Easy Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup: craving the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but looking for something a little warmer and cozier? Then you’ve come to the right place! Imagine all the deliciousness of your favorite burger – the savory ground beef, the creamy cheese, the tangy pickles – transformed into a hearty and satisfying soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavor explosion in a bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds.

While the exact origins of cheeseburger soup are a bit hazy, it’s a relatively modern creation, likely born from the desire to enjoy classic comfort food in a new and exciting way. It perfectly captures the essence of American diner cuisine, offering a playful twist on a beloved staple. Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger, reimagined as a warm and inviting soup.

What makes this easy cheeseburger soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The rich, cheesy broth is balanced by the savory ground beef and the slight tang of diced tomatoes and pickles. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food in a bowl!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon until it’s crumbled. You want it to be nicely browned, as this adds a lot of flavor to the soup.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Leaving the grease in will make the soup too oily, so this step is important.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly during this step.

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced green chilies (undrained). The liquid from the tomatoes and chilies adds extra flavor, so don’t drain them!
2. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
3. Add the cubed potatoes and shredded carrots to the pot. Make sure the potatoes are cut into relatively small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.

Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

1. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. This is important because adding the cream cheese and milk while the soup is still boiling can cause them to curdle.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Use a whisk or an immersion blender to stir the cream cheese into the soup until it’s completely smooth and there are no lumps. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer a cup or two of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Be very careful when blending hot liquids!
3. Pour in the milk and stir until well combined. The milk adds extra creaminess to the soup.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is smooth and cheesy. Again, make sure the soup is not too hot when you add the cheese to prevent it from clumping.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls.
2. Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions, if desired. These toppings really take the soup to the next level!
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as celery, bell peppers, or corn.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef and onion as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Cheeseburger soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. The potatoes can become a bit grainy after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Ground Turkey: You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make it a bit healthier.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients to be sure.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for the potatoes to make a low-carb version of this soup.

Why this recipe works:

This cheeseburger soup recipe is a winner because it captures all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, comforting soup. The combination of browned ground beef, savory broth, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings creates a truly satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Plus, it’s versatile – you can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this cheeseburger soup is sure to be a hit!

Serving Suggestions:

This cheeseburger soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It’s also great with a simple side salad. For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for a truly decadent experience.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 400-500
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-120mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 25-35g

Conclusion:

This Easy Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a weeknight dinner savior, a comforting bowl of deliciousness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly flavorful meal, you absolutely have to give this a try. The creamy, cheesy broth, the savory ground beef, and the burst of flavor from the diced tomatoes and pickles – it’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in a warm and inviting soup form.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness, while a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits elevates the savory factor. For a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a swirl of mustard or ketchup on top is always a welcome addition.

Beyond toppings, you can also play around with the ingredients within the soup itself. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the ground beef for an earthy depth of flavor. Or, if you prefer a chunkier soup, add some diced potatoes or carrots. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. You can even use different types of cheese! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all work beautifully in this recipe.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables would also make a great accompaniment. And if you’re looking for a heartier meal, try serving it over mashed potatoes or rice. It’s also perfect for meal prepping – just make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient and delicious option for lunch or dinner.

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and most importantly, incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a satisfying lunch on a busy day, or a fun and flavorful meal to share with friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of this amazing Easy Cheeseburger Soup. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special toppings? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!