The first chilly evening of the season always has me reaching for my favorite cozy recipes. When the sky turns grey and the leaves begin to crunch underfoot, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Cheeseburger Soup to warm my soul. Imagine a creamy concoction filled with tender potatoes, savory beef, and crispy bacon, all swimming in a rich, cheesy broth that feels like a warm hug.
What started as a playful blend of flavors one rainy afternoon has transformed into a beloved go-to in my kitchen. It’s remarkable how simple ingredients can come together to create such a comforting dish, making weeknight dinners feel a bit more special. Plus, this recipe is so easy to whip up that even on my busiest days, I can ensure my family enjoys a homemade meal instead of fast food. Grab your favorite spoon, gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Cheeseburger Soup!
Why Is Cheeseburger Soup So Irresistible?
Comforting and cozy, this Cheeseburger Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Savory flavors come alive with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and rich cheeses that appeal to everyone at the table. Quick to make, it takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals. Versatile enough to customize, you can swap ingredients or add extra veggies for a personalized twist! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleaser that makes every spoonful a delight.
Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Olive oil – enhances the flavors of the bacon while cooking.
- Bacon – brings a savory smokiness that paired with cheese is simply irresistible.
- Lean ground beef – a key protein that delivers a classic cheeseburger taste right in your bowl.
- Russet potatoes – adds heartiness and creaminess to the soup, making it filling and delicious.
- Yellow or white onion – grated for easier blending into the soup’s rich texture.
- Celery – adds crunch and a fresh flavor that balances the richness.
For Seasoning and Thickeners
- Italian seasoning – a small touch that enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
- Kosher salt – brings out the taste of the ingredients, adjusting to your preference.
- Ground black pepper – adds a bit of warmth to the dish’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – thickens the soup, giving it that creamy, velvety consistency.
For the Creaminess
- Beef stock – provides a deep, savory base for the soup.
- Whole milk – adds richness and creaminess essential for a comforting bowl of soup.
- Cream cheese – melts beautifully into the soup, making it luxuriously creamy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – ensures you get all the cheeseburger goodness we crave!
For Garnishing
- Extra cheddar cheese – sprinkle more on top for that cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Chopped scallions – a fresh, crunchy topper that brightens the whole dish.
This Cheeseburger Soup is not only comforting but filled with wholesome ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing!
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
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Cook the Bacon: In a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often until the bacon is crispy, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer half of the bacon into a small bowl for garnishing later.
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Brown the Beef: Turn the heat up to medium. Add the ground beef into the pot with the cooked bacon. Brown the meat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until no longer pink.
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Add the Veggies: Toss in the diced potatoes, grated onion, diced celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables have softened slightly.
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Thicken the Base: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the beef stock and milk, stirring constantly. The soup should begin to thicken slightly, creating a creamy base.
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Simmer Away: Once the soup comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are very tender.
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Melt the Cheeses: Over very low heat, add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses melt completely into the soup. Avoid bringing the soup to a boil to maintain creaminess.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the delightful soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, the reserved crumbled bacon, and freshly chopped scallions for a burst of flavor.
Optional: Sprinkle some extra black pepper for a little extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cheeseburger Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this Cheeseburger Soup your own – the possibilities are endless!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese to achieve creaminess without the dairy. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a zesty twist. It brings a fiery touch that will awaken your taste buds!
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Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Their natural sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the savory base.
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Swap the Meat: Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This change keeps the flavor while making it a bit healthier, ideal for guilt-free indulgence.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika to enhance the overall flavor profile with a rich, smoky essence. Just a pinch can elevate your soup to new heights!
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Keto-Friendly: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb alternative. This swap keeps it hearty while being kinder on your carb count.
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Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley adds a refreshing note. sprinkle it in at the end for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma that brightens every bowl.
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Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor kick. Each cheese brings its own character, making your Cheeseburger Soup an exciting adventure in taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Cheddar Soup enthusiasts will love the ease of meal prep with Cheeseburger Soup! You can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance by cooking and cooling it, then transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The crispy bacon, potatoes, and veggies will retain their texture and flavor beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until hot, stirring in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted right before serving. This way, you’ll savor a hearty, homemade dish with minimal effort on busy weeknights, ensuring your family enjoys the same comforting flavors as if it were just made!
How to Store and Freeze Cheeseburger Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Freezer: Freeze Cheeseburger Soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion and defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if the soup thickens. Heat on the stove over medium-low until warmed through.
Portioning: For convenience, consider freezing in individual servings. This way, you can enjoy a cozy bowl of soup whenever the craving hits.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup?
Creating a cozy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated; it comes alive with the right pairings.
- Garlic Bread: The crispy edges and buttery center are perfect for soaking up every last drop of your soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet and moist, these muffins complement the savory flavors while adding a delightful texture.
- Pickle Platter: A variety of tangy pickles spark freshness and crunch, perfect for balancing the rich cheeseburger essence.
- Roasted Veggies: Caramelized seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts add color and a gentle sweetness to your meal.
- Apple Pie: A slice of warm, spiced apple pie can round off the meal beautifully, enhancing the cozy feel of the evening.
Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tasty accompaniments will elevate your Cheeseburger Soup experience!
Expert Tips for Cheeseburger Soup
Crisp the Bacon: Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy; this enhances its flavor and texture, adding a delightful crunch.
Proper Beef Browning: Ensure the beef is thoroughly browned before adding the vegetables to develop a rich flavor base for your Cheeseburger Soup.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently; this step ensures the potatoes become tender, and the flavors meld beautifully without curdling the cream.
Cheese Melting: Add cheese over low heat and avoid boiling to achieve that creamy, velvety texture that makes the soup irresistible.
Taste As You Go: Adjust salt and seasoning throughout the cooking process as required; sometimes, a dash more can elevate the dish to perfection.
Cheeseburger Soup Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! When choosing your potatoes, look for firm russet potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. Select fresh bacon and lean ground beef with a bright red color. Onions should feel heavy for their size, and celery should have crisp stalks without wilting.
How should I store leftover Cheeseburger Soup?
For storage, place leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to consume the soup within 3 days for optimal taste. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to maintain that lovely creamy texture.
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze Cheeseburger Soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creaminess.
What can I do if my Cheeseburger Soup is thicker than desired after reheating?
No worries! If your soup turned out thicker than you’d like after reheating, simply stir in a bit of milk or beef broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. This not only thins it but also keeps it creamy and luscious.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary allergies, feel free to substitute the beef with turkey or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Also, for dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and a dairy-free milk alternative. Always double-check labels for potential allergens!
How can I ensure the cheese melts smoothly in my Cheeseburger Soup?
To achieve a velvety melt, add both cream cheese and cheddar cheese over very low heat. Stir gently and avoid letting the soup boil, as boiling can cause the cheese to curdle instead of melt smoothly, ensuring every spoonful is rich and creamy.
Delicious Cheeseburger Soup That'll Make Your Taste Buds Dance
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often until the bacon is crispy, about 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer half of the bacon into a small bowl for garnishing later.
- Turn the heat up to medium. Add the ground beef into the pot with the cooked bacon. Brown the meat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until no longer pink.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, grated onion, diced celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables have softened slightly.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the beef stock and milk, stirring constantly. The soup should begin to thicken slightly, creating a creamy base.
- Once the soup comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are very tender.
- Over very low heat, add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses melt completely into the soup. Avoid bringing the soup to a boil to maintain creaminess.
- Ladle the delightful soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, the reserved crumbled bacon, and freshly chopped scallions for a burst of flavor.
