Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings comfort to any table. This creamy soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a bowl of soup, making it perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and rich cheddar cheese creates a fantastic flavor profile that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 55 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: With its rich creamy base and savory ingredients, this soup captures all the joys of a cheeseburger in every spoonful.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will find something to love about this comforting dish.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking Easy Cheeseburger Soup even simpler. Gather these essential items before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spills while stirring.
- Kitchen shears: They make cutting bacon quick and easy, saving time during prep.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
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 and Flavor
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Texture and Taste
- 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 they are crispy, which will take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add 1 lb of ground beef to the same pot. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Afterward, drain excess fat and place the beef on another plate lined with paper towels.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the pot. Once melted, add diced onion and celery. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Combine Garlic and Flour
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic along with 6 tablespoons of flour. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth until fully dissolved. The mixture should be smooth at this point.
Step 6: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced Yukon potatoes, and return the browned beef to the pot. Increase heat until boiling then lower it back down to medium-low. Cover with a lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer
Let the soup 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 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. If it’s too thick, adjust consistency with more chicken broth or cream.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most cooked bacon while reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also mix chopped pickles into the soup or use them as a topping when serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Serving it creatively can enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.
Toppings
- Extra Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle additional sharp cheddar on top for an extra cheesy delight.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Garnish with reserved bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- Diced Pickles: Add chopped pickles for a tangy contrast that complements the soup’s richness.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a tasty, dippable option.
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad adds a light, crisp balance to the hearty soup.
Drinks
- Cold Beer: The richness of cheeseburger soup pairs wonderfully with a cold beer.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea can complement the flavors nicely.
- Lemonade: Sweet and tangy lemonade offers a bright contrast to the creamy soup.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To achieve the best version of Easy Cheeseburger Soup, consider these tips that elevate flavor and texture.
- Seasoning: Always season your ingredients well, especially the beef, for maximum flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese make a significant difference in taste.
- Adjust Thickness Wisely: If the soup is too thick, gradually add chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook Bacon Crisply: Ensure your bacon is crispy before adding it back into the soup; this adds texture and enhances flavor.
- Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld the flavors without overcooking the potatoes.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that will complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Slices of buttery garlic bread are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness alongside creamy soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to savory cheeseburger soup.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing balance to the hearty nature of the dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are ideal for scooping up every last drop of delicious soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the Bacon Fat: Many people drain the bacon fat completely. This fat adds flavor to the soup, so keep it in the pot for richer taste.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness around 15 minutes.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese can become gritty when melted. Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar for a smooth and creamy finish.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Always taste your soup before serving. A bit of salt and pepper can enhance flavors significantly. Don’t skip this step!
- Ignoring Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or cream gradually. Adjusting consistency makes a big difference in texture.
- Serving Without Toppings: Toppings like bacon bits or pickles add crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to garnish your soup for added appeal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best eaten within 3-4 days.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers.
- Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Easy Cheeseburger Soup, check out these commonly asked questions.
What is Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy and hearty dish that combines ground beef, cheese, and vegetables into a comforting meal perfect for any day.
Can I customize Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours. You could even switch up the cheese for different flavors.
How do I thicken Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
To thicken your soup, allow it to simmer longer, or add more flour mixed with broth as needed. Adjusting cream can also help achieve the right consistency.
Is Easy Cheeseburger Soup suitable for freezing?
Yes! It freezes well when stored properly in airtight containers, making it great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup offers warmth and comfort any time of year. Its creamy texture combined with savory flavors makes it truly delightful. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or ingredients to match your taste preferences!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting blend of your favorite cheeseburger flavors in a creamy, hearty soup. This delightful dish combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and rich cheddar cheese for a warm meal that’s perfect on chilly days or during casual gatherings. In just under an hour, you can whip up this family-friendly recipe that promises to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it at a casual dinner party, Easy Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy; set aside.
- In the same pot, brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Melt butter and sauté onion and celery until softened.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and browned beef; bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Off the heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted; 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: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
