfect for dipping!
- Garlic bread: Adds a delicious flavor.
- Soft dinner rolls: Great for sopping up the soup.
Salads
Balance the richness of the soup with a light salad. Here are some ideas:
- Caesar salad: The creamy dressing complements the soup nicely.
- Garden salad: Fresh greens and veggies brighten up the meal.
- Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy contrast to the soup.