Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup: Imagine all the comforting, savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger, but in a warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup! Forget firing up the grill; this recipe brings the iconic American flavor right to your bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight meal.

While the exact origins of Cheeseburger Soup are a bit hazy, it’s safe to say it’s a modern comfort food creation, likely born from the desire to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger without all the fuss. It captures the essence of that beloved combination – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheese, the hint of mustard and ketchup – all blended into a smooth, rich broth.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The creamy base, often made with milk, cream cheese, or cheddar cheese, provides a luxurious backdrop for the hearty ground beef and the bright, acidic notes of classic cheeseburger toppings. People love it because it’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to your liking (add bacon, pickles, or your favorite burger toppings!), and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef. Get ready to experience a taste of pure comfort with every spoonful!

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 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to brown our ground beef. This is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor that will be the foundation of our soup. I like to use a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot for this, as it distributes heat evenly.

1. Place your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula.
2. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned all over, making sure to crumble it well as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
4. Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef.
5. Cook the onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning. The aroma at this point should be amazing!

Building the Soup Base

With the beef browned and the aromatics softened, we can now start building the flavorful base of our cheeseburger soup. This is where all the delicious liquids and spices come together to create that classic cheeseburger taste.

1. Pour in the beef broth and chicken broth. I like to use a combination of both for a more complex flavor, but you can use all beef broth if you prefer.
2. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained – we want all that juice!), and the can of diced green chilies (also undrained). The green chilies add a nice little kick, but if you’re sensitive to spice, you can use mild ones or omit them altogether.
3. Now, it’s time for the spices! Add the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients.

Adding the Vegetables and Simmering

Next up, we’re adding the potatoes and carrots. These will cook in the broth and become tender, adding body and texture to the soup. The simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

1. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and the shredded carrots to the pot.
2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 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 going to add the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese to create that creamy, cheesy texture that makes this soup so irresistible. It’s important to add the cream cheese and milk before the cheddar to prevent the cheese from clumping.

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the soup. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup. This might take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring.
3. Pour in the milk and stir to combine.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. This is important to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Serving and Toppings

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious cheeseburger soup! I love to add a variety of toppings to customize each bowl. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Spice it up: If you like a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or corn.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
• 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. Add the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it in an Instant Pot: Brown the beef and onions using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese until melted.
• For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese. This will create a smoother, creamier texture. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some chunks of potatoes and vegetables.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Enjoy your homemade Cheeseburger Soup!

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! Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will devour, then this is it. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little bit of comfort food in your life.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the combination of simplicity and flavor. We’re talking minimal prep time, readily available ingredients, and a taste that rivals your favorite burger joint. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Want to take your Cheeseburger Soup to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

* Toppings Galore: Load it up with your favorite cheeseburger toppings! Think shredded cheddar cheese (of course!), crispy bacon crumbles, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of ketchup or mustard. For a spicy kick, add some pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
* Bread Bowl Bliss: Serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an extra-special and satisfying presentation. Imagine scooping up that creamy, cheesy goodness with a piece of crusty bread – pure heaven!
* Veggie Power: Add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Diced carrots, celery, or even some chopped spinach or kale would be delicious additions.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup while it’s simmering.
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer and creamier soup, stir in a little bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
* Ground Turkey or Chicken: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will still be fantastic!
* Bacon Boost: Cook the ground beef with some diced bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
* Pasta Power: Add cooked pasta, like elbow macaroni or small shells, to make it a heartier meal.

I’ve tried all of these variations myself, and they’re all delicious in their own way. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this incredible Cheeseburger Soup. I’m confident that it will become a new family favorite.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that everyone will love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this amazing Cheeseburger Soup!