Easy Cheeseburger Soup

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of creamy goodness, tender vegetables, and savory ground beef. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or even chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup captures all the deliciousness of a classic cheeseburger in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and can be on your table in under an hour.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of beef, cheese, and veggies creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings or swap out cheeses to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty soup, making it great for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to enjoy later.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Easy Cheeseburger Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables, speeding up prep time.

Ingredients

This creamy and comforting cheeseburger soup is packed with ground beef, hearty vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in a warm, delicious bowl!

For the Soup Base

• ½ pound ground beef
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• ¾ cup carrots, diced
• ¾ cup celery, diced
• ¾ cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth

For Thickening and Creaminess

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 to 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

• Onion rings (optional)
• Green onions (optional)
• Crumbled bacon (optional)

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How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks.
2. Drain excess fat from the pot and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot:
1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add in chopped carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley.
3. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add to the pot:
1. The diced potatoes,
2. The cooked ground beef,
3. The chicken broth.

Bring everything to a boil:
1. Reduce heat,
2. Cover,
3. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a separate small pan:
1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in the flour; cook for 3-5 minutes until bubbling.
3. Mix this into the soup; bring to a boil for 2 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in Velveeta cheese cubes,
2. Whole milk,
3. Salt,
4. Black pepper.

Once cheese has melted:
1. Remove from heat,
2. Stir in sour cream until smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top your soup with optional garnishes like onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired! Serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of Easy Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal experience. You can customize the presentation and toppings to make this comforting dish even more enjoyable.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings add a delightful crunch and enhance the cheeseburger flavor.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh, mild onion taste that brightens up the soup.
• Crumbled Bacon: For a savory twist, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for added richness and texture.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping; it soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These are perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious soup.

Create a Meal Combo

• Salad: A light side salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Pickles: Serve alongside dill pickles to add a tangy contrast that complements the flavors.

How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your Easy Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables elevate the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Adjust Cheese Amount: Feel free to add more cheese for an extra creamy consistency that everyone will love.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Blend for Smoothness: If you like a smooth texture, use an immersion blender before adding cheese.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing sides with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Buttered and toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a nice contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
3. Coleslaw: This crunchy side provides a refreshing balance of flavors with its tangy dressing.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the savory notes in the soup perfectly.
5. Potato Chips: A side of crispy potato chips offers an easy and satisfying crunch.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies add nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid those pitfalls.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: If you cook the vegetables too long, they can become mushy. Sauté them just until tender for a perfect texture.
• Skipping the Cheese Addition: Forgetting to add cheese at the right time can lead to uneven melting. Stir it in after lowering the heat for a creamy finish.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning your soup can make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
• Ignoring the Thickening Process: If you skip the flour mixture, your soup may turn out too thin. Make sure to create a roux for optimal thickness.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using inferior ingredients can compromise taste. Choose fresh vegetables and good quality cheese for better flavor.
• Neglecting Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can spoil your leftovers quickly. Follow storage tips to keep the soup fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Easy Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup

• item Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• item It can be stored for up to 2 months; however, the texture may change slightly.

Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Easy Cheeseburger Soup different from regular soups?

Easy Cheeseburger Soup combines flavors of a cheeseburger with hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, creating a comforting meal.

Can I customize my Easy Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or swap Velveeta for other cheeses based on your preference.

How do I thicken my Easy Cheeseburger Soup?

To thicken your Easy Cheeseburger Soup, make a roux by cooking flour with butter before adding it to the rest of the soup mixture.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Easy Cheeseburger Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for customization. Whether you want extra veggies or different types of cheese, feel free to make it your own! Give this cozy dish a try; it’s perfect for any meal!

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