Hearty Cheeseburger Soup: Easy & Flavorful Recipe (Print Version)
This hearty Cheeseburger Soup recipe brings comfort to your table. Packed with savory beef, cheese, and veggies, it's a family favorite for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy, Gluten (optional)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
2 carrots, peeled and diced
04 -
2 celery stalks, diced
05 -
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
→ Creamy & Cheesy Elements
06 -
4 cups (960ml) low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
08 -
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
09 -
2 cups (220g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
→ Flavor Boosters
10 -
2 tbsp (30ml) ketchup
11 -
1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon mustard
12 -
1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 tsp garlic powder
14 -
1 tsp onion powder
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish & Toppings (Optional)
16 -
Crispy bacon bits
17 -
Chopped green onions
18 -
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
19 -
Diced pickles
20 -
Dollop of sour cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first! Get a big ol' pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, really getting some color on there. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it's cooked through, this is crucial: <em>drain that fat!</em> Seriously, I've had soupy disasters from skipping this, and it makes all the difference for a rich, not greasy, Cheeseburger Soup.
02 -
Now, leave just a tiny bit of that beef fat in the pot for flavor, or add a splash of olive oil if it's too dry. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around, letting them soften up and get fragrant for about 5-8 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, earthy aroma, and that's your cue. Don't rush this step; it builds the foundation for our amazing Cheeseburger Soup.
03 -
Once those veggies are tender, sprinkle in your garlic powder and onion powder. Give it a quick stir, letting those spices bloom for about 30 seconds – it smells incredible! Pour in the chicken broth, then add your diced potatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it all to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is where the magic starts happening for our hearty Cheeseburger Soup.
04 -
Once the potatoes are soft, remove the lid. Now, here's where we get creamy! Stir in your whole milk and cream cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated, no lumps allowed! The soup will start to thicken and get that lovely, smooth consistency. Don't boil it aggressively once the dairy is in, just a gentle simmer is what we're after.
05 -
Time for the star of the show! Gradually add your shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it's fully melted and smooth. This is where your Cheeseburger Soup really gets its cheesy, gooey goodness. Taste it here, hon! Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Trust your taste buds; this is your kitchen, after all.
06 -
Once everything is melted and perfectly combined, your Cheeseburger Soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls, and don't forget those toppings – a sprinkle of extra cheddar, some crispy bacon bits, maybe a few chopped green onions for a fresh bite. Honestly, seeing that steam rise from the bowl after all that kitchen work? Pure satisfaction. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the beef fat thoroughly; it prevents a greasy soup.
02 -
Don't boil the soup vigorously once dairy is added, or it might curdle.
03 -
Let cream cheese soften at room temp for easy melting for a smoother soup.
04 -
A side of crusty bread for dipping makes this dish extra special.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
knife
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-35g
Protein: 25-35g