Cheeseburger Soup is a cozy dish that packs all your favorite flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy bowl! It’s filled with ground beef, cheese, and healthy veggies like carrots and potatoes.
This soup is perfect for chilly nights. I love how easy it is to make—just simmer and stir! Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and it’s pure comfort food magic! 🥣🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but you can use mild cheddar or a cheese blend if you prefer something less sharp. For a twist, try pepper jack for some heat!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my favorite for a creamy texture, but you can substitute with Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Broth: I prefer beef broth for depth, but vegetable or chicken broth can be substituted for a lighter version.
Heavy Cream: If you want to cut down on calories, evaporated milk or almond milk can be used, though they won’t be as rich.
How Do I Get My Soup to Thicken Perfectly?
Thickening soup just right can be tricky! The trick lies in making a roux and adding it at the right time. After cooking your vegetables and broth, make sure to mix your flour with melted butter until it’s bubbly and slightly golden before whisking in the milk and cream. This will ensure a smooth texture.
- First, cook the roux (flour and butter) for a minute or two; it helps cook out the flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk and cream to avoid lumps. Whisk continuously until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Stir this mixture into the soup gradually, watching it thicken beautifully!
This method ensures that you’ll have a creamy, thick soup without any lumps that can ruin your meal!
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheeseburger Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is nice and translucent. This adds great flavor to your base!
3. Add More Veggies:
Next, stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cook everything for another 3-4 minutes. This helps soften the veggies a bit before adding the broth.
4. Time for Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the veggies are tender—this should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Make the Roux:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken your soup later on.
6. Creamy Addition:
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream into your roux mixture. Keep whisking until it thickens slightly, which should take around 3-5 minutes. We want it creamy!
7. Combine It All:
Gradually add your creamy mixture into the pot with the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything so it’s uniformly blended.
8. Cheese It Up:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the soup until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the best part!
9. Season to Taste:
Season your soup with salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if you’re using it. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
10. Final Simmer:
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is to help everything meld and thicken nicely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheeseburger soup hot, topped with diced tomato and sliced green onions for that fresh crunch. Enjoy the rich, creamy taste of the cheeseburger in every spoonful!
This delightful soup is perfect for any day and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy! 🥣🧀
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. It will create a slightly different flavor but will still taste delicious. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be more mild in flavor.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply skip it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, for a hearty dish.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
