Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual family dinner, this soup delivers rich flavors that evoke the classic cheeseburger experience in every spoonful. With its creamy texture and delightful toppings, Easy Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a robust taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with optional toppings like pickles or extra bacon for added crunch and flavor.
- Comfort Food: A warm bowl of this soup is ideal for cold days, providing warmth and satisfaction with each bite.
- Feeds a Crowd: With six servings per recipe, it’s great for family gatherings or meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking Easy Cheeseburger Soup, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen shears
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space to stir ingredients without spilling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Kitchen shears: Makes cutting bacon into small pieces quick and easy, saving time during prep.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Cheeseburger Soup:
- 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
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 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
Cook the bacon pieces in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat while leaving the grease in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat using paper towels before setting aside on another plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt butter in the pot. Add diced onion and celery, sautéing them for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic and Flour
Mix in minced garlic followed by flour. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until raw flour taste disappears.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until flour fully dissolves into a smooth mixture without lumps.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced Yukon potatoes, and return browned beef to the pot. Bring everything to a boil over high heat before reducing it to medium-low. Cover with a lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer Until Done
Let the soup simmer for around 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to keep ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Turn off heat. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If you find the soup too thick, feel free to add more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the cooked bacon while reserving some for garnish. Taste your soup before seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also mix chopped pickles into the soup or use them as a topping when serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious dish that your family and friends will love.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. A baguette or sourdough loaf works great to soak up the rich flavors.
Topped with Extra Cheddar
- For cheese lovers, add a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar on top just before serving. It melts beautifully and enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
Garnished with Bacon Bits
- Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and a smoky flavor. This garnish makes each bowl visually appealing.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but also adds to the meal’s heartiness.
Accompanied by Pickles
- Offer diced pickles on the side or as a topping. They provide a tangy contrast that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
With a Side Salad
- Pair the soup with a fresh garden salad. A light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the cheeseburger soup.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meats enhance flavor and texture. Always choose fresh produce for the best taste.
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Adjust Thickness: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
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Stir Frequently: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot. This helps maintain an even cooking process.
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Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld flavors together. Aim for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.
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Season Generously: Taste throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Seasoning at different stages maximizes flavor depth.
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Serve Hot: Serve your soup hot for the best experience. Garnish right before serving for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing sides with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your meal further. Here are some fantastic options that complement this hearty dish well.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that’s perfect for dipping into your soup.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich cheeseburger flavors.
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Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips bring an enjoyable texture alongside your creamy soup.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Warm grilled cheese sandwiches are always a favorite pairing with any soup, adding extra comfort.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers refreshing crunchiness that balances out the richness of the soup.
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Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement savory dishes perfectly and add an inviting sweetness to your meal.
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Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots add nutrition without overpowering flavors.
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Stuffed Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, stuffed jalapeños provide a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with creamy soups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Bacon: If you cook the bacon too long, it can become burnt and lose its flavor. Aim for crispy but not charred bacon for the best taste.
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef well can lead to a bland soup. Take your time to break it apart and let it get nice and brown for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Neglecting to sauté onions and celery can result in a lack of depth in the soup’s flavor. Always take time to sauté these ingredients until they are soft.
- Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, you might forget to add more broth or cream. Always check the consistency and adjust as needed for a creamy texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or even Worcestershire sauce before serving for a balanced flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easy Cheeseburger Soup in airtight containers.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Cheeseburger Soup that may help you as you prepare this comforting dish.
How can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef. Additionally, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.
Can I customize the toppings for Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to top it with sour cream, chopped green onions, or additional pickles based on your preference.
What kind of cheese is best for Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal due to its strong flavor. However, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella if desired.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors that appeal to everyone. It’s perfect for chilly days and can be customized with various toppings or substitutions. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a warm and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a comforting bowl of goodness. This creamy soup combines crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese for an irresistible flavor that your family will love. Perfect for chilly evenings or laid-back family dinners, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows for endless customization with your favorite toppings. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 5 slices of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 sticks diced celery
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat and set aside.
- Melt butter in the pot, then sauté the onion and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and flour; cook for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Whisk in chicken broth until combined, then stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and browned beef.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover slightly ajar, and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in most of the bacon (reserve some for garnish) and season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
