Cheeseburger Soup

by

Warm up on chilly days with a bowl of comforting Cheeseburger Soup. This hearty dish captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a rich and creamy soup that’s sure to satisfy. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and gooey cheese, this soup is a delicious meal option for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¾ cup chopped onion
  • ¾ cup shredded carrots
  • ¾ cup diced celery
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Velveeta processed cheese, cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese)
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Directions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried parsley flakes, and dried basil. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender.
  3. Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour the chicken broth into the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables. Add the diced potatoes and cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Prepare the Roux: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Thicken the Soup: Add the butter and flour mixture to the soup, stirring well to combine. Bring the soup to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly.
  6. Add Cheese and Milk: Stir in the cubed Velveeta processed cheese (or shredded cheddar cheese) until melted. Pour in the milk, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated into the soup.
  7. Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the soup from the heat and blend in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle each serving of Cheeseburger Soup with chopped fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits for a colorful and flavorful finishing touch. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese also add extra richness and creaminess.
  • Pair with Bread: Serve your Cheeseburger Soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or buttery dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
  • Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun and creative presentation, hollow out individual bread rolls or small sourdough boules to create edible bread bowls. Ladle the warm Cheeseburger Soup into the bread bowls just before serving for a cozy and comforting dining experience.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Cheeseburger Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for easy reheating later. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat with Care: When reheating Cheeseburger Soup, do so gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop. Stir the soup frequently to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: If you have leftover Cheeseburger Soup that you won’t be able to finish within a few days, consider freezing it for longer storage. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thawing Tips: To thaw frozen Cheeseburger Soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it more quickly by placing the sealed container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
  • Reheat from Frozen: When reheating frozen Cheeseburger Soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if possible. Once thawed, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
  • Customize with Toppings: Set up a topping bar with an assortment of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, and crushed tortilla chips. Allow guests to customize their Cheeseburger Soup with their favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
  • Portion for Portability: For an easy and portable meal option, divide the cooled Cheeseburger Soup into individual single-serving containers or reusable soup thermoses. Pack them for lunches, picnics, or on-the-go meals, and simply reheat when ready to enjoy.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Cheeseburger Soup anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy dinner at home or packing it for lunch on the run, this hearty and comforting soup is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Variations :

  1. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crispy cooked bacon pieces to the soup for an extra savory and smoky flavor that complements the cheese and beef perfectly.
  2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Soup: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy twist that adds a kick to every spoonful.
  3. Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Top each bowl of soup with classic burger toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickles for a fully loaded cheeseburger experience in soup form.
  4. Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese into the soup for a rich and earthy flavor combination reminiscent of a gourmet mushroom Swiss burger.
  5. Chili Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in a can of chili beans or homemade chili along with shredded cheese for a hearty and chili-inspired twist on cheeseburger soup that’s packed with flavor and texture.
  6. Vegan Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth, dairy-free cheese, and non-dairy milk to create a creamy and satisfying vegan version of cheeseburger soup.
  7. Mexican Cheeseburger Soup: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the soup for a Tex-Mex twist that’s full of bold flavors and vibrant colors.
  8. Buffalo Chicken Cheeseburger Soup: Swap out the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy and tangy buffalo chicken-inspired soup.
  9. Italian Cheeseburger Soup: Incorporate Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the soup for an Italian-inspired twist on cheeseburger soup that’s bursting with flavor.
  10. Loaded Potato Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in diced cooked potatoes or frozen hash browns along with crispy chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a hearty and satisfying loaded potato cheeseburger soup.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe? Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in Cheeseburger Soup for a lighter option. Just be mindful that ground turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to beef.
  2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in this recipe? Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in Cheeseburger Soup. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs for equivalent flavor.
  3. Can I make this soup ahead of time and freeze it? Yes, Cheeseburger Soup can be made ahead of time and frozen for future use. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  4. What is the best way to reheat leftover soup? The best way to reheat leftover Cheeseburger Soup is to gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
  5. Can I use different types of cheese in this soup? Yes, you can customize the cheese in Cheeseburger Soup according to your preference. Cheddar, American, Swiss, or even pepper jack cheese can be used for a variety of flavor profiles.
  6. How can I make this soup thicker or thinner? To make Cheeseburger Soup thicker, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. To make it thinner, add additional broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Can I omit the potatoes from this recipe? Yes, if you prefer a soup without potatoes, you can omit them from the recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute them with diced cauliflower or extra vegetables for added texture and flavor.

In just a few simple steps, you can create a bowl of Cheeseburger Soup that’s packed with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a cold day or need a quick and satisfying dinner option, this soup is sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cozy bowl of cheesy goodness!