This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s a delightful bowl of comfort that combines the beloved flavors of cheeseburgers with hearty vegetables and creamy cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or family gatherings, this soup is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup can be ready in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
- Comforting and Filling: Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, it’s a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like onion rings, green onions, and crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy goodness while parents appreciate the nutritious ingredients.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one pot!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife ensures that you can chop all your vegetables quickly and safely.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and helps keep your workspace organized.
Ingredients
This incredible cheeseburger soup recipe will be your new go-to! It’s full of ground beef, veggies, and plenty of cheese. It’s everything you love about burgers in bowl form!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound ground beef
– 4 tablespoons butter, divided
– 3/4 cup carrots, diced
– 3/4 cup celery, diced
– 3/4 cup onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 4 cups potatoes, diced
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 to 2 cups Velveeta, cubed
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Optional toppings: onion rings, green onions, and crumbled bacon
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble it for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add the carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir and sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the potatoes, ground beef, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover it with a lid, and simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Create a Roux
In a separate small pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter on medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly. Stir this mixture into the soup and bring it back to a boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Once the cheese melts completely, remove the pot from heat. Next, stir in sour cream.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Top each bowl with optional onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Serving your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: The tanginess of sourdough complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread can add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Topped with Extras
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar for added cheesiness.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can brighten up the flavors.
Garnished Delightfully
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add crumbled bacon on top for a smoky, savory finish.
- Onion Rings: Place a few onion rings on top for an interesting texture and taste.
Served in Unique Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in edible bread bowls.
- Mason Jars: For individual servings, use mason jars for a rustic touch.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
To make your Easy Cheeseburger Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions will enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer after adding the flour mixture.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor profiles.
- Enhance Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can round out the meal beautifully. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic make a perfect pairing for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing adds freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm cheeseburger soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins can complement the savory flavors of the soup well.
- Stuffed Peppers: For something heartier, stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and cheese make a delicious side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cheeseburger soup can be easy and fun, but there are common pitfalls you should steer clear of for the best results.
Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the ground beef well can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before draining.
Skipping vegetable sautéing: Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor. Don’t rush this step; take your time to soften them before adding other ingredients.
Using cold milk: Adding cold milk can cause the cheese to seize up instead of melt smoothly. Warm your milk slightly before mixing it into the soup.
Overcooking potatoes: If you let the potatoes cook too long, they may fall apart. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness after about 10 minutes of simmering.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every palate is different! Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, for about 20-30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Start with one minute, stir, then heat in 30-second increments until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy cheeseburger soup recipe that might help you out!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or beans.
What toppings work best with Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Popular toppings include crispy bacon, green onions, cheese, and crunchy onion rings for added texture and flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will bring comfort to your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix in extra veggies for a personal touch!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Savor the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a delightful soup form with this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Packed with ground beef, hearty vegetables, and creamy cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. In just under an hour, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze with this one-pot wonder! Customize your bowl with tasty toppings like crispy bacon or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup carrots, diced
- 3/4 cup celery, diced
- 3/4 cup onion, diced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 to 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Optional toppings: onion rings, green onions, crumbled bacon
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in melted butter for about 10 minutes until tender.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a separate pan and whisking in flour for about 5 minutes. Stir into the soup.
- Reduce heat; add Velveeta cheese and milk, stirring until melted. Mix in sour cream before serving.
- Serve warm with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
