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, and incredibly flavorful soup brings all the deliciousness of a classic cheeseburger straight to your spoon. Have you ever craved a cheeseburger on a chilly evening but didn’t want the fuss? That’s where this recipe shines!

While the exact origins of Cheeseburger Soup are a bit hazy, it’s widely believed to have emerged as a clever way to enjoy the iconic American flavor combination in a more convenient and comforting format. Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger, reimagined as a hearty soup. It captures the essence of that beloved burger – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheese, the hint of mustard and ketchup – all simmered together in a rich, creamy broth.

People absolutely adore this soup for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. It’s the perfect weeknight meal because it’s quick to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture, combined with the savory beef and cheesy goodness, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies! So, get ready to experience the magic of a cheeseburger in a bowl – you won’t be disappointed!

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)
• 1 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, chopped 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. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. I like to use a leaner ground beef to minimize the amount of grease I need to drain later.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial to prevent the soup from becoming overly greasy. Nobody wants that!
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma should be amazing at this point! Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish, so keep a close eye on it.

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). The liquid from the tomatoes adds extra flavor, so don’t drain them!
2. Stir in the shredded carrots, diced celery, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. These ingredients will build the foundation of the soup’s flavor profile. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth that really elevates the dish.
3. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are cut into relatively uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Nobody wants some potatoes to be mushy while others are still hard!
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 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

1. Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the creamy, cheesy elements that make this soup a true cheeseburger experience.
2. Reduce the heat to low.
3. Stir in the milk and softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is softened beforehand to prevent it from clumping up in the soup. I usually leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before I start cooking.
4. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes, so be patient.
5. Remove the pot from the heat.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and incorporated. Again, make sure the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Serving and Toppings

1. Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls.
2. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. These toppings really take the soup to the next level and make it feel like a complete cheeseburger experience.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips and Variations

Spice it Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier flavor.

Add Some Veggies!

Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as corn, peas, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.

Make it Healthier!

To make the soup healthier, use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef. You can also use skim milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese.

Use Different Cheeses!

Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor.

Add Pickles!

For a truly authentic cheeseburger experience, add some chopped dill pickles to the soup or as a topping. Trust me, it’s delicious!

Make it in a Slow Cooker!

This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. 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.

Make it Gluten-Free!

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Make it Dairy-Free!

To make this soup dairy-free, use plant-based milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese alternatives. There are many great dairy-free options available these days!

Freezing Instructions

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great on its own as a hearty and comforting lunch or dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

This cheeseburger soup recipe works because it captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm and comforting soup. The combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love. The addition of smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor that sets this soup apart from other cheeseburger soup recipes. And the optional toppings allow you to customize the soup to your own personal preferences.

Troubleshooting

Soup is too thick:

Add more beef broth or milk to thin it out.

Soup is too thin:

Simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.

Soup is not cheesy enough:

Add more shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add a little bit of Velveeta cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.

Soup is bland:

Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra umami flavor.

Cheese is not melting smoothly:

Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup. Also, be sure to stir the soup constantly while the cheese is melting.

Conclusion:

This Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and trust me, you absolutely need it in your life. We’ve taken all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger – the savory ground beef, the tangy cheese, the hint of mustard and ketchup – and transformed them into a creamy, satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest eaters. What makes this soup a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy broth is rich and decadent, while the ground beef adds a hearty, savory element. The cheese melts beautifully into the soup, creating a gooey, cheesy goodness that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Serving Suggestions & Variations: Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Craving a little more texture? Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits, crunchy croutons, or even some crumbled tortilla chips. For a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also add more vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers, for extra nutrients and flavor. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve this amazing Cheeseburger Soup: * Classic Style: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. * Bacon Lover’s Dream: Add crispy bacon bits, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. * Spicy Fiesta: Top with diced jalapeños, a dollop of guacamole, and a sprinkle of cilantro. * Pizza-Burger Fusion: Add pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. * For the Kids: Serve with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination of toppings and variations. The possibilities are endless! I truly believe that this Cheeseburger Soup will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Let’s spread the Cheeseburger Soup love! Happy cooking!

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