why make this recipe
This soup tastes like a cheeseburger in a bowl. It is warm, cheesy, and filling. You can make it fast on a weeknight and kids often like it.
introduction
Easy Cheeseburger Soup mixes ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and bacon for a simple one-pot meal. It uses pantry basics and makes leftovers well. If you like easy comfort foods, try a similar idea like a cheeseburger pasta casserole for another family meal.
how to make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Cook the bacon until crisp and set it aside. Brown the ground beef in the same pot, drain, and set aside. Sauté onion and celery in butter, then add garlic and flour to make a roux. Whisk in chicken broth, then add cream, Worcestershire, diced potatoes, and return the beef. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in most of the cheese off the heat until melted, then add bacon and season. For ideas on clear broths and simple simmering methods, you can read tips used in a plain chicken vegetable soup.
Ingredients :
- 5 pieces of bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pickles diced (optional)
Directions :
- Use kitchen shears to quickly cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook it in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the ground beef to the same pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain the fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
- Melt the butter in the pot, then sauté the onion and celery for 4-5 minutes.
- Mix in the garlic and flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the flour is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and return the beef to the pot. Increase the heat to high, bringing the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar.
- Simmer the soup for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup reaches your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Turn off the heat and gradually mix in the cheddar. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth, milk, or cream to adjust the consistency.
- Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also mix in chopped pickles or use them as a topping for serving.
how to serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the reserved bacon and extra shredded cheese on top. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad. If you like a tangy bite, offer extra diced pickles on the side or on top. For another warm bowl idea that soothes and heals, try the style used in an Italian penicillin soup recipe.
how to store Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Cool the soup to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat and add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened. You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Cut potatoes small so they cook faster and evenly.
- Cook bacon first for flavor; use the bacon fat to brown the beef if you like extra taste.
- Add the cheese off the heat to keep it smooth and prevent it from clumping.
- If the soup gets too thick, thin with chicken broth or milk.
- Taste before adding salt since bacon and cheese add saltiness.
variation (if any)
- Swap Yukon potatoes for russets or red potatoes.
- Use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas at the end for added veg.
- Use different cheeses: Monterey Jack or Colby will give a milder taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown bacon and beef first, then add all ingredients except cheese and cream. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese at the end.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can. The soup will be thinner and less rich. Add extra cheese or a little butter for more flavor.
Q: How do I keep the cheese from getting grainy?
A: Turn off the heat and add cheese slowly while stirring. Do not boil after adding cheese.
Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes. The soup will still taste good without bacon. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky note.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a quick, family-friendly meal that cooks in one pot and feeds a crowd. For another take on the same dish with step-by-step photos and notes, see Easy Cheeseburger Soup. If you want a version with cheese curds and a different twist, check Easy Cheeseburger Soup – Cheese Curd In Paradise.
Print
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and filling soup that tastes like a cheeseburger, made with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and bacon.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup onion (diced)
- 2 sticks celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb Yukon potatoes (peeled & diced small)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pickles (diced, optional)
Instructions
- Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into small pieces. Cook it in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the ground beef to the same pot and cook until browned. Drain the fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
- Melt the butter in the pot, then sauté the onion and celery for 4-5 minutes.
- Mix in the garlic and flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Stir in the cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and gradually mix in the cheddar. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Season to taste.
Notes
Cut potatoes small for faster cooking. Use bacon fat to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, comfort food, easy soup, family recipe