Cheeseburger Soup

This Cheeseburger Soup combines all the flavors of your favorite burger into a warm and comforting bowl of soup. The creamy base, loaded with tender potatoes, carrots, and celery, is the perfect complement to the savory ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Each spoonful delivers a hearty bite that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a comforting, cheesy meal, this soup is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or top it with crumbled bacon and extra cheese for an even more indulgent experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir the mixture into the soup to thicken.
  5. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the soup thickens. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt fully.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot with additional shredded cheese or crumbled bacon as garnish, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

History and Popularity of Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup is a relatively new creation in the world of soups, but it has quickly become popular due to its rich flavor and hearty ingredients. While the origin of the soup is unclear, it’s easy to see why it has gained such widespread appeal. Soup has long been a staple of comfort food, offering warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction. Cheeseburgers, on the other hand, are beloved worldwide for their indulgent, savory flavor. By combining these two beloved dishes, cheeseburger soup allows people to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Its popularity can also be attributed to its versatility. The basic ingredients—ground beef, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and vegetables—are pantry staples, making this recipe both accessible and affordable. Additionally, many variations of the soup exist, allowing cooks to customize it based on their preferences. Whether you like a thick and creamy base or prefer a lighter, brothier version, cheeseburger soup can easily be adapted to suit your taste. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time for busy weeknights.

Why Cheeseburger Soup is a Crowd Favorite

The hearty, comforting nature of cheeseburger soup makes it an instant favorite, especially during the colder months. It’s packed with familiar flavors—juicy ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender vegetables. Each bite delivers a nostalgic reminder of a cheeseburger, but with the added warmth and texture of a well-balanced soup. This makes it a particularly satisfying meal for both kids and adults alike.

Another reason for its widespread appeal is that cheeseburger soup is an all-in-one dish. With protein from the beef, starch from the potatoes, and vegetables for added nutrition, it doesn’t require any sides to be a complete meal. However, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even a baked potato for those who want to make the meal extra special. It’s filling and indulgent without being overly complicated, which is why it has become a go-to recipe for home cooks.

Versatility and Customization of Cheeseburger Soup

One of the great things about cheeseburger soup is how easily it can be customized to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. For instance, if you’re looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat altogether and bulk up the soup with extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even lentils for added protein.

Another option is to play with the texture of the soup. For a thicker, heartier version, you can increase the amount of cheese or stir in a bit of cream at the end to enhance the richness. Conversely, for a lighter, broth-based soup, you can reduce the cheese or swap some of the milk for more broth. Some people also enjoy adding a kick of heat to their cheeseburger soup by stirring in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some extra spice.

How to Serve and Garnish Cheeseburger Soup

Serving cheeseburger soup is as fun as making it. You can enhance the cheeseburger vibe by topping the soup with classic burger fixings like crumbled bacon, pickles, or even a dollop of ketchup or mustard. For a truly indulgent experience, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top just before serving to melt into the soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess.

Another great option for serving is with toasted croutons, reminiscent of burger buns, or with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. If you’re serving the soup for guests, a simple garnish of fresh parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also brings a subtle freshness that balances the rich flavors of the dish. For those looking to cut down on carbs, this soup pairs wonderfully with a green salad on the side or even a bed of cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Cheeseburger soup is naturally indulgent due to its creamy base and cheesy flavor, but there are ways to make it lighter or more diet-friendly. For those watching their calorie intake, you can easily modify the recipe to make it lower in fat by using reduced-fat cheese, low-fat milk, or even unsweetened almond milk. Additionally, swapping ground beef for leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken can help reduce the fat content while maintaining that hearty flavor.

For individuals following a gluten-free diet, this recipe can be adapted by using gluten-free flour to thicken the soup or skipping the flour altogether and allowing the potatoes to naturally thicken the broth as they cook. Those on a keto or low-carb diet can enjoy this dish by omitting the potatoes and substituting them with cauliflower, a popular low-carb vegetable that still provides a satisfying texture.

With these modifications, cheeseburger soup can fit into a variety of dietary plans while still delivering on its signature taste.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion

Cheeseburger soup is one of those versatile dishes that works well for nearly any occasion. It’s hearty enough to be served as a main course during the week, yet indulgent and flavorful enough to be offered as part of a weekend gathering or dinner party. Its creamy, comforting nature makes it particularly appealing in the fall and winter months, when people crave warm, filling meals. However, because it’s not overly heavy, it can easily be enjoyed year-round.

If you’re hosting a casual get-together, cheeseburger soup is an excellent choice because it’s both easy to make in large batches and can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat the soup when your guests arrive, and it’s ready to serve. It also works wonderfully for potlucks, where everyone can bring their own toppings to customize their bowl. And because it’s such a crowd-pleaser, it’s sure to disappear quickly, no matter the occasion.

Conclusion:

Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of a soup. Its rich, creamy broth, savory ground beef, and tender vegetables create a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With plenty of opportunities for customization, this soup can be tailored to fit your dietary preferences or personal taste, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve to guests, cheeseburger soup checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the option to make it ahead or modify it for different diets, it’s the perfect recipe for any home cook looking to bring a little comfort and warmth to the dinner table.

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