Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty soup. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The creamy texture, savory bacon, and melted cheddar cheese make this soup unique and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it an excellent option for weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Easy Cheeseburger Soup comes together in just about 55 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Packed: With the combination of beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese, each spoonful bursts with delicious flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this soup with your favorite toppings or add vegetables you have on hand.
- Comforting and Hearty: It’s a warm hug in a bowl—ideal for chilly nights or anytime you need some comfort food.
- Family Friendly: Kids love cheeseburgers, so they’ll surely enjoy this fun twist on their favorite meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all the ingredients without overcrowding.
- Kitchen shears: These are perfect for cutting bacon quickly and safely, saving time during prep.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while breaking up the ground beef.
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
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
For the Finishing Touches
- 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 in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Use kitchen shears to cut it into small pieces beforehand. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 lb of ground beef to the same pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned. Afterward, drain excess fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt 1/4 cup butter in the same pot. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 sticks of diced celery. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic along with 6 tablespoons of flour. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth until fully dissolved and smooth.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and diced Yukon potatoes. Return the browned beef to the pot. Increase heat to high until boiling; then lower heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If too thick, adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the cooked bacon but reserve some for garnish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. You may also add chopped pickles or use them as a topping when serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Toppings
- Crispy bacon bits: Sprinkle some extra crispy bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Diced pickles: Add a tangy crunch that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It soaks up the soup beautifully.
- Garlic bread: A buttery garlic bread side enhances the meal with its rich, savory taste.
Salad Options
- Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and crispness to balance the richness of the soup.
- Coleslaw: A light coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup is truly perfect, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality beef enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, try adding different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavors.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to ensure balanced seasoning throughout.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can take your meal to the next level. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic knots: Soft, buttery knots seasoned with garlic make a fantastic addition to soak up the soup.
- Potato wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty complement to the cheeseburger flavors.
- Cornbread muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for balancing out the savory notes of the soup.
- Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and bright color to your plate.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast and cleanses your palate between bites.
- Cheesy quesadillas: Quick and easy cheesy quesadillas make an enjoyable accompaniment that kids especially love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Easy Cheeseburger Soup, steer clear of these common mistakes that can impact your dish.
- Undercooking the bacon – Ensure the bacon is crispy before removing it. This adds flavor and texture to the soup.
- Skipping the browning step for beef – Not browning the ground beef properly can result in a less flavorful soup. Always brown it well for depth of flavor.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking potatoes – Keep an eye on your potatoes while simmering. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and affect the overall texture.
- Not using enough cheese – For that cheesy goodness, be generous with cheddar cheese. It’s essential for achieving a delicious cheeseburger flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
- Stovetop – Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Cheeseburger Soup that might help you get the most out of this recipe.
Can I use other types of cheese in Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with gouda or mozzarella for a different taste.
How do I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup healthier?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and use low-fat cream to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
What can I serve with Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even some homemade croutons on top!
Can I add vegetables to Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of comfort and flavor, transforming the classic cheeseburger into a warm, hearty soup. This creamy dish is loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, making it an instant favorite for both families and gatherings. Perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights, this easy-to-make recipe brings all the savory flavors of a traditional cheeseburger to your bowl. Customize with your favorite toppings for added flair or enjoy it as is for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate, leaving fat in the pot.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot; drain excess fat.
- Melt butter, add onion and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return beef to pot. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and reserved bacon bits; 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: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
