Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that brings the comfort of a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines savory flavors with creamy textures, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on any occasion, from weeknight dinners to game day feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup by adding your favorite toppings or sides, like pickles or crusty bread.
- Comfort Food: This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
- Feeding a Crowd: Easily serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Easy Cheeseburger Soup requires a few essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures you can create this satisfying dish without any hiccups.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and accommodating the soup’s volume.
- Kitchen shears: Perfect for cutting bacon quickly and easily, saving time during prep.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without damaging your pot’s surface while breaking up ground beef.
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 Thickening Agent
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Flavor and Texture
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup pickles diced (optional)
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Use kitchen shears to quickly cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook it in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess fat and place the cooked beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in the pot used for cooking bacon and beef. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until soft.
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic and Flour
Mix in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until flour is fully dissolved. Ensure that the mixture is smooth before moving on.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return browned beef to the pot. Increase heat to high to bring soup to a boil; then lower heat to medium-low for simmering. Cover with lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Final Touches
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If too thick, add more chicken broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Stir in most of the cooked bacon (reserving some for garnish). Season with salt and pepper as desired. Optionally mix in chopped pickles or use them as a topping when serving.
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal. This rich and creamy soup can be paired with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.
With Toppings
- Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: A handful of sharp cheddar cheese makes each bowl even creamier.
- Chopped Pickles: Add diced pickles for a tangy contrast that complements the cheeseburger flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
With Bread
- Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread sticks for a flavorful side that complements the soup well.
As a Meal
- Salad Side: A simple green salad can provide freshness and balance the richness of the soup.
- Vegetable Sticks: Offer crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a healthy touch.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Perfecting Easy Cheeseburger Soup involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality beef enhance overall flavor and texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently to ensure even cooking of potatoes without them falling apart.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving; adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Chewy and buttery, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked until crispy, they echo the potato in the soup.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.
- Corn Muffins: Sweet corn muffins are great for soaking up every last drop of soup.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These hearty peppers filled with rice, meat, and spices make for a filling side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple errors when preparing Easy Cheeseburger Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the bacon crisping step: Not cooking the bacon until crispy can result in a soup lacking depth of flavor. Always take the time to render the fat and achieve that crispy texture.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you let the potatoes cook too long, they can become mushy and fall apart. Keep an eye on them, aiming for tender but intact pieces.
- Not seasoning adequately: Failing to taste and season the soup can lead to a bland dish. Remember to add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, tasting as you go.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well or provide the rich flavor you desire. Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar for the best results.
- Rushing the simmering phase: Skipping or hurrying through the simmering step can prevent flavors from fully developing. Allow at least 15 minutes for a proper simmer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it is cooled completely before freezing.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
How can I customize Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I make Easy Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
What toppings go well with Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Consider garnishing with pickles, additional shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon on top for added texture and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and omit bacon while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Give it a try today!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting blend that captures the essence of cheeseburgers in a warm, creamy bowl. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. With rich flavors from crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese, it offers a satisfying meal in no time. Plus, its customizable nature allows you to add your favorite toppings or sides—making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep plus simmering time, Easy Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your household.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 sticks diced celery
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Brown the ground beef in the same pot, then drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté onion and celery in the rendered bacon fat for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and cooked beef back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cheese until melted; adjust thickness with additional broth if necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving—top with reserved bacon bits if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
