If you’re craving a hearty, comfort-food dish that the entire family will love, this Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect recipe! Combining the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy soup, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and the perfect blend of seasonings, it’s a cozy meal that works any time of year. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful soup step-by-step, along with helpful tips, variations, and FAQs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth (either works depending on your flavor preference)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled if desired)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- **Pickles, diced tomatoes, and additional shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This will build the foundational flavor for the soup.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Potatoes
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir the seasonings into the sautéed vegetables to coat them evenly. Add the diced potatoes and stir everything together.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and stir in the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when poked with a fork.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup (Optional)
For a thicker soup, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup water or broth to form a slurry. Stir it into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thinner soup, skip this step.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Elements
Once the soup has thickened (if using flour), stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Be sure not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may cause the dairy to curdle.
Step 7: Reintroduce the Ground Beef
Add the cooked ground beef back into the soup and stir to combine everything. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with diced pickles, diced tomatoes, and additional shredded cheese for that full cheeseburger experience. Enjoy with a slice of toasted bread or your favorite soup crackers!
Cooking Notes:
- Customize the Broth: Using chicken broth will provide a lighter, more neutral base, while beef broth will give the soup a richer, heartier flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can either use the flour as mentioned above or add a few tablespoons of mashed potatoes to help thicken it naturally.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Variations:
1. Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
To make this recipe low-carb, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and skip the flour thickener. You can also reduce the amount of carrots or leave them out entirely to further lower the carb content.
2. Gluten-Free Option
Skip the flour and use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup. Another option is to thicken the soup by blending some of the cooked vegetables before adding the cheese and cream.
3. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
For a smoky twist, add cooked, crumbled bacon into the soup. You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits along with the pickles and cheese for extra flavor.
4. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
If you like your meals with a kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth while it simmers. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup? A: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy ingredients. If you plan on freezing it, you can omit the cream and cheese during the initial cooking process, and then add them in after reheating.
Q: How can I lighten this soup? A: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-calorie option, and cut back on the cheese if desired.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef? A: Yes, if you have pre-cooked ground beef on hand, you can skip the browning step and simply add the pre-cooked beef back into the soup when it’s time to simmer.
This Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. With ground beef, veggies, cheese, and a rich broth, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a classic version, low-carb option, or something gluten-free, this recipe offers plenty of variations to suit your needs. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a cozy, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!
