Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re craving the hearty goodness of a cheeseburger, but the idea of firing up the grill makes you shiver. Enter the cheeseburger soup recipe—a warm, creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort that delivers all the flavors of a cheeseburger without leaving your kitchen. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of culinary joy!
What Makes Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Special?
Cheeseburger soup isn’t just any soup; it’s a mashup of comfort food greatness. Think about the best part of a cheeseburger—the savory beef, melted cheese, and crisp veggies—all swimming together in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that satisfies picky eaters, soup lovers, and cheeseburger fans alike.
Unlike the standard soups that might feel a bit too dainty for your hunger pangs, this dish is a hearty, flavor-packed hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking it on the stovetop or opting for the hands-off ease of a cheeseburger soup crockpot version, it’s a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cheeseburger soup recipe is its simplicity. You might already have most of these ingredients lurking in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing the “burger” to the cheeseburger soup.
- Potatoes: The perfect carb for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: The holy trinity of soup-making, adding flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Because when isn’t garlic a good idea?
- Chicken broth: The base that ties everything together.
- Cheddar cheese: The cheesier, the better. Go sharp for maximum flavor.
- Milk and heavy cream: To make it decadently creamy.
- Butter and flour: For a simple roux to thicken things up.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, a pinch of paprika, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra oomph.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up your cheeseburger soup recipe like a pro:
Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, melt a little butter and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base.Add the Potatoes and Broth:
Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 10–15 minutes).Make it Cheesy:
While the soup simmers, create a roux by melting butter in a small saucepan, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk. Stir this creamy mixture into the soup, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into pure deliciousness.
Combine Everything:
Stir in the cooked ground beef and a splash of heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Serve Hot:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or crumbled bacon if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Grate your cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can mess with your soup’s smooth texture.
- Don’t skip the roux: It’s the secret to a luxuriously creamy soup that’s not too watery.
- Customize your veggies: Don’t love celery? Swap it out for corn or bell peppers to make the recipe your own.
- Make it cheesier: Stir in some Velveeta if you’re a fan of ultra-creamy soups.
- Try the crockpot version: For a hands-off approach, brown the beef, then toss everything (except the cheese and cream) into your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours, stir in the cheese and cream, and serve.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Pairing this hearty soup with the right sides takes your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the soup.
- French Fries: Double down on the cheeseburger vibes with crispy fries on the side.
- Pickles: A tangy, crunchy addition that complements the soup’s richness.
Storage and Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cheeseburger soup recipe is just as delicious the next day.
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: It freezes well too, but leave out the cheese and cream until you’re reheating it. Freeze in portions for easy, grab-and-go meals.
- Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you loved this cheeseburger soup recipe, here are a few more hearty soups to add to your rotation:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: Spicy, zesty, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe: Creamy, smoky, and oh-so-addictive.
- Lasagna Soup Recipe: All the goodness of lasagna in a cozy bowl.
- Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe: A fan-favorite with sausage, kale, and potatoes.
For more delicious soup ideas, check out Tasty Good Recipes for inspiration!
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender (10–15 minutes).
- In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened.
- Stir the roux into the pot of soup. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the cooked ground beef and heavy cream. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, parsley, or crumbled bacon.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: For the smoothest texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Crockpot Option: Brown the beef and add all ingredients (except cheese and cream) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in cheese and cream just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze without cheese and cream for up to 2 months; add them when reheating.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next potluck, this cheeseburger soup recipe delivers in spades. It’s cheesy, hearty, and downright irresistible—just like your favorite burger, but in soup form. So, grab your ladle, embrace the cheesy goodness, and get ready to wow your taste buds.