Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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 brings all the classic flavors of a perfectly grilled cheeseburger right to your table, any time of year.

While the exact origins of cheeseburger soup are a bit hazy, it’s safe to say this delightful concoction is a relatively modern invention, born from our collective love of the iconic American cheeseburger. It cleverly captures the essence of that beloved sandwich – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheese, the hint of mustard and ketchup – and transforms it into a hearty and comforting soup.

What’s not to love? People adore cheeseburger soup for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of rich, creamy broth, savory ground beef, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the fuss of grilling or assembling individual sandwiches. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every spoonful!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 1 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, green onions, sour cream

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon or spatula until it’s crumbled into small pieces. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Leaving too much grease in the pot will make the soup oily. I usually tilt the pot and carefully spoon out the grease, but you can also use a colander.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can make the whole soup taste bitter.

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. The liquid from the diced tomatoes adds extra flavor, so don’t drain it!
2. Add the shredded carrots, diced celery, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients. The carrots and celery will add a nice sweetness and texture to the soup.
3. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly.

Adding the Potatoes and Simmering

1. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the soup. Stir them in so they are submerged in the liquid. I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture, but Russet potatoes also work.
2. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potato cubes.

Creating the Creamy Cheeseburger Flavor

1. Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and softened cream cheese until smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, or it will be difficult to whisk and may leave lumps in the soup.
2. Pour the milk and cream cheese mixture into the soup. Stir gently to combine. Be careful not to boil the soup at this point, as it can cause the cream cheese to separate.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. I like to use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor, but you can use any type of cheddar you prefer.

Serving and Toppings

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
2. Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and serve hot.
3. Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the soup, making it even more delicious!

Tips and Variations

For a thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or immersion blender before adding the milk and cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, or the soup will become too starchy.

For a spicier soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering.

To make it in a slow cooker: Brown the ground beef and onions as directed above. Then, transfer the beef and onions to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

To make it ahead of time: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Adding different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious in this soup.

Adding more vegetables: You can add other vegetables to this soup, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.

Using different ground meat: While ground beef is the classic choice for cheeseburger soup, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.

Making it gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your beef broth and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Making it dairy-free: To make this soup dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or soy milk) and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative.

Freezing the soup: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This cheeseburger soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also great served with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s perfect for a cold winter day or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful soup.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a creamy, comforting bowl of pure happiness that captures all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun! If you’re craving that familiar taste but want something warm and satisfying, especially on a chilly evening, then you absolutely must give this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What makes this soup a must-try? First, the flavor profile is spot on. The combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and those subtle hints of burger toppings like diced tomatoes and onions creates a symphony of taste that will transport you straight to your favorite burger joint. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Looking for a lighter version? Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and opt for reduced-fat cheese.

But the real magic lies in its simplicity. This recipe requires minimal effort and uses ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – you can whip up a batch of this delicious soup in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this Cheeseburger Soup! For a classic presentation, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and some crispy crumbled bacon. You can also add a handful of chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. The warm, cheesy bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth.

Here are a few variations to consider:

* Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add extra bacon! Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add half to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Use the remaining bacon as a topping.
* Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to each bowl before serving.
* Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also add some diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
* Loaded Baked Potato Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced baked potatoes to the soup for a heartier and more filling meal. Top with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions, just like a loaded baked potato!

I truly believe that this Cheeseburger Soup will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you used, and how much your family enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!