Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave the drippings in the pot for added flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the beef drippings over medium heat until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a smoky depth to the soup, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and dried thyme at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the vegetables and potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the potatoes are simmering, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Once the potatoes are tender, return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the cheese sauce, combining everything thoroughly. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a little extra beef broth or milk to thin it out.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top.
Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side of your favorite crackers for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
- Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the soup a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and vegetables. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for added complexity.
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef thoroughly adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step; let the beef get a good sear before removing it from the pot.
- Adjust Consistency: This soup is meant to be thick and hearty, but if you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Variations and Add-Ons
The beauty of Cheeseburger Soup lies in its versatility. Here are some variations and add-ons you can try:
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Incorporate crumbled bacon into the soup for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Top the soup with classic burger toppings like diced tomatoes, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
- Vegetable-Packed Soup: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value.
Pairing Suggestions
Cheeseburger Soup is a filling meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of toasted bread complements the rich, cheesy soup.
- Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Pickles: Serve a side of dill pickles to enhance the cheeseburger experience.
- Craft Beer: A cold, hoppy craft beer is an excellent match for the hearty flavors of this soup.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort. This recipe takes all the best elements of a cheeseburger—the savory beef, melted cheese, and hearty potatoes—and transforms them into a soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this Cheeseburger Soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying.
So, the next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this Cheeseburger Soup recipe a try. You’ll find that it’s more than just a soup—it’s a hug in a bowl.
