This Cheeseburger Soup combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese—into a warm, creamy soup. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day and makes for a filling, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices smoked bacon (adds a smoky, savory flavor)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (the base of the cheeseburger flavor)
- 4 tablespoons butter (for sautéing vegetables)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (for texture and flavor)
- 2 carrots, grated (adds sweetness and color)
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (creamy and slightly starchy for thickness)
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme (for an earthy, subtle flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (enhances the onion flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (gives the soup an Italian herb twist)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley (for freshness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds a rich, aromatic flavor)
- 3 tablespoons flour (for thickening the soup)
- 3 cups chicken broth (for a rich, savory base)
- 2 cups whole milk (adds creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the cheesy, melty component)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Ground Beef
Start by browning the 4 slices of smoked bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. When the bacon is about halfway cooked, add the 1 lb of lean ground beef to the pot. Continue to cook, breaking up the beef as it browns. Once the meat is fully browned and the bacon is crispy, drain any excess grease and transfer the meat mixture to a plate, setting it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion, chopped celery, grated carrots, and diced Yukon Gold potatoes. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and celery start to soften and the vegetables become fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Now, add the ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley, and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the vegetables. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to release the flavors of the herbs and garlic into the mixture.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup with Flour
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste and acts as the thickening agent for the soup.
Step 5: Add Broth and Milk
Next, gradually add 3 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of whole milk, alternating between the two, while stirring the soup to combine. Once all the liquid has been added, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Return the Meat to the Pot
Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked beef and bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, just to heat the meat through and blend the flavors.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Remove the soup from the heat and gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into the soup, making it rich and creamy. If needed, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cheeseburger Soup hot, topped with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish. You can also serve it with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth
- Pickles on the side for a fun cheeseburger-inspired twist
- A simple green salad to add freshness to the meal
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: High, thanks to the cheddar cheese
Storing and Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each.
- Freeze: While this soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes and the milk may change slightly. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
This Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best parts of a cheeseburger with a warm, creamy soup. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Enjoy!