Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth and creaminess of a hearty soup. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something indulgent yet satisfying. With a creamy base, loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and of course, plenty of melted cheese, this soup provides a comforting, one-pot meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or need to serve a crowd at a gathering, Easy Cheeseburger Soup delivers the best of both worlds—deliciously cheesy and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. This soup is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet hearty enough to feel like a special treat.

In this guide, you’ll find all the details on how to prepare this irresistible soup, including tips for making it even more flavorful, suggestions for variations, and ideas for pairing it with side dishes. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this creamy, cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love Easy Cheeseburger Soup

• Rich, Comforting Flavor: This soup combines the best parts of a cheeseburger, such as ground beef, cheese, and seasonings, into a creamy, satisfying bowl of comfort food. It’s indulgent and perfect for cold weather.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, Easy Cheeseburger Soup comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
• Creamy and Hearty: The creamy base of this soup, combined with the ground beef and vegetables, creates a thick and filling dish that will leave everyone full and happy.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, comforting flavor, this soup is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet while still satisfying their taste buds.
• Customizable: The soup is versatile and can be tailored to fit your personal taste. You can adjust the level of creaminess, add extra vegetables, or try different types of cheese to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Easy Cheeseburger Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (for a creamier soup, use heavy cream)
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter or oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat, leaving a small amount to keep the beef moist and flavorful.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the soup and ensures the vegetables cook properly.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the chicken or beef broth, followed by the diced potatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken. If you’re okay with a slightly thinner consistency, you can skip this step and proceed directly to adding the cream and cheese.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream or milk to add richness to the soup. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. The cheese will make the soup smooth and velvety, enhancing the cheeseburger flavor.

6. Season to Taste

Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference. The seasoning is key to balancing the flavors and making the soup taste like a true cheeseburger.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is creamy and flavorful, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Options include a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. These toppings give the soup an extra burst of cheeseburger-inspired goodness.

Tips for Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: While regular ground beef works well, using lean or extra-lean ground beef helps keep the soup lighter and less greasy. If you use higher-fat ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meat.
• Customize the Vegetables: If you have other vegetables on hand, such as bell peppers or zucchini, feel free to add them to the soup. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes and carrots.
• Adjust the Cheese: While cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of different cheeses. For extra creaminess, consider adding a bit of cream cheese.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when adding the seasonings. This will give the soup a cheeseburger with a kick.
• Add Bacon: To enhance the cheeseburger flavor even further, you can add cooked crumbled bacon into the soup. It pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese and brings a smoky, savory taste.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use a lower-fat cheese.

Variations of Easy Cheeseburger Soup

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: As mentioned above, adding crispy bacon crumbles to the soup gives it a smoky, savory flavor reminiscent of a classic bacon cheeseburger.
• Veggie Cheeseburger Soup: For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables, like mushrooms or lentils. You can still enjoy the cheesy, creamy base without the meat.
• Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or even turnip cubes. This keeps the soup hearty without the carbs.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or chili powder to the soup for a spicy kick that mimics the flavor of a spicy cheeseburger.

Storage and Shelf Life

Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup thickens as it cools, so you may need to add a little extra broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. To freeze, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove until it’s warm and creamy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

While Easy Cheeseburger Soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with a few side dishes can make it a more complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf of garlic bread is a perfect side to dip into the creamy soup. It adds a savory crunch that complements the cheeseburger flavors.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup and add a burst of freshness.
• Crusty Rolls: Soft, fresh rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy soup.
• French Fries: For the ultimate cheeseburger experience, serve the soup with crispy fries. It’s like having a cheeseburger and fries in soup form!

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Conclusion

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines the best elements of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of a soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. With its rich flavor and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you choose to top it with bacon, make it spicy, or enjoy it as is, this soup is a winner every time.