Best Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup form. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe features ground beef, diced potatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a rich broth.
The addition of Velveeta cheese creates a smooth and cheesy texture that makes each spoonful feel indulgent and satisfying. Quick and easy to prepare, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Serve it with crusty bread or garlic cheese bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Cheeseburger Soup is bound to be a favorite for several delicious reasons, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here’s why people will love this recipe:
Comforting and Hearty Flavor
The combination of ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, and savory vegetables creates a warm and satisfying dish reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make this soup a comforting choice, especially on cold days.
Easy to Prepare
With straightforward ingredients and simple preparation steps, this recipe is easy to make for cooks of all skill levels. It comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritious and Filling
Packed with protein from the ground beef and plenty of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, this soup offers a balanced meal that is both nutritious and filling. It provides essential vitamins and minerals while being hearty enough to satisfy hunger.
Family-Friendly Appeal
The familiar flavors of cheeseburgers combined in a soup make it appealing to both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for family dinners, as it’s likely to please picky eaters and those who enjoy classic comfort foods.
Versatile Serving Options
Cheeseburger Soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic cheese bread, or even over a bed of rice for added texture and flavor. You can also customize it with toppings like chopped parsley, extra cheese, or croutons for a personalized touch.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The primary protein source in the soup, providing rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture that forms the base of the dish.
Velveeta Cheese: This processed cheese melts smoothly, creating a creamy and indulgent texture that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Potatoes: Peeled and diced, potatoes add bulk and heartiness to the soup, making it filling and satisfying.
Carrots and Celery: These chopped vegetables contribute a fresh crunch and natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor, enhancing the savory profile of the soup and providing a fragrant base.
Beef Broth: This ingredient serves as the liquid base for the soup, infusing it with savory flavor and helping to meld all the ingredients together.
Seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, basil, onion powder): These spices elevate the flavor profile, adding complexity and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or other meat
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
½ cup onion, diced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon basil
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup sour cream
1 ¼ cups milk
2 to 4 cups Velveeta cheese, diced small
3 cups beef broth
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
Incorporate the chopped carrots, onions, diced potatoes, and spices into the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Sauté the vegetable mixture for approximately 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 4: Combine Liquids and Cheese
In a Dutch oven, combine the beef broth, milk, sour cream, and cubed Velveeta cheese.
Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Once the cheese is nearly melted, add the sautéed vegetables back into the pot.
Incorporate the cooked ground beef and stir until everything is well mixed.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic cheese bread on the side.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Choosing the Right Meat:
Ground beef is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a little extra fat (like olive oil) to maintain richness.
Browning the Meat:
Ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding the vegetables. This step enhances the flavor of the soup through the Maillard reaction, which adds depth and richness.
Cooking the Vegetables:
When sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery, cook until they are softened but not mushy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to enhance their flavors while keeping some texture.
Adjusting Thickness:
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after they have cooked to create a creamier consistency. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the soup if desired.
Flavor Adjustments:
Feel free to customize the seasonings based on your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor or adjust the amount of garlic and onion to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a side salad for a complete meal. Toppings like shredded cheese, croutons, or chopped green onions can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 350 | Protein: 20 grams | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: 10 grams | Cholesterol: 60 milligrams | Carbohydrates: 25 grams | Dietary Fiber: 2 grams | Sugars: 4 grams | Sodium: 600 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of meat, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after they have cooked to create a creamier texture.
Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the soup if desired.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I serve with this soup?
Cheeseburger Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
You can also serve it with toppings such as shredded cheese, croutons, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well!
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if it has thickened during freezing.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones!
Fresh carrots, celery, and onions will add great flavor and texture to the soup.
Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I prevent the ground beef from becoming greasy?
To prevent the ground beef from becoming greasy, you can use lean ground beef (such as 90% lean or higher).
Additionally, make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat before adding it to the soup.
This will help keep the soup from being overly greasy.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tofu.
You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or beans to enhance the flavor and texture.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the broth, milk, and seasonings.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add the cheese towards the end of the cooking time.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.