There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup to comfort you on a chilly evening. With its creamy, cheesy base, hearty potatoes, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this dish is like your favorite burger in soup form. It’s quick, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
I first came across this recipe on a cold winter night when I needed a quick dinner that would still feel indulgent. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, bringing smiles to everyone who tries it. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Get ready to fall in love with the coziest soup you’ll ever make. This Easy Cheeseburger Soup combines rich, creamy textures with the satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger, making it a must-have recipe for busy weeknights.
First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up. With minimal prep and a cooking time of just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want a hearty, homemade meal.
It’s also budget-friendly! Using everyday ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese means you can serve a family of four without breaking the bank.
Another reason to love this soup? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will rave about its creamy texture and savory flavor. It’s like comfort food in a bowl that everyone can agree on.
Lastly, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap out the meat, or go lighter on the cheese, this soup is endlessly versatile.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Easy Cheeseburger Soup lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Every component contributes to the creamy, comforting flavors that make this dish so popular.
Ground beef is the star of the show. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and richness. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Potatoes add heartiness and texture. Russet potatoes work best here because they hold their shape during cooking while still becoming tender. Peel and dice them into small cubes for even cooking.
Cheese is, of course, the soul of cheeseburger soup. A sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the broth, creating that rich, creamy base. For an extra cheesy kick, you can mix in some Velveeta or Monterey Jack.
Vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots bring depth and a hint of sweetness to the soup. They also balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.
For the broth, a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious, creamy texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the heavy cream delivers unbeatable richness.
A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is all you need to bring this dish together. If you have an immersion blender, it can be handy for creating a smoother texture, but it’s entirely optional.
How To Make This Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful bowl every time.
Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and season it with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pot for added flavor.
Next, sauté your onions, celery, and carrots in the same pot. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Add your potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the browned beef and slowly add the cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Once the cheese is fully melted, pour in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage Options
Easy Cheeseburger Soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore the creamy consistency if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Easy Cheeseburger Soup is how customizable it is to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen corn for a nutrient boost and added texture.
- For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or gouda for a fun twist on flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth and any processed cheese options are certified gluten-free.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe to make it your own. However you choose to customize it, you’re guaranteed a bowl full of comfort and flavor. Enjoy!
PrintEasy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup recipe combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tender vegetables in a creamy broth. It's a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter until tender.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft.
- In a small bowl, mix flour with milk until smooth. Stir into the pot and cook until thickened.
- Add cooked beef, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding crumbled bacon or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use sharp cheddar for a richer taste.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Leave a Reply