Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, this creamy cheeseburger soup will take your love for the classic dish to a whole new level. Combining the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with a creamy, comforting soup base, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Hearty ground beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and the richness of the broth make each spoonful irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or looking to impress guests with a unique twist on a classic, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy both your cravings and your appetite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, followed by the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
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Add Bacon and Season: Stir in the crumbled bacon, Worcestershire sauce, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to make the soup even heartier and nutritious.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends like gouda or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian take on the soup.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to make the soup leaner, though it will have a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
3. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes work best, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen diced potatoes will also work. Just make sure they’re thawed before adding them to the soup.
4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that the bacon and other ingredients are free of gluten.
5. How can I thicken the soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can add more potatoes or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture.
6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will develop even more, making it taste even better the next day.
8. Can I use a different type of meat?
You can definitely experiment with ground sausage, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives if you’re looking for a different meat option.
9. How do I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese, and substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the heavy cream.
10. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some chopped fresh jalapeños, or a teaspoon of hot sauce to add some heat to the soup.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a rich, creamy soup form. With tender beef, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and plenty of delicious seasoning, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a special treat for your loved ones, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Print
Ultimate Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ultimate Creamy Cheeseburger Soup combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with a rich, creamy broth. This hearty soup, made with ground beef, melted cheeses, crispy bacon, and potatoes, is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this soup is easy to make and filled with satisfying, delicious ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, followed by the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Bacon and Seasoning: Stir in the crumbled bacon, Worcestershire sauce, dried mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
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Cheese Variations: While cheddar and mozzarella are traditional, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like gouda, provolone, or pepper jack for added flavor. Sharp cheddar will give the soup a stronger cheese taste, while mozzarella provides a smoother, more mild flavor.
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Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great texture and flavor to the soup. If you prefer less bacon fat, you can cook the bacon separately, then drain and crumble it before adding it to the soup. For a healthier alternative, you can also use turkey bacon.
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Vegetable Additions: You can add carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup to enhance its heartiness and nutritional value. These vegetables can be sautéed along with the onions for extra flavor.
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Spice Level: For a spicier version of this soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to taste. It’s a great way to add a kick if you love a little heat in your comfort food.
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Potato Options: Frozen diced potatoes can be used if fresh potatoes aren’t available, but make sure to thaw them before adding to the soup. For a smoother texture, you can also mash some of the potatoes in the soup once they’re tender.
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Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just be sure to reheat it slowly on the stove to keep the cream from separating.
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Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
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Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a slow cooker version, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a hands-off approach. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it stays creamy.
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Consistency Adjustments: For a thicker soup, you can either mash some of the cooked potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
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Dairy-Free Version: To make this soup dairy-free, you can substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the heavy cream and dairy-free cheese for the shredded cheeses. Make sure to check all ingredients to ensure they’re dairy-free.
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