The Best Cheeseburger Soup: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
Oh, let me tell you, nothing screams comfort food quite like a warm, hearty bowl of cheeseburger soup! This delightful recipe brings together all the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger—beef, cheese, and creamy goodness—into a luscious soup that warms your soul. As a kid, I remember cozying up in snowy weather, with my mom whipping up a pot of this deliciousness; it was always a family favorite!
Every time I make this soup now, I’m whisked back to those lovely evenings, surrounded by laughter and the smell of cheesy goodness simmering in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that gathers everyone around the table, and I can guarantee it will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire too!
What’s in The Best Cheeseburger Soup?
– 1 lb ground beef: The star of the show! I prefer using lean ground beef, like 90/10, to keep it flavorful yet not overly greasy.
– 1 medium onion, diced: This adds that sweet, aromatic flavor base. I love using a yellow onion for its mildness.
– 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s cooking without garlic? It elevates everything! Feel free to adjust to your taste—there’s no such thing as too much garlic in my house.
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced: I use russets, but Yukon Gold would work beautifully as well! They give the soup a hearty texture while soaking up all that wonderful flavor.
– 3 cups beef broth: Homemade is ideal, but I usually grab a carton of low-sodium beef broth for convenience.
– 1 cup carrots, diced & 1 cup celery, diced: These veggies add a sweet crunch that pairs deliciously with the savory beef.
– 1 tsp dried thyme & 1 tsp paprika: These spices give depth and warmth to the soup. I like to use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor!
– 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper: Basic seasoning is a must! Adjust based on your personal cravings.
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese is the true hero of this soup, providing ooey-gooey goodness! I’m partial to sharp cheddar, but feel free to experiment.
– 1 cup heavy cream: This is what takes the soup from delicious to downright decadent! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works just fine.
– 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and beef. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to.
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A little green for color never hurt anyone!
Is Cheeseburger Soup Good for You?
Oh, the joys of cheeseburger soup! While it may not be something you’d call “health food,” it does have its perks.
Let’s break it down: ground beef is a fantastic source of protein and iron, great for building those muscles and keeping you energized! Potatoes offer some fiber and carbohydrates, giving you that cozy, feel-full feeling. Carrots and celery add a delightful crunch while sneaking in some vitamins.
However, keep in mind that this soup is on the richer side due to the heavy cream and cheese, so moderation is key if you’re watching your calorie intake. You could easily modify the recipe by using less cream or opting for a lower-fat cheese if that suits your dietary needs.
In the end, enjoy this soup in good company and remember: balance is everything!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make The Best Cheeseburger Soup?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Really get it warm, but not smokin’ hot—no one wants splattered oil!
2. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, around 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if needed; we want flavor, not grease!
3. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Seriously, your kitchen will smell incredible right about now.
4. Next, stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook them a little longer, maybe 3-4 minutes, just to soften those beauties.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring it all to a boil—cue the bubbling magic!
6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Go ahead, grab a cozy blanket and take a moment for yourself!
7. Once the potatoes are all soft and comforting, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into creamy goodness.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you desire. Maybe a tad more salt or pepper? You be the judge!
9. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top if you fancy.
Cheesy Reflections
This cheeseburger soup pairs fabulously with crusty bread or some crunchy crackers. Want to spice things up? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce as it simmers. Trust me; it’s a game-changer!
This cozy, comforting bowl is perfect for lazy weekends or hearty weeknight dinners—honestly, anytime is a good time for cheeseburger soup! I encourage you to give this delightful recipe a whirl and let me know how you and your loved ones enjoy it. Until next time, happy cooking!
