This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, this soup brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to make, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, this soup comes together swiftly.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef and cheese creates a deliciously rich taste that satisfies.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like bacon or green onions for a personal touch.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with potatoes and veggies, it’s perfect for those who want a filling meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making this easy cheeseburger soup recipe, 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
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities, which is crucial for flavor balance.
Ingredients
This incredible cheeseburger soup recipe will be your new go-to! It’s full of ground beef, veggies, and plenty of cheese. It’s everything you love about burgers in bowl form!
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup carrots, diced
- 3/4 cup celery, diced
- 3/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 cups Velveeta, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Onion rings, green onions, and crumbled bacon for toppings (optional)
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble it for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pot. Add the carrots, celery, onions, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir and sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the potatoes, cooked ground beef, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover it with a lid, and simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Make a Roux
In a separate small pan over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 3 to 5 minutes until bubbling. Stir this mixture into the soup and bring it back to a boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Milk
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Once the cheese melts completely, remove from heat. Stir in sour cream until well combined.
Step 6: Serve
Top your cheeseburger soup with onion rings, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Serving your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be just as fun as making it! This creamy, hearty soup pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavor and presentation.
Toppings
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, mild onion taste.
- Crumbled Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Bread Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for a deliciously buttery side that’s perfect for dipping.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for soaking up the creamy soup.
- Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks provide a fun way to enjoy every last drop.
Salad Options
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.
- Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw adds a crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
To make your Easy Cheeseburger Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting this dish.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions bring out more flavor compared to frozen options.
- Adjust Cheese Levels: Feel free to add more Velveeta cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy soup.
- Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors and make it even heartier.
- Season Well: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your taste preference.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Pairing sides with your Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips can add texture and make for a fun contrast with the creamy soup.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides freshness and balances out the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit alongside any soup!
- French Fries: Crispy French fries enhance that burger experience while adding extra comfort.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad offers a refreshing twist that pairs nicely with warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the meat browning step: Failing to fully cook and brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Always cook the beef until it’s no longer pink for better results.
- Not sautéing the vegetables long enough: If you don’t sauté your veggies adequately, they may remain crunchy. Aim for about 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender and flavorful.
- Ignoring cheese melting tips: Adding cheese too quickly can cause clumping. Gradually incorporate it into the soup on low heat for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Using low-quality broth: A weak or bland chicken broth will dilute your soup’s flavor. Opt for a high-quality broth or homemade stock for a richer taste.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting as you go is crucial. Under-seasoning can lead to a bland soup; always adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- 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 Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe pot, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe can be made ahead. It actually tastes better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
You can use cheddar cheese or any melty cheese as an alternative. Just shred it first for easier melting.
How do I customize my Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even different types of meat for variety.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prepping due to its ease of reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and customizable with various toppings or ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as is or tweak it to your liking, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Warm up with this Easy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, a delightful blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese that captures all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, providing a hearty and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. With its rich taste and customizable toppings, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Quick to prepare, flavorful, and family-friendly, this soup is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup diced carrots
- 3/4 cup diced celery
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 to 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Optional toppings: onion rings, green onions, crumbled bacon
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned; drain.
- Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in butter until tender.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Simmer until potatoes are cooked.
- Make a roux with remaining butter and flour; stir into soup.
- Add cheese and milk; stir until melted. Incorporate sour cream.
- Serve topped with your choice of optional ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
