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.
