Cheeseburger Soup: the ultimate comfort food that tastes just like your favorite juicy cheeseburger, but in a warm, satisfying bowl! Forget firing up the grill; this creamy, cheesy soup delivers all the classic flavors you crave in a fraction of the time. Are you ready to ditch the bun and dive into a bowl of pure, unadulterated cheeseburger bliss?
While the exact origins of Cheeseburger Soup are a bit hazy, its popularity exploded in the latter half of the 20th century as home cooks sought convenient and delicious ways to feed their families. It perfectly captures the essence of American comfort food, blending the familiar flavors of ground beef, cheese, and those essential burger toppings into a hearty and satisfying soup.
What’s not to love? People adore this soup for its incredible flavor profile – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheddar cheese, the creamy broth, and the optional burst of freshness from toppings like diced tomatoes and pickles. It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience the magic of a cheeseburger in soup form!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions, chopped tomatoes
Browning the Beef and Aromatics
Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is brown our ground beef. This is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in our soup. Don’t skip this step!
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Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
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Cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over, making sure to crumble it well. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
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Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
Building the Soup Base
With our beef browned and our aromatics softened, it’s time to build the foundation of our cheeseburger soup. This is where all the delicious flavors start to meld together.
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Pour in the beef broth and chicken broth. Using a combination of both broths adds depth of flavor. If you only have one, you can use 8 cups of either beef or chicken broth.
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Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel, also undrained). The Rotel adds a nice little kick, but if you’re sensitive to spice, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead.
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Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the spices.
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Add the diced potatoes and shredded carrots. Make sure the potatoes are cut into relatively small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Goodness
This is where the magic happens! We’re about to transform our already delicious soup into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. The cream cheese and cheddar are the stars of this show.
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Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth. This will help prevent the cream cheese from clumping in the soup.
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Slowly pour the cream cheese mixture into the soup, stirring constantly until it’s fully incorporated and the soup is creamy.
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Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is smooth and cheesy. Don’t let the soup boil at this point, or the cheese might separate.
Serving and Toppings
Alright, the soup is ready! Now it’s time to ladle it into bowls and add all your favorite toppings. This is where you can really customize it to your liking.
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Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls.
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Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings. Some suggestions include:
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Sour cream
- Green onions, chopped
- Chopped tomatoes
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
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Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.
Tips and Variations
Want to make this soup even more your own? Here are a few tips and variations you can try:
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Spice it up: If you like a lot of heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or corn.
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Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
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Make it lighter: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat milk and cream cheese.
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Add some pickles: Diced pickles are a surprisingly delicious addition to this soup, adding a tangy flavor that complements the cheeseburger flavors.
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Use Velveeta: For an ultra-creamy and cheesy soup, substitute some of the cheddar cheese with Velveeta. Just be aware that Velveeta is higher in sodium.
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Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef and onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
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Freezing instructions: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating instructions: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
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Soup is too thick: Add more broth or milk to thin it out.
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Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
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Cheese is not melting smoothly: Make sure the soup is not too hot when you add the cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and stir the cheese in gently until it’s melted.
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Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to taste. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
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Potatoes are not cooking evenly: Make sure the potatoes are cut into uniform pieces. If some pieces are still hard while others are soft, remove the soft pieces and continue cooking the hard pieces until they are tender.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories:
Conclusion:
This Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life. It captures all the deliciousness of a classic cheeseburger – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheddar, the hint of mustard – but in a creamy, satisfying soup form that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters!
What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; this soup comes together in under an hour, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the fruits (or rather, the soup!) of your labor. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Want to add a little kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños. Craving more veggies? Sauté some onions, bell peppers, or even spinach before adding the broth. The possibilities are truly endless!
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
For the ultimate cheeseburger experience, I highly recommend topping each bowl with your favorite cheeseburger fixings. Think crispy crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. For a bit of crunch, add some crushed tortilla chips or even some crumbled burger buns that have been lightly toasted.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. You can also use a lower-fat cheese or opt for a vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth.
Another fun variation is to add a can of diced tomatoes for a richer, more complex flavor. You could also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gruyere for a more sophisticated taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this soup your own!
Why You Should Make This Soup Tonight!
Honestly, I can’t stress enough how much I love this recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food, it’s easy to make, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. I’ve made it countless times, and it never fails to deliver. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this incredible Cheeseburger Soup. I promise you won’t regret it!
And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!
Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Creamy, cheesy Cheeseburger Soup with ground beef, potatoes, and burger flavors. Top with bacon, sour cream, and cheese!
By: LilyCategory: DinnerDifficulty: EasyCuisine: AmericanYield: 6-8 servingsDietary: VegetarianIngredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- For a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or corn.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
- To make it lighter, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat milk and cream cheese.
- Diced pickles are a surprisingly delicious addition.
- For an ultra-creamy soup, substitute some of the cheddar cheese with Velveeta.
- This soup can be made in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.→ Can I substitute ingredients?Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.→ How long does this bread keep?Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.→ What if I don't have all the spices?You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.→ Can I freeze this bread?Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
