Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty soup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, and it comes together with minimal effort. Packed with savory bacon, ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese, this soup is sure to be a hit at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Easy Cheeseburger Soup takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a breeze for those busy evenings.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of bacon, beef, and cheese provides a rich taste that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for dipping. Add pickles for an extra crunch!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this delicious take on their favorite burger flavors.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything at hand will help you focus on creating this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A must-have for evenly cooking the ingredients while providing enough space to mix everything together.
- Kitchen shears: Ideal for quickly cutting bacon into small pieces without messy handling.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots and helps break up meat efficiently during cooking.
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 Thickening the Soup
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Creaminess and Flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Texture and Taste
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup pickles (diced)
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, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels while leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook it by breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned. Afterward, drain any excess fat and place the cooked beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, sautéing them for 4-5 minutes until they soften.
Step 4: Mix in Garlic and Flour
Add minced garlic and flour into the vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Step 5: Whisk in Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth until you achieve a smooth consistency with no lumps from flour.
Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and return the browned beef to the pot. Increase heat to high until boiling; then reduce heat to medium-low while covering with the lid slightly ajar.
Step 7: Simmer
Let your Easy Cheeseburger Soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese. If it’s too thick, adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth or cream as needed.
Step 9: Final Touches
Stir most of your cooked bacon back into the soup while reserving some for garnish. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. You can also mix in chopped pickles or use them as toppings when serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Serving Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be a delightful experience for your family or guests. This creamy, hearty soup pairs well with various toppings and sides that can elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkling green onions adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream can enhance the creaminess and add tang.
- Additional Bacon Bits – Crispy bacon bits on top provide extra flavor and texture.
Pair with Crunchy Bread
- Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the cheeseburger soup perfectly.
- Crusty Baguette – Serve slices for dipping into the warm soup, adding a satisfying crunch.
Create a Salad Plate
- Caesar Salad – The classic Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness.
- Coleslaw – A zesty coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that brightens up each bite.
Serve with Pickles
- Dill Pickles – Serving dill pickles on the side can enhance the cheeseburger flavor profile.
- Sweet Relish – For a sweeter touch, consider sweet relish as an additional topping.
How to Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
To make your Easy Cheeseburger Soup truly delightful, consider these tips for perfecting this recipe.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality beef will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness Wisely – If your soup is too thick, gently add more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir Frequently – Stirring occasionally while simmering helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Taste Before Serving – Always taste your soup before serving to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Mix Cheeses for Depth – Experiment with different types of cheese alongside cheddar for added richness, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Cool and Store Properly – If you have leftovers, let them cool before refrigerating in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks – These soft breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Simple Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides freshness and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips add a salty contrast that works well with the smoothness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins complement the savory cheeseburger flavors beautifully.
- Stuffed Jalapeños – Spice it up with stuffed jalapeños that add heat and flavor alongside the soup.
- Deviled Eggs – These classic appetizers bring a creamy texture that pairs nicely with cheeseburger soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Cheeseburger Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh vegetables and good-quality meat to enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Ensure that you do not let the potatoes become mushy by checking them regularly during simmering.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out flavors in your soup.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: Allow enough time for the ingredients to meld together; short cooking times can lead to bland results.
- Forgetting the bacon garnish: Reserve some bacon for topping! It adds a delicious crunch and enhances presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Cheeseburger Soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative while still providing great flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat and omit the bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings go well with Easy Cheeseburger Soup?
Consider adding diced pickles, extra cheese, or even crispy onions for added texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional nutrients and flavor.
How can I thicken my soup?
If your soup is too thin, try adding more flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Simmer until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a warm and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days. With its creamy texture and hearty flavors, it’s adaptable to suit your preferences. Whether you want extra veggies or different toppings, this recipe invites creativity. Give it a try!
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm and hearty bowl. This creamy soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, combining savory bacon, ground beef, and rich cheddar cheese in a delightful medley. Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or top it with pickles for an extra crunch—it’s the kind of meal that invites creativity while delivering warmth and comfort.
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 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy; set aside.
- Brown ground beef in the same pot; drain excess fat.
- Sauté onion and celery in butter for about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and flour; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, diced potatoes, and cooked beef; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover slightly, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
