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This easy cheeseburger soup is a weeknight hero! It’s incredibly quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers maximum comfort food flavor. It’s versatile enough to please everyone and always feels like a special treat.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients
The magic of this easy cheeseburger soup lies in its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something truly special. We’re bringing together savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy base to capture that iconic cheeseburger taste.
Core Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation that provides that classic burger flavor and satisfying texture.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This aromatic trio (mirepoix) builds a depth of savory flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Beef Broth and Milk: These liquids create the creamy, luscious base of the soup, blending all the flavors together.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: The stars that give this soup its signature cheesy, gooey goodness and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour and Butter: Together, they form a simple roux to thicken the soup into a wonderfully creamy consistency.
Seasoning Basics:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Substitutions and Tips:
You can easily customize this easy cheeseburger soup to your liking! For a richer flavor, try using a good quality beef broth. If you don’t have Monterey Jack, a mild or sharp cheddar will work just as well. For a dairy-free option, experiment with unsweetened plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor may vary. Don’t have fresh veggies? A cup of frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient swap.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients
The magic of this easy cheeseburger soup lies in its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something truly special. We’re bringing together savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy base to capture that iconic cheeseburger taste.
Core Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation that provides that classic burger flavor and satisfying texture.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This aromatic trio (mirepoix) builds a depth of savory flavor and adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Beef Broth and Milk: These liquids create the creamy, luscious base of the soup, blending all the flavors together.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: The stars that give this soup its signature cheesy, gooey goodness and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour and Butter: Together, they form a simple roux to thicken the soup into a wonderfully creamy consistency.
Seasoning Basics:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Substitutions and Tips:
You can easily customize this easy cheeseburger soup to your liking! For a richer flavor, try using a good quality beef broth. If you don’t have Monterey Jack, a mild or sharp cheddar will work just as well. For a dairy-free option, experiment with unsweetened plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture and flavor may vary. Don’t have fresh veggies? A cup of frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient swap.
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef. Cook until nicely browned. Drain off excess grease. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Thicken the Soup Base
Sprinkle flour over beef and veggies. Stir well. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This builds our creamy soup base.
Add Liquids and Simmer
Gradually whisk in beef broth and milk. Stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally.
Meld the Flavors
Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This lets flavors meld beautifully.
Stir in the Cheese and Season
Uncover the pot. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Keep stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve Your Delicious Soup
Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls. Top with bacon, parsley, or croutons. Enjoy this delightful beef soup!
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Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful cheeseburger soup that captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon pieces, chopped fresh parsley, croutons
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and milk until smooth. Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like bacon, parsley, or croutons.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors often improve overnight.
How to Store Easy Cheeseburger Soup
This easy cheeseburger soup stores beautifully. It’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Once it’s cooled, put any extra soup into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat it again, reheat it gently. Use low heat on the stovetop. Stir it now and then until it’s warm. The soup might get thicker in the fridge. You may need to add a little milk or broth then. This helps it return to its creamy texture.
Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect bowl of easy cheeseburger soup is all about a few key steps. Follow these tips for a truly restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. They’re simple yet make a big difference.
- Don’t skip draining the beef: Removing excess grease ensures a cleaner flavor profile.
- Stir the flour well: Ensure it’s fully incorporated to avoid lumps.
- Low and slow simmer: This is key for flavor development.
- Melt cheese gently: Avoid boiling after adding cheese to keep it smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Always check for salt and pepper before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Whipping up this delicious easy cheeseburger soup requires just a few everyday kitchen essentials. Having these on hand makes the entire cooking process a breeze.
- A large pot or Dutch oven is perfect.
- You’ll also need a good wooden spoon or spatula.
- A whisk is helpful for smoother results.
- Measuring cups and spoons are a must.
- A sharp knife and cutting board are needed.
- And an airtight container for storing leftovers.
This hearty cheese soup is truly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with many accompaniments. Consider serving it with warm crusty bread. Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches make a delightful dipping companion. A light, fresh side salad is also a great choice.
For presentation, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce adds a nice touch. Diced tomatoes or crunchy pickles offer a pleasant contrast. This easy cheeseburger soup is delicious. It’s especially nice with a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy cheeseburger soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare it completely, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming oily or stringy?
To ensure a smooth, creamy texture, make sure to add the cheese over low heat and stir gently until it’s just melted. Avoid letting the soup boil rapidly after the cheese has been added, as this can cause the fats to separate and create an oily appearance.
What are some good substitutions for the vegetables?
If you don’t have fresh onions, carrots, or celery, you can use about 1 to 1.5 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to ensure they are tender.
Can I make this easy cheeseburger soup vegetarian?
While this recipe is designed with ground beef for that classic cheeseburger flavor, you could adapt it to be vegetarian. Omit the beef and sauté your vegetables in a bit more oil. You would then need to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and potentially add a bit of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce (check for vegetarian varieties) to mimic some of the savory depth.
