Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With ground beef, melted cheese, and all the classic burger toppings, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

I love making this soup for my family, especially when we want something cozy and filling without too much effort. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. You simply sauté the beef and onions, then add in the broth, veggies, and seasonings. Once everything simmers together, you stir in the cheese, and it becomes the creamiest, most comforting bowl of soup you could imagine. It’s so simple, but the flavors are rich and satisfying.

What’s great about this soup is how customizable it is! You can top it with your favorite burger toppings—think crispy bacon, pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream. And if you want to add a little extra nutrition, throw in some spinach or broccoli. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or some crispy fries, Easy Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again.

Perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Family dinners
• Cold weather comfort
• Meal prep
• Easy weeknight meals

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s why Easy Cheeseburger Soup will quickly become a go-to meal:

• Cheeseburger Flavor in a Bowl: The soup is packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, from the savory ground beef to the melted cheese, making it irresistible.
• Creamy and Hearty: The rich, creamy broth and soft potatoes make this soup hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying hunger.
• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without much effort.
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like bacon, pickles, or even a dollop of sour cream.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors of a cheeseburger make it a hit with kids, and the creamy texture is easy for them to enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Cheeseburger Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
• Crispy bacon for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: Provides the savory, rich flavor base for the soup, much like the patty in a cheeseburger.
• Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheddar adds that familiar cheeseburger taste and gives the soup its creamy, cheesy texture.
• Potatoes: The potatoes bring heartiness to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the soup, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce & Dijon Mustard: These ingredients enhance the umami flavors of the soup, contributing to that classic burger taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easy Cheeseburger Soup:

Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Drain the Fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Prepare the Soup Base:

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Make a Roux: Add the flour to the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the roux. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the Potatoes and Simmer:

6. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Add Milk and Cream: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the milk and heavy cream, stirring to incorporate.

Finish the Soup:

8. Add Beef and Cheese: Stir the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
9. Season: Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

Garnish and Serve:

10. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crispy bacon if desired for extra flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or bread rolls for dipping into the creamy soup.
• With Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: Add extra shredded cheese on top of each bowl for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• As a Comforting Dinner: Serve as a hearty, comforting dinner on a cold evening, paired with your favorite cold drink.
• With Extra Toppings: Add some sliced pickles, chopped tomatoes, or crumbled bacon on top for a more burger-like experience.

Additional Tips for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfect every time:

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes hold up well in soup and add a creamy texture when cooked.
• Control the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or use half-and-half instead.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your soup.
• Add Bacon: For an even more cheeseburger-like experience, crumble crispy bacon into the soup or sprinkle on top as a garnish.
• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy texture, then stir in the beef and cheese.

Recipe Variations for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Easy Cheeseburger Soup:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Veggie Cheeseburger Soup: Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Double Cheese Cheeseburger Soup: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a meltier, gooier soup.
• Turkey Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter option.
• Cauliflower Cheeseburger Soup: Replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version.
• Sweet Potato Cheeseburger Soup: Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic.
• Double Cream Cheeseburger Soup: Use extra heavy cream for an even richer, creamier soup.
• Cheeseburger Soup with Pickles: Add chopped pickles for a tangy, burger-inspired addition.
• Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: Prepare this soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience—just add all the ingredients and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra milk if needed to loosen the soup.

Special Equipment for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Easy Cheeseburger Soup easier:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and allowing it to simmer properly.
• Wooden Spoon: Use a wooden spoon to stir the soup and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Whisk: A whisk helps when making the roux to ensure the flour and butter are smoothly combined.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the onions, garlic, and potatoes quickly and efficiently.
• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess.

FAQ Section for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
   Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld together even more after sitting.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or plant-based protein, to make it a vegetarian version.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique twist.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
   No, this recipe contains flour to thicken the soup. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, you can use milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less creamy.

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Conclusion

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is the perfect choice for busy weeknights or chilly days when you need something warm and filling. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and offers endless customization options, making it a versatile favorite for the whole family.

This soup is not only satisfying but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Add crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or even a sprinkle of pickles on top to recreate the classic cheeseburger experience in a whole new way. You can also make it ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for a few days or freezing it for later—perfect for those moments when you need a quick, comforting meal.

I’d love to see how your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Feel free to leave a comment or share any fun toppings you added!