Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth of a hearty soup. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights and gatherings, delivering rich flavor in every spoonful. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this soup comes together effortlessly.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar creates a deliciously creamy base that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup with different toppings like pickles or extra cheese for added flair.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with potatoes and protein, this dish makes for a satisfying meal on its own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a game day treat, this soup fits any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Easy Cheeseburger Soup, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking while allowing enough space to combine all ingredients efficiently.
- Kitchen shears: These make cutting bacon quick and easy without the mess of a knife.
- Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables safely.
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
For the Liquid Components
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Hearty Elements
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Seasoning & Optional Ingredients
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 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 until browned, breaking it apart as you go. Drain excess fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in the pot. Sauté the onion and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Flour
Mix in the minced garlic and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes while stirring to remove any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Whisk in Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps from the flour.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and return browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover slightly with a lid.
Step 7: Simmer
Let simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Incorporate Cheddar Cheese
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If too thick, add more broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir in most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish). Season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with optional pickles on top or mixed in.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to your taste. Whether you prefer it topped with crispy bacon or served with a side of crusty bread, there are plenty of ways to enhance this comforting dish.
Toppings
- Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle extra bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Diced Pickles: Add a tangy kick with diced pickles, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the soup.
- Salad: A light garden salad can balance the hearty soup and add freshness.
- Cheddar Cheese Toasts: Make cheesy toast by broiling slices of bread topped with cheddar for an indulgent side.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To achieve the best results when making Easy Cheeseburger Soup, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat will enhance the flavors in your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer will meld the flavors beautifully; don’t rush this step!
- Taste as You Go: Season throughout cooking to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Mix Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like mozzarella for extra creaminess alongside sharp cheddar.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the soup hot right off the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing Easy Cheeseburger Soup with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Bread: This buttery delight is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine and savory dressing for contrast.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and fresh flavors that balance the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a hearty, comforting option alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies make for a nutritious and colorful plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are fun to dip into the cheeseburger goodness of your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be a breeze, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the bacon fat: Not using the leftover bacon fat can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to sauté your vegetables in the fat left in the pot for extra taste.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes for too long, they can turn mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness after about 15 minutes of simmering.
- Not whisking properly: Failing to whisk the flour into the broth thoroughly can cause lumps. Gradually add the broth while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your cheeseburger soup bland. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like pickles or reserved bacon add flavor and texture. Don’t skip these finishing touches; they enhance both presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil, heating for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Cheeseburger Soup that might help you out.
Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option.
What should I serve with Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers of Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Cheeseburger Soup is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings like additional cheese or crispy bacon bits. Enjoy this cozy meal that surely warms hearts and tummies alike!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, blending the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty and creamy soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a bowl of rich, savory goodness that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Customize it with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or tangy pickles for an added twist.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy in a soup pot. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and celery in the bacon fat until softened.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and browned beef; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mix in cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon and optional pickles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
