Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This creamy and flavorful dish combines the best elements of a classic cheeseburger into a warm and hearty soup. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. With rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, each bowl is packed with flavor and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare – This Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be made in just under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor – The combination of ground beef, creamy cheese, and savory bacon creates a delightful taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients – Feel free to customize with additional toppings like pickles or hot sauce to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly – Kids love the cheeseburger flavor, making it a great way to please picky eaters at the dinner table.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Easy Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot – This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Kitchen shears – Perfect for quickly cutting bacon into small pieces without mess.
- Wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring ingredients while preventing scratches on your cookware.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 5 pieces of bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Added Flavor & Texture
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup pickles diced (optional)
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Use kitchen shears to quickly cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook it in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, which takes about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Once browned, drain excess fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in the pot. Then, sauté the diced onion and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
Mix in minced garlic and flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until fully dissolved. Ensure that there are no lumps remaining in your mixture.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return cooked beef back into the pot. Increase heat to high bringing it to a boil before lowering it back down to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Cover partially with a lid.
Step 7: Simmer
Let your soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and soup reaches desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If your soup is too thick, you can adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth or cream.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the cooked bacon (saving some for garnish). Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You may also add diced pickles either mixed in or as a topping when serving.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.
With Toppings
- Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle additional crispy bacon on top for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
- Shredded Cheese: Add more sharp cheddar cheese over the hot soup for a gooey, melty finish.
- Chopped Pickles: For those who enjoy a tangy bite, diced pickles make a great topping that complements the cheeseburger flavor.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty bread rolls that are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The rich flavors of garlic bread pair wonderfully with the savory taste of cheeseburger soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for a delicious side that everyone loves.
As Part of a Meal
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds a light contrast to the hearty soup. Consider using vinaigrette dressing for balance.
- Veggie Platter: Serve with fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks for a crunchy, healthy addition.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired thickness.
- Cook Potatoes Until Tender: Make sure to simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender for the best texture in your soup.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick if you enjoy heat.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are easy to make and perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: This classic salad provides a crisp and creamy side that complements the richness of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Baked or fried potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch and work well alongside cheeseburger flavors.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast and make an excellent accompaniment.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, balancing out the hearty nature of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans create a filling option that pairs nicely with cheeseburger soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the bacon render: Not rendering the bacon first can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always cook the bacon until crispy to infuse the fat into your base.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you overcook the potatoes, they can turn mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer just until tender for the best texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end may leave your soup bland. Always season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Using cold cream: Adding cold cream can shock your soup and cause it to curdle. Warm it slightly before incorporating it for a smoother result.
- Ignoring cheese quality: Using low-quality cheese can result in a greasy texture. Opt for sharp cheddar for richer flavor and better melting properties.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, adding broth if necessary for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
How do I make my Easy Cheeseburger Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, simmer it longer without a lid or add more flour mixed with broth.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes! Feel free to include veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
What type of cheese is best for Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can also mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for variety.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Easy Cheeseburger Soup stores well and can be made ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour as a thickener instead of regular flour, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort with delicious flavors. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for chilly nights, while customization options allow you to cater it to your tastes. Whether you prefer adding more veggies or experimenting with different cheeses, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a rich and creamy dish that captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this comforting soup features savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and velvety cheddar cheese. With tender potatoes and a blend of aromatic vegetables, each spoonful is packed with flavor. Quick to prepare in under an hour, this recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile—customize it with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of taste. Ideal for meal prep, this hearty soup can be stored in the fridge or freezer for easy access to comfort food throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy; remove and leave fat.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot; drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and celery in the rendered fat until softened.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth; ensure no lumps remain.
- Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and browned beef; bring to a boil then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like pickles or additional bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
