Craving all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but want something warm and cozy? Look no further! This Cheeseburger Soup is a game-changer. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with beefy goodness, and topped with all your favorite burger fixings. Seriously, it’s like a cheeseburger in a bowl – and it’s SO much easier to make than assembling a whole stack of burgers. Get ready to ditch the buns and embrace this unbelievably delicious soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at its Finest: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re just craving something hearty and satisfying.
- All the Cheeseburger Flavors: We’ve captured the essence of a cheeseburger – the beef, the cheese, the pickles, the bacon – and transformed it into a creamy, delicious soup.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the amazing flavor fool you, this soup comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings! We’ll give you plenty of ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- For Toppings: Bacon crumbles, chopped pickles, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth & Vegetables: Pour in the beef broth, add the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Season with paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Cheese It Up: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve & Top: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings – bacon crumbles, chopped pickles, green onions, extra cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream!
Expert Tips
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef properly develops a rich, deep flavor that’s essential to the soup.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Using softened cream cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the soup without leaving any lumps.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. For a thinner soup, add a little more beef broth.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Storage
Refrigerate: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. It’s best to freeze it before adding the toppings. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.