Cheeseburger soup is a cozy and tasty dish that combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors into a warm bowl. It’s full of ground beef, cheese, and yummy veggies!
This soup is perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty. I love serving it with crunchy bread on the side to soak up every delicious drop. 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to reduce fat but still get a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Bacon: Bacon adds a great smoky flavor, but you can skip it or use turkey bacon for a lighter choice. Coconut bacon or mushrooms can be a fun vegetarian alternative!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different twist. Dairy-free cheese options are available for lactose intolerance.
Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots create a nice base. You can use frozen mixed vegetables if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How Do I Get the Soup to Thicken Well?
Thickening the soup is a key step for a creamy texture. Using flour and milk helps create that satisfying consistency. Here’s how you can do it:
- Whisk the flour with the milk until smooth to prevent lumps when adding it to the soup.
- Stir the milk mixture into the soup gradually, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid scorching, and stir until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Your soup will be creamy and delicious in no time! Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings along the way to match your flavor preferences.
Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheeseburger Soup recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll have a delicious bowl of soup ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden. Once done, take the bacon out and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the tasty bacon fat in the pot as it adds amazing flavor!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot with the leftover bacon fat. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain some of it off. We want it tasty, not greasy!
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they start to get tender. The smell will be fantastic!
4. Potatoes and Broth Time:
Stir in your diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 12-15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Thickening Mix:
While the soup is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the flour and milk until it’s nice and smooth. This will help thicken your soup without any lumps!
6. Thicken the Soup:
Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Keep cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens up nicely. Yum!
7. Add Creaminess!
Time for the fun part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and delicious.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and feel free to adjust the seasonings if needed. Make it just right for your taste buds!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with crispy bacon pieces and sliced green onions on top for that extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your comforting Cheeseburger Soup!
This warm and hearty soup is perfect for cozy nights in. Enjoy every spoonful! 🥣
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just be mindful that it may result in a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make this Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix equal parts of cornstarch and water to thicken the soup towards the end of the cooking process.
Can I Freeze the Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cream or coconut yogurt!
