Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm and comforting bowl. This creamy soup is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any cozy occasion. With its rich texture and cheesy goodness, it satisfies cravings while offering a unique twist on traditional soup recipes. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy Velveeta cheese and savory beef creates an irresistible taste.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this hearty soup ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves eight, making it great for sharing with family and friends.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or cheese to suit your family’s preferences.
• Comforting Meal: This soup offers the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal in every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

To make Cheeseburger Soup efficiently, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large saucepan
• Small skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling over.
• Small skillet: Ideal for creating the roux that thickens the soup, ensuring a creamy consistency.
• Cutting board & knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup onion (chopped)
• ¾ cup carrots (shredded)
• ¾ cup celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic

For Cooking

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds)

For Thickening and Flavor

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (okay to use gluten-free here)
• 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes)
• 1½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same saucepan over medium heat:
1. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Sauté the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and dried parsley until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Press minced garlic into the pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and browned beef to the saucepan:
1. Bring all ingredients to a boil.
2. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Meanwhile, in a small skillet:
1. Melt remaining butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour; cook and stir for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add this mixture to the soup; bring back to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring.

Step 5: Add Cheese Mixture

Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in cubed cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook while stirring until cheese melts completely.
3. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup

Serving Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. This creamy, cheesy soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments and garnishes that elevate its flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and brightens the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a touch of color and freshness to each bowl.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a satisfying crunch.
• Turkey turkey bacon Bits: Crispy bits add a salty, savory element to the soup.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread complements the soup’s richness perfectly.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are great for dipping into the creamy broth.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving option.
• Mason Jars: Individual servings in mason jars create a charming presentation for gatherings.

How to Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

To achieve the best version of your Cheeseburger Soup, consider these helpful tips that can enhance its flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings according to your taste. Adding more basil or pepper can elevate the flavor profile.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables will provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. Use organic if possible!
• Experiment with Cheese: While Velveeta gives it creaminess, mixing in other cheeses like cheddar can deepen the flavor.
• Thicken it Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more flour during cooking or blend some of the potatoes into a creamy consistency.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, this warm bread is infused with garlic and topped with melted cheese.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the soup.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that complements the main dish.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the creaminess of the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, veggies, and cheese bring a hearty addition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables too long can lead to mushy texture. Aim for tender but firm vegetables by cooking them just enough.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Neglecting to brown the beef before adding it to the soup can result in less flavor. Always take the time to brown the meat for a richer taste.
• Not Measuring Ingredients: Using too much or too little of key ingredients can throw off the balance. Measure ingredients carefully for consistent results.
• Ignoring Texture: If you want a creamy soup, avoid adding cold milk or cheese directly into hot broth. Let them warm up slightly first, then add them gradually.
• Cooking at High Heat: Boiling the soup on high heat can cause separation of fats and curdling of dairy. Maintain a medium-low heat while simmering.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheeseburger Soup

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30-40 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheeseburger Soup?

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy and hearty dish that captures all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting soup form.

Can I customize my Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or swap out cheeses based on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Cheeseburger Soup?

The total time needed is about 80 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Is Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free flour for thickening, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It makes for a perfect meal that warms you up on chilly days and is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish!

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