As the days grow cooler and we seek warmth and comfort, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to soothe the soul. Imagine capturing the essence of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, melted cheese, and satisfying potatoes—all in a creamy, indulgent soup. This Creamy Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup brings together all those beloved flavors into one delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, this soup is a meal in itself.
- Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, velvety broth loaded with melted cheese makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Combining familiar flavors in a new form, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this comforting soup ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
To create this delectable soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove the pot from heat and blend in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even diced pickles for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content can help you make informed choices. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various sides:
Crusty bread makes a perfect companion, allowing you to scoop up every creamy bite. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad balances the richness of the soup beautifully. Want to lean into the cheeseburger theme? Serve it with homemade fries for a fun and hearty meal. Garlic bread offers an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite even more irresistible.
Creative Variations
For those who love bacon, try a Bacon Cheeseburger Soup by adding crispy cooked bacon. If you’re watching carbs, swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a Low-Carb Version. If you enjoy some heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a Spicy Kick. For a more authentic cheeseburger feel, top your soup with lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of ketchup, creating a Loaded Cheeseburger Soup. If you’re vegetarian, swap the beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms for a Vegetarian Twist.
Best Occasions to Enjoy This Soup
This soup is ideal for a variety of occasions. It’s a cozy treat for Cold Winter Nights, offering warmth and comfort. It’s also great for Game Day Gatherings, where you can keep it warm in a slow cooker for guests to enjoy. Families will appreciate it for Family Dinners, especially kids who love cheeseburgers. Since it stores well, it’s perfect for Meal Prep, giving you an easy, delicious meal throughout the week. And for potlucks, this soup is a Crowd-Pleaser that’s simple to transport and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best results, avoid these common pitfalls. Overcooking the Potatoes can make them mushy, so check them regularly. Always use High-Quality Cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that affect melting. Don’t skip the Roux, as it helps thicken the soup and creates a silky texture. Proper Seasoning is key—adjust the salt and spices to taste. Lastly, Reheating Too Quickly can make the cheese grainy, so warm the soup slowly over low heat.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on them to maintain their texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Use Heavy Cream: For an ultra-rich and creamy soup, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but dairy-based soups may slightly separate when reheated. Stir well after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup, this recipe is for you. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, this Creamy Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, savory goodness!
Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe and how it turned out!
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Creamy Cheesy Cheeseburger Soup: A Comforting Delight
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove the pot from heat and blend in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even diced pickles for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
