Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food that brings together all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its rich blend of cheese, bacon, and hearty vegetables, this soup will surely become a family favorite for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, bacon, and ground beef creates a deliciously satisfying taste that everyone loves.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Hearty Meal: Packed with potatoes and veggies, this soup is filling enough to be a stand-alone meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors make it appealing to children and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key tools you’ll need for preparing Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A sturdy pot ensures even heat distribution for cooking the soup thoroughly.
- Kitchen shears: These make cutting bacon quick and easy, saving time in meal prep.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Soup 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
- 6 tablespoons flour
For the Broth and Creaminess
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Heartiness
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Seasoning and Optional Toppings
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pickles diced (optional)
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Use kitchen shears to cut it into small pieces before cooking. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set aside on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in the pot. Sauté chopped onions and diced celery for about 4–5 minutes until soft.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
Mix in minced garlic along with flour, cooking while stirring for about 2 minutes. This step helps eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until all flour lumps dissolve completely, creating a smooth mixture.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return cooked beef to the pot. Raise heat until boiling before reducing it to medium-low. Cover with a lid slightly ajar to maintain simmering.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Once potatoes are cooked through, turn off heat. 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 reserved bacon while reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Optionally mix in diced pickles or serve them on top as a garnish.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.
With Toppings
- Chopped Pickles: Add diced pickles on top for a tangy crunch that complements the flavors.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese on top right before serving for a melty finish.
- Bacon Bits: Garnish with additional crispy bacon pieces for added flavor and texture.
With Crusty Bread
- French Bread: Serve with slices of warm French bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread sticks for a savory side that adds richness.
As a Meal
- Side Salad: Offer a fresh garden salad on the side to balance the creamy soup.
- Cornbread: Enjoy with fluffy cornbread for a Southern twist that complements the soup’s flavors.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, gradually add extra chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to ensure even cooking and prevent burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for later use.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a tangy dressing that pairs well with rich flavors.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings color and nutrition to your table.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas offer cheesy goodness and make for great dippers in the soup.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the rich cheeseburger flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be an elegant appetizer that complements your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make small errors when preparing Easy Cheeseburger Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the bacon: The bacon adds a depth of flavor that is crucial for this soup. Always include it for that perfect cheeseburger taste.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you let the potatoes cook too long, they may become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness after 15 minutes.
- Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season at the end can leave your soup bland. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Using low-quality cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture in your Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
- Not whisking properly: When adding chicken broth, whisk continuously to avoid lumps from the flour. This ensures a smooth and creamy soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Ideal for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot; add broth if needed to thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Cheeseburger Soup that may help you when making this delicious dish.
Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I customize my Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
You can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños for spice, or even different types of cheese to suit your taste.
What can I serve with Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even fries for a complete meal.
How can I thicken my Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
If you want a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer or mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until desired thickness is achieved.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Made with rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender vegetables, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional soup. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone meal or alongside crusty bread, Easy Cheeseburger Soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot, draining excess fat afterwards.
- Sauté onion and celery in melted butter until soft.
- Add minced garlic and flour, stirring for about two minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and browned beef. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer with lid slightly ajar for about 15 minutes.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted; adjust thickness with more broth if needed.
- Stir in reserved bacon and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
