Cheeseburger Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheeseburger Soup, a hearty and delicious dish that brings together all the classic elements of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup form. Loaded with crispy bacon, tender ground beef, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something satisfying.

With a rich cheddar cheese finish, this soup is sure to please the whole family, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy dinner. Enjoy a bowlful of comfort with every spoonful!

Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

4 slices smoked bacon

1 lb lean ground beef

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

2 carrots grated

2 Yukon Gold potatoes diced

⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

2 cloves garlic minced

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. Halfway through the browning process add the ground beef. Cook until browned breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease. Move the browned meat to a plate.

Turn heat to medium low; add butter. Add onions, celery, carrots and potatoes; cook until the onions and celery start to soften. Add dried thyme, onion powder, basil, oregano, parsley and garlic. Continue cooking 1 minute; stirring constantly.

Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat; cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Add chicken broth and milk; alternating between the two. Simmer until potatoes are tender.

Add cooked beef and bacon back to the pot warming for 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar; stirring until melted. Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy !

Notes:

Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen it if needed.

Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the cheese. Add the cheese after thawing and reheating for the best texture.

Customization: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to boost nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute other types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different taste.

Spice Level: For a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the simmering phase.

Bacon Substitutes: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey bacon instead of smoked bacon in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for smoked bacon if you prefer a leaner option.

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to drain excess grease after browning the bacon and ground beef?

Yes, it’s recommended to drain any excess grease after browning the bacon and ground beef to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content?

Yes, you can use skim milk as a lower-fat alternative.

However, keep in mind that using whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the chowder.

Can I omit the flour to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative to make the recipe gluten-free.

The flour is used to thicken the chowder, but it’s not essential for flavor.

Can I customize the vegetables used in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

You can add or substitute vegetables such as peas, corn, bell peppers, or spinach to suit your taste.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this chowder ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this chowder for later use?

Yes, this chowder freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I serve as a side dish with this chowder?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad pair well with this hearty chowder.

Can I use different types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to add variety to the flavor.

How can I adjust the thickness of the chowder?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can increase the amount of flour used for thickening.

Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can decrease the amount of flour or add more broth.

Can I add other vegetables to this chowder?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as corn, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutritional content.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe available?

Yes, you can make a lighter version of this chowder by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, reducing the amount of butter and cheese, and using low-fat milk or a milk alternative.