Description
Hearty cheeseburger soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending classic burger flavors with creamy potato-packed goodness. Rich with ground beef, melted cheese, and warm spices, this soup promises pure culinary satisfaction for hungry families seeking delicious home-style comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
Base and Dairy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Condiments:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, then transfer to a separate dish.
- In the same pot, melt butter and gently sweat the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that coats the ingredients evenly.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring slowly while gradually adding shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
- Reintroduce the reserved ground beef into the pot, gently folding to distribute throughout the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing flavors to meld for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra cheese shreds.
Notes
- Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of flour or using cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based protein and use low-fat cheese.
- Create a vegetarian option by replacing beef with mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 416 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg