Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful soup combines the rich flavors of cheeseburgers with creamy broth, making it an instant favorite among family and friends. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a casual gathering, this easy-to-make recipe will warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in under an hour.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a deliciously savory taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite toppings like pickles or adjusting the spice level to your liking.
- Comforting and Filling: This soup is not only tasty but also hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Easy Cheeseburger Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather all the essential tools before starting. Having the right equipment will help you create the best Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A large pot is crucial for cooking the soup evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Kitchen shears: These make cutting bacon quick and easy, saving you time during prep.
Ingredients
For the Soup 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
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Added Flavor
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup pickles diced (optional)
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat and place beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt butter in the pot. Sauté onion and celery for 4-5 minutes until they soften.
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic and Flour
Mix in minced garlic and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Whisk in Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until fully dissolved. Ensure that the mixture is smooth without lumps.
Step 6: Add Cream, Worcestershire Sauce, and Potatoes
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return cooked beef to the pot. Increase heat to high until boiling, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer
Simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Turn off heat; gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If too thick, add more chicken broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the reserved bacon, keeping some for garnish. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Consider adding chopped pickles as a topping if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be a delightful experience for your family or guests. This comforting dish pairs well with various sides and toppings, enhancing its flavor and presentation.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: A tangy sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a pop of flavor and a crunchy texture to each bite.
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
- Diced Pickles: Adding pickles as a topping gives a tangy crunch that complements the cheeseburger taste.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup with its lightness.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To achieve the best version of Easy Cheeseburger Soup, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook Potatoes Well: Ensure that potatoes are diced small so they cook evenly and quickly in the soup.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack can add depth to the flavor.
- Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishing with bacon bits or fresh herbs; they elevate both flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Knots: These buttery, garlicky knots are perfect for sopping up every last drop of soup.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw brings crunch and tanginess that contrast nicely with the creamy soup.
- Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips offer a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth texture of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of cheeseburger soup.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: For those who like heat, stuffed jalapeños add spice and flavor alongside your cozy bowl of soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition while being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect your soup’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the bacon crisping step – Not cooking the bacon until crispy can result in a greasy soup. Always allow it to become crispy for the best flavor.
- Not browning the beef properly – If you don’t brown the ground beef well, it may lack depth of flavor. Take your time to ensure it’s well-cooked and nicely caramelized.
- Ignoring potato size consistency – Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Rushing the simmering process – If you rush this step, the flavors won’t meld together, and the potatoes might be undercooked. Allow enough time for a good simmer.
- Failing to adjust thickness – The soup may turn out too thick for your liking. Remember to add extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Easy Cheeseburger Soup so comforting?
Easy Cheeseburger Soup combines familiar flavors with creamy texture, offering warmth and satisfaction on chilly days.
Can I customize my Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition or use different cheeses for varying flavors.
How long does Easy Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?
You can store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days after cooking.
Is Easy Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
This recipe includes flour; however, you can easily substitute with a gluten-free option if needed.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights and casual gatherings, combining rich ingredients like crispy bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese with a velvety broth. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers endless customization options with toppings like pickles and green onions. In under an hour, you can serve a satisfying dish that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate, leaving fat in the pot.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot; drain excess fat.
- Melt butter, then sauté onion and celery for 4-5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return cooked beef to the pot; bring to a boil then reduce heat.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Turn off heat; mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Stir in reserved bacon bits and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
