Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that perfectly blends the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger into a creamy, comforting soup. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With its rich cheesy goodness and a subtle kick of spice, Cheeseburger Soup has become a crowd-pleaser that warms the soul and satisfies hunger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this soup ready in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cheese, vegetables, and spices creates a deliciously creamy texture that’s packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, this soup works well for any event.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Hearty Meal: This soup is filling enough to be served as a standalone dish, making it an excellent main course.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cheeseburger Soup, having the right tools on hand will streamline the process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 3-quart saucepan
• Small skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• 3-quart saucepan: Ideal for cooking soups; its size allows for ample space without spilling over.
• Small skillet: Perfect for sautéing ingredients like onions and garlic without crowding.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe place to chop vegetables efficiently while keeping your counters clean.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cups onion (chopped)
• ¾ cups carrots (shredded)
• ¾ cups celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic

For Cooking

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds)

For Creaminess

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (okay to use gluten-free here)
• 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes)
• 1½ cups milk

Seasoning

• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping

• ¼ cup sour cream

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same saucepan over medium heat:
1. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Sauté the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Press in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes

Add the chicken broth and diced potatoes to the pot along with the browned beef. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Meanwhile, in a small skillet:
1. Melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour; cook and stir for about 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add this mixture to the soup; bring it back to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring.

Step 5: Combine Cheese and Cream

Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook gently while stirring until all cheese is melted.
3. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious soup.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add extra cheese on top for a gooey finish.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some chips over the soup.

In Bread Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread rolls for an edible bowl that adds flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Garnish with chopped herbs for a fresh touch.
• Dried Chili Flakes: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who prefer some heat.

As Part of a Meal

• Accompany with Salad: A crisp side salad can balance out the richness of the soup.
• Pair with Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches work wonderfully alongside.

How to Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and quality meat for the best flavor.
• Adjust Spiciness: Tailor the spiciness by using mild or spicy cheese according to your preference.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the soup simmer longer can deepen the flavors significantly.
• Blend Smoothly: For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before adding cheese.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with Cheeseburger Soup can take your meal to another level. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and complements the soup’s flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables are a healthy option that pairs well with this dish.
5. Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins offer a delightful taste that matches nicely with cheeseburger flavors.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent side for extra heartiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Take your time and ensure it’s browned well before proceeding.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them until they’re just tender for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients: Guessing measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for each ingredient to ensure consistency.
• Using cold milk: Adding cold milk directly can cause the cheese to clump. Always warm it slightly before adding it to the soup.
• Skipping the sour cream: Omitting sour cream will result in a less creamy texture. Make sure to include it at the end for that rich finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, hearty dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheese into a comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize my Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for different flavors.

How long does it take to make Cheeseburger Soup?

The total time is about 80 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s an easy recipe that yields delicious results!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Cheeseburger Soup tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough to adapt with your favorite ingredients. Whether you stick closely to the recipe or make your own adjustments, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction. Give it a try today!