This Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the savory goodness of ground beef with the rich creaminess of melted Velveeta cheese. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something hearty and delicious. Topped with crunchy onion rings and crisp green onions, each spoonful is bursting with flavor. What makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser is its simplicity and nostalgic taste. It captures everything you love about a cheeseburger in a cozy, spoon-worthy form. Whether serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Cheeseburger Soup is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab a bowl and dive into this cheesy, comforting delight!
Full Recipe:
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, crumbled bacon
Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
- 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 tender.
- Add the potatoes, ground beef, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender about 10 to 12 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes until it bubbles. Stir this into the soup and bring it to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Once the cheese melts, remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Serve warm and top with onion rings, green onions, and bacon if desired. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Origin of Cheeseburger Soup
While the exact origin of Cheeseburger Soup is unclear, it is widely believed to have originated in the Midwest United States, where hearty, warming dishes are a staple during the cold winter months. This region is known for its love of comfort foods that are both filling and flavorful, making Cheeseburger Soup a natural fit. The dish likely emerged as a creative way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger when grilling outside wasn’t practical due to cold weather. It’s a clever culinary mash-up that brings the taste of summer indoors.
What Makes It Irresistible?
One of the most appealing aspects of Cheeseburger Soup is its bold and comforting flavor profile. It combines the savory notes of browned ground beef with the creamy richness of melted cheese, typically Velveeta or cheddar. The base of the soup is made creamy with milk or heavy cream, giving it a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
The soup also features a medley of vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, which not only add flavor but also contribute to the hearty, chunky consistency that makes each spoonful satisfying. Seasoned with dried herbs such as basil and parsley, along with salt and black pepper, the soup is well-rounded with a hint of earthiness.
Popular Variations
Like many beloved comfort foods, Cheeseburger Soup is highly customizable. Here are some popular variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:
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Cheesy Explosion: If you can’t get enough cheese, try using a combination of Velveeta and shredded cheddar for an extra gooey, cheesy broth. Some people also mix in cream cheese for an even richer flavor.
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Low-Carb Version: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, swapping the potatoes with cauliflower is a great alternative. This keeps the soup creamy and chunky without the extra carbs. Additionally, skipping the flour as a thickener and using more cheese can maintain the consistency.
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Healthier Twist: Opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner protein source. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options to lighten up the calorie content.
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Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. Pepper jack cheese is another great option for a spicy twist.
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Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Method: To make preparation even easier, you can use an Instant Pot or slow cooker. This method allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, and you can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
These variations showcase how versatile Cheeseburger Soup can be, making it a great canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
To achieve the best flavor and consistency, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For a creamy, chunky texture, opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They hold their shape well during cooking.
- Prevent Curdling: When adding sour cream or milk, make sure to remove the soup from direct heat first. This helps prevent curdling and ensures a silky-smooth consistency.
- Season Generously: Ground beef and potatoes can be quite bland on their own, so don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cheese Matters: Velveeta is known for its meltability, giving the soup its signature creaminess. If using shredded cheddar, make sure to shred it yourself to avoid the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese, which can affect the melt.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Just like a cheeseburger, the right toppings make all the difference. Consider crispy bacon, diced pickles, chopped green onions, or even crumbled burger bun croutons for added flavor and texture.
Pairing Suggestions
Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, rich dish, so it pairs well with lighter, complementary sides. Consider serving it with:
- Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the cheesy broth.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tangy acidity cuts through the richness and echoes the flavor of classic cheeseburger pickles.
- Beer or Soda: A cold, carbonated beverage is a fantastic match for the savory, cheesy flavor of the soup. For adults, a light lager or pale ale pairs beautifully.
Why is Cheeseburger Soup So Popular?
The popularity of Cheeseburger Soup can be attributed to its nostalgic, comforting qualities. It’s familiar yet unique, offering a twist on a classic American favorite. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes creates a deeply satisfying meal that appeals to both children and adults. Its versatility and ease of preparation also make it a popular choice for busy families, especially during the colder months.
This dish bridges the gap between a burger craving and a desire for a warm, cozy meal, making it the perfect comfort food. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied.
Conclusion:
Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful comfort food that captures the essence of a cheeseburger in a warm, spoonable form. With its creamy, cheesy broth, savory ground beef, and tender chunks of vegetables, it’s a deliciously cozy meal that warms both body and soul. Its versatility allows you to get creative with ingredients and toppings, making it a flexible recipe suitable for any taste preference. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl on a cold winter evening or serving it at a family gathering, Cheeseburger Soup is sure to be a hit. Its nostalgic flavors combined with the comforting nature of a hearty soup make it an irresistible choice for people of all ages. So, next time you’re craving a cheeseburger but want something a little cozier, give Cheeseburger Soup a try it just might become your new favorite comfort food!