Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or anytime you crave something warm and hearty. This soup combines the rich flavors of cheeseburgers with creamy goodness, making it an instant hit. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, ensuring it suits everyone’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, Easy Cheeseburger Soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, beef, and cheddar cheese creates a deliciously savory dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Comforting Meal: Ideal for cold days, this soup warms you from the inside out.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup serves as a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment ensures that each step is efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen shears
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for combining all the ingredients and allowing the soup to simmer evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while breaking up ground beef.
- Kitchen shears: Makes cutting bacon easy and quick without messy knife work.
Ingredients
For the 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
For Thickening & Flavor
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Texture & Toppings
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 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, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add 1 lb of ground beef to the same pot. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain off excess fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the pot. Add diced onion and celery; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour & Garlic
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic and 6 tablespoons flour. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Add Broth
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth until the flour fully dissolves and forms a smooth mixture.
Step 6: Combine Cream & Potatoes
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return cooked beef to the pot. Increase heat to high until boiling; then reduce to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Cover with lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and desired thickness is reached. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Mix in Cheese
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If too thick, add more chicken broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the cooked bacon while reserving some for garnish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally add chopped pickles or use them as toppings when serving.
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy every warm bowlful filled with flavor!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Toppings
- Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle some extra crispy bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Diced Pickles: Add a tangy kick with diced pickles that enhance the cheeseburger theme.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm bread rolls for dipping into the rich soup.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds an aromatic touch and complements the flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic combo, grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for a cozy meal.
Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides texture and a bit of sweetness to your meal.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To make your Easy Cheeseburger Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meats enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for unique flavors in your soup.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are easy to prepare and deliciously complement the soup.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the hearty soup with crisp veggies.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic comfort food that pairs well with cheeseburgers in any form!
- Potato Chips: Serve crunchy potato chips on the side for an easy snack-like addition to your meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring warmth and sweetness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Spicy stuffed jalapeños can add excitement to your table, making it perfect for spice lovers.
- Macaroni Salad: This creamy salad offers a delightful contrast in texture while keeping things casual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Ignoring the bacon fat: Leaving the bacon fat in the pot is essential for flavor. Make sure not to drain it before cooking your ground beef.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes while simmering. If they’re overcooked, they’ll turn mushy and alter the soup’s texture.
- Not whisking properly: When adding chicken broth, whisk gradually to avoid lumps from flour. Take your time for a smooth consistency.
- Using low-quality cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Forgetting to taste: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot. This method is quick but may heat unevenly.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through. Add liquid if necessary to adjust thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some helpful information regarding Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer a leaner option or want a vegetarian version of this recipe.
How do I thicken Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
If your soup is too thin, simmer it longer without a lid. Alternatively, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms you up on chilly days. It’s versatile; you can customize it with additional toppings like pickles or different cheeses. Try making this comforting dish today and enjoy its deliciousness!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a heartwarming twist on a classic favorite, perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings. This delicious soup marries the rich flavors of cheeseburgers with creamy goodness, resulting in a comforting dish that is easy to prepare and customize. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s not just hearty but also satisfying, making it a go-to option for quick weeknight meals or chilly days. With crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese, every bowlful is bursting with flavor and warmth. Dive into this delightful recipe and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon and leave the fat.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot, drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until soft.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
- Mix in heavy cream, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and return beef to pot; bring to boil then simmer covered until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and reserved bacon; season with salt and pepper.
- 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: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
