Cheeseburger Soup is a cozy, creamy dish packed with all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger. With ground beef, cheese, and tasty veggies, it’s a warm hug in a bowl!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this hearty soup. Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer. Who needs a cookout when you can enjoy this indoors? 😄
I often serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. Plus, you can throw in your favorite toppings like pickles or extra cheese—yum! Enjoy this tasty treat anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this recipe to keep it less greasy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can work too! Just remember, they may cook faster.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you want to skip the bacon, try using turkey bacon or even some smoked paprika to add that delicious smoky taste.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this soup, but you can use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. If you’re low-carb, cauliflower can be a fantastic substitute too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. If you prefer something milder, go for mild cheddar or even mozzarella. Vegan cheese options can also be used for a dairy-free version.
What’s the Secret to a Creamy Cheese Soup?
To get that perfect creamy texture, you’ll want to add the milk and flour mixture gradually. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth—this helps prevent lumps.
- Once the soup is simmering, slowly add the milk mixture while stirring constantly. This ensures even distribution through the soup.
- Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken, but don’t let it boil, or the creaminess can break down.
Taking these steps seriously will give you that lovely creamy consistency in your cheeseburger soup!
How to Make Delicious Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prep, and then 30-40 minutes to cook. In total, you should be ready to enjoy your comforting Cheeseburger Soup in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy. Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but leave the delicious bacon fat in the pot—it adds great flavor!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks until it’s fully browned. If there’s too much fat after cooking, feel free to drain some out to keep it from being overly greasy.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies have softened nicely.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are nice and tender.
5. Make it Creamy:
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour into the milk or half-and-half until it’s completely smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. This helps to avoid any lumps!
6. Thicken the Soup:
Keep the soup on a gentle simmer for another 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening up nicely.
7. Add Cheese and Flavor:
Lower the heat to prevent boiling, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Worcestershire sauce until the cheese melts and creates a creamy consistency. Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cheeseburger Soup hot! Top it with the reserved bacon pieces, extra cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Dig into this rich and creamy Cheeseburger Soup for a taste that’s just like your favorite cheeseburger but in a cozy bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, and adjust seasoning as needed since these meats can be milder compared to beef.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace the whole milk or half-and-half with a dairy-free milk alternative, like almond milk or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free cheese to keep that cheesy flavor while catering to dietary needs!
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can use cauliflower. Just chop it into small florets and add it at the same time as the broth. It will soften and blend beautifully into the soup!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.