Cheeseburger soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, combining all the flavors of your favorite burger in a comforting bowl. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with the savory aroma of ground beef and fresh vegetables, all topped off with crispy bacon bits. It’s the ultimate comfort food that sends your taste buds to flavor town!
This delightful dish takes you back to family cookouts or cozy nights in, where laughter fills the air alongside the delicious scent of sizzling burgers. Perfect for those days when you crave the taste of summer but find yourself in the depths of winter, cheeseburger soup promises to deliver warmth and joy with every spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cheeseburger soup is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort
- The rich, savory flavors will leave you craving more
- It’s visually appealing with colorful veggies and creamy textures
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings
I remember the first time I made cheeseburger soup; my kids devoured it so quickly that it felt like I was feeding little gremlins!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a rich flavor without too much grease; about 1 pound works perfectly.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; diced finely for even cooking.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring crunch and color; chop them small so they soften quickly.
Celery: Celery adds a nice texture; use about two stalks, diced.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will elevate your soup’s flavor; about 3 cloves should do.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess that makes this soup irresistible; about 1 cup will suffice.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the soup; aim for around 2 cups for maximum cheesiness.
Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits add salty crunch on top; feel free to use store-bought or homemade!
Seasonings: Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika enhance all flavors; sprinkle generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Base Ingredients: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. The aroma will be irresistible!
Add Vegetables: Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the pot. Cook until everything is tender and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes—reveling in those beautiful colors.
Pour in Broth: Slowly pour in your chicken broth while stirring gently. Bring it to a simmer and let all those flavors mingle together for about 10 minutes.
Create Creamy Goodness: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. This step transforms your soup into velvety bliss!
Add Bacon and Season: Stir in crispy bacon bits along with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Allow it to simmer for another few minutes so all flavors blend beautifully.
Now you have an incredible pot of cheeseburger soup waiting to warm up your dinner table! Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Don’t forget to garnish each bowl with extra cheddar cheese or bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy every last drop of this delightful dish.
You Must Know
- Cheeseburger soup combines the comforting elements of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, hearty dish
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
- Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef in a large pot; then add veggies and broth for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add extra cheese for a gooey finish that everyone will love.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients
- Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allow flavors to meld beautifully over low heat
Creating cheeseburger soup for the first time was a revelation; my friends devoured it while I basked in their compliments.
FAQ
Can I use different meats in cheeseburger soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well and can reduce fat content.
What toppings should I add to my cheeseburger soup?
Top with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or extra cheese for added delight.
How can I thicken my cheeseburger soup?
Consider adding a cornstarch slurry or pureeing part of the soup for thickness.
Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon bits for added crunch. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a taste of summer, this cheeseburger soup will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it apart until fully cooked.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Mix in bacon bits along with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste; simmer for an additional few minutes.
- Serve hot with garnishes of extra cheese or bacon bits if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
