Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you're craving a delicious, hearty meal that's sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table, look no further than this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It's a cozy dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth and comfort of a soup. This recipe is simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and offers rich, cheesy goodness in every spoonful. Keep reading to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish, and discover tips, variations, and answers to common questions about cheeseburger soup. You won't want to miss out on this easy, flavorful recipe!

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What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger soup is a creamy, hearty dish that brings all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, onions, and even potatoes—into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Think of it as a cheeseburger deconstructed and turned into a rich, cheesy, and savory soup. It's a favorite among families and can easily be customized with various ingredients to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Soup

To get started on making this delicious cheeseburger soup, gather the following ingredients:

1. Ground Beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef. This will give the soup its classic cheeseburger flavor.
2. Potatoes – 3 cups of diced potatoes, which add bulk and heartiness to the soup.
3. Carrots – 1 cup of shredded or diced carrots for some added color and nutrition.
4. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped for flavor.
5. Garlic – 2 cloves of garlic, minced, to add depth to the flavor.
6. Chicken Broth – 4 cups of chicken broth as the base for the soup, though vegetable broth can also be used.
7. Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to create that classic cheesy goodness.
8. Milk – 2 cups of milk (or cream for extra richness).
9. Butter – ¼ cup of unsalted butter to help sauté the vegetables and add flavor.
10. Flour – ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
11. Salt and Pepper – To taste.
12. Optional Toppings – Bacon bits, chives, or additional shredded cheese for garnish.

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Additional Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup

You can further enhance your cheeseburger soup by adding a few optional ingredients. These extra items will elevate the flavor and make your soup even more delicious:

1. Dill Pickles – ¼ cup of diced dill pickles for that tangy cheeseburger flavor.
2. Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon to give the soup a richer, more complex taste.
3. Worcestershire Sauce – 1-2 teaspoons to boost the umami and cheeseburger-like flavor.
4. Celery – ½ cup of diced celery for extra texture and flavor.
5. Hot Sauce – A few dashes for a subtle kick of spice.

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of cheeseburger soup is its versatility. Whether you need to make substitutions or want to try different variations, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste and dietary needs.

1. Meat Substitutes: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this soup. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat alternatives.
2. Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, American cheese, or even Velveeta for an ultra-creamy texture.
3. Milk Alternatives: You can replace the milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk if you prefer a non-dairy option. Coconut cream can also work for a richer soup.
4. Lower Carb Option: If you're watching your carbs, consider swapping the potatoes for cauliflower florets. This will give you the same creamy texture without the extra carbohydrates.
5. Spicy Twist: Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could even use pepper jack cheese to turn up the spice level.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to dive into making this Easy Cheeseburger Soup. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break the beef up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk (or cream) and cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
6. Return the Beef: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot, stirring to combine everything evenly.
7. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce if desired.
8. Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes, then serve hot with your favorite toppings like bacon bits, extra cheese, or chives.

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How to Cook Cheeseburger Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the beef in your soup pot, ensuring it's broken up into small crumbles. Remove and drain the grease.
2. Sauté Veggies: Add butter, onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot. Sauté them until soft.
3. Thicken the Soup: Stir in flour to make a roux, which thickens the soup.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the broth, add diced potatoes, and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Finish with Cheese and Milk: Stir in cheese and milk until smooth and creamy, then add back the beef.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve with your favorite toppings!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Draining the Grease: Leaving too much grease in the soup can make it overly oily. Always drain the ground beef after browning.
2. Not Cooking the Flour Long Enough: When you add flour to the vegetables, be sure to cook it for at least a minute or two. This step removes the raw flour taste and helps thicken the soup.
3. Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy and break apart. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness with a fork.
4. Curdling the Milk: When adding milk or cream, make sure the heat is not too high. If it's boiling, the milk can curdle. Keep the soup at a simmer after adding the dairy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your cheeseburger soup is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it to make the meal extra special.

1. Toppings: Add some crunch by topping the soup with crispy bacon bits, croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh chives. You can also add extra shredded cheese on top for a gooey finish.
2. Side Dishes: Serve the soup with garlic bread, crackers, or a fresh side salad. A toasted bun could be a fun nod to the cheeseburger theme!
3. Serving Size: This soup is very filling, so small bowls are perfect for serving as a starter or alongside other dishes. If it’s the main course, a generous bowl will do.

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Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup

1. Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and unique presentation.
2. Individual Toppings Bar: Set up a small toppings station with bowls of bacon bits, chopped pickles, jalapeños, and extra cheese so everyone can customize their soup.
3. Layered Look: Serve the soup in clear bowls so you can see the layers of meat, potatoes, and cheese.

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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: Cheeseburger soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Consistency: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
   Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute can be used in place of ground beef.

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Conclusion

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe brings together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, creamy soup that's perfect for chilly nights. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it's a great go-to recipe for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own with substitutions and variations, cheeseburger soup is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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