Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This creamy cheeseburger soup recipe brings all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying bowl. Imagine rich ground beef, tender vegetables, and a luscious, cheesy broth, all coming together in one easy dish. It’s no wonder this hearty soup is a family favorite. Get ready to create a meal that’s both delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
You will quickly fall in love with this incredible cheeseburger soup for many reasons:
- Rich, Cheesy Flavor: It perfectly captures that iconic cheeseburger taste in every spoonful.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This soup makes a complete meal, leaving everyone feeling full and content.
- Easy to Make: All cooking happens right on your stovetop with straightforward steps, ideal for beginners.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting soup, making it great for any family dinner.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit dietary needs or simply switch up the flavors.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing cheeseburger soup recipe requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have many of these staples in your kitchen already! Each component plays a vital role in building the soup’s incredible depth and texture.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean beef for a flavorful, less greasy base. For those mindful of their diet, understanding the benefits of lean beef cuts can enhance your cooking choices.
- ¾ cups onion (chopped), ¾ cups Carrots (shredded), ¾ cups celery (diced): These aromatic vegetables build the foundational flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 2 cloves garlic: Classic herbs and fresh garlic add warmth and depth.
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided): Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a silky roux.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup, adding savory notes.
- 4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds): Potatoes add bulk and a comforting texture.
- ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Essential for making the roux, which thickens the soup.
- 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes): The key to that incredibly creamy, melty cheese texture.
- 1½ cups milk: Adds to the soup’s richness and smooth consistency.
- ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- ¼ cups sour cream: Stirred in at the end for extra creaminess and a slight tang.
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results with your cheeseburger soup, consider these tips. Use 90-93% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and less fat to drain. For potatoes, Yukon Gold varieties offer a creamy texture, while Russets hold their shape well. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower florets make an excellent substitute. While Velveeta creates the signature creaminess, you can also use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different cheesy profile. For the milk, any plain variety works, and Greek yogurt or cream cheese can replace sour cream for a similar tang and richness.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking this delicious soup a breeze. You’ll need a 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven for the main cooking. A small skillet is useful for preparing the roux. You will also need basic kitchen tools like a good knife, a cutting board, and a garlic press.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a wonderfully creamy and hearty cheeseburger soup recipe. This method ensures a smooth, flavorful result every time.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, brown one pound of ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat thoroughly from the pan and set the cooked beef aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
- Press the two cloves of garlic directly into the pot with the softened vegetables. Cook for just one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in three cups of chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes and the browned ground beef back into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Meanwhile, prepare your roux. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Cook and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden, creating a smooth paste.
- Stir the prepared roux into the simmering soup mixture, whisking well to combine. Bring the soup back to a boil, then cook and stir for another 2 minutes until it visibly thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta, 1½ cups of milk, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the soup. Cook and stir continuously until all the cheese has completely melted into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the ¼ cup of sour cream until it is fully blended and incorporated into the soup.
- Serve your creamy cheeseburger soup immediately while it’s warm and delicious.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Achieving the perfect bowl of cheeseburger soup is easy with these expert tips. First, always thoroughly drain the ground beef after browning. This removes excess fat, preventing a greasy soup and enhancing the overall flavor. Next, ensure you cook the roux properly until it’s bubbly and lightly golden; this prevents a raw flour taste and ensures a smooth, thick soup. Learning the technique of proper roux preparation is fundamental for achieving velvety smooth soups and sauces. Always ensure the potatoes are tender before moving on to the next step, as undercooked potatoes can ruin the texture. When adding the sour cream, remove the soup from the heat first; this prevents the sour cream from curdling and keeps your soup velvety smooth. Finally, avoid overcooking the cheese after it has melted, which can cause it to separate and become oily.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile cheeseburger soup is delicious on its own, but these additions can take it to the next level.
Delicious Garnishes
- Crumbled bacon bits: Adds a smoky, crispy texture, just like a loaded burger.
- Extra shredded cheese or sour cream: For an extra dollop of creaminess and cheesy goodness.
- Sliced green onions or chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Diced red onion or dill pickles: Provides a tangy crunch, mimicking burger toppings.
- Homemade hamburger bun croutons: A fun, thematic garnish for added texture.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based veggie crumbles and vegetable broth for a meatless option.
- Keto: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets to significantly reduce the carb count.
- Meats: Experiment with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for different flavors.
- Cheese: Swap Velveeta for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
- Broth: Use beef broth instead of chicken broth for an even deeper, more robust beefy flavor profile.
- Additional veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a can of drained diced tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
This hearty cheeseburger soup is excellent for meal prep and leftovers. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find the soup has thickened significantly. Simply thin it with a splash of extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
While you can freeze cheeseburger soup, be aware that the potatoes can sometimes become slightly mushy or mealy after thawing and reheating. If freezing, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
This comforting cheeseburger soup offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. A single serving provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a hearty option for dinner. Enjoy this delicious soup as a complete meal or paired with a light side salad.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
|---|
| Calories: 450 |
| Carbohydrates: 30g |
| Protein: 25g |
| Fat: 28g |
Based on 8.8 servings. Approximate values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheeseburger soup in a Crockpot/slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté vegetables first. Then, combine all ingredients except milk, cheese, and sour cream in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the dairy at the end.
Can I make cheeseburger soup in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Sauté the beef and vegetables using the Sauté function. Add broth and potatoes, then cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release. Stir in milk, cheese, and sour cream at the end.
Does cheeseburger soup freeze well?
It can be frozen, but be aware that the texture of the potatoes might become a bit softer or mushy after freezing and thawing. For best results, consider freezing it without potatoes, then adding freshly cooked potatoes upon reheating.
What kind of potatoes work best for this cheeseburger soup recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent as they remain creamy and hold their shape well. Russet potatoes also work, offering a firmer texture that won’t fall apart.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this rich and creamy cheeseburger soup recipe to bring comfort to your table. It perfectly combines familiar, beloved flavors into a satisfying meal that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving something hearty, this soup is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Embrace the warmth, savor the flavors, and enjoy every spoonful of this ultimate comfort food!
