Cheeseburger Soup is a beloved comfort food that combines the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy texture of a hearty soup. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and satisfying. Here’s a detailed guide to making this delightful soup from scratch!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or other meat of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 4 parts
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 2 to 4 cups Velveeta, diced small
- 3 cups beef broth
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Chop and Dice: Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, uniform pieces. Chop the carrots and celery, and finely dice the onion. This ensures even cooking and consistency in the soup.
- Cube the Cheese: Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes to help it melt more evenly and quickly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is cooked, remove any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
3. Sauté Vegetables
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low once the soup starts boiling. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Make it Creamy
- Incorporate Cheese and Milk: Stir in 1 ¼ cups of milk and 2 to 4 cups of diced Velveeta cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream to add richness and a slight tanginess to the soup.
6. Final Touches and Serving
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Thickening the Soup: For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese. This will help thicken the broth and give the soup a creamier texture.
- Cheese Variation: Adjust the amount of Velveeta cheese based on your preference. Start with 2 cups and add more to taste if you prefer a cheesier soup.
- Topping Ideas: Enhance the flavor and texture of your soup with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas. These additions can boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick without overwhelming the cheeseburger flavors.
Nutritional Information
Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish, but it’s also rich and creamy. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, assuming the recipe makes about 6 servings:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy soup. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. With its rich, cheesy base and tender vegetables, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious, comforting dish
