Beef Soup's Cheesy Partners: Finding The Perfect Match

A cheeseburger soup is a rich and hearty soup that combines ground beef, vegetables, and cheese in a creamy broth. The soup is typically made with lean ground beef, shredded carrots, diced celery, and potatoes in a warm and creamy cheese soup. The soup is then seasoned with dried basil and parsley, and thickened with a roux made from butter and flour. The cheese used in the soup can vary, with some recipes calling for shredded cheddar, while others use processed cheese like Velveeta. The soup is then served hot, often with toppings such as bacon, sour cream, or green onions.

Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients

This delicious and hearty cheeseburger soup is made with ground beef, vegetables, and a variety of cheeses. It's the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day and is sure to impress your family and friends. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this tasty treat:

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best, but you can use a higher-fat blend like 80/20. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes add colour, texture, and a burst of flavour to the soup.
• Cheese: Velveeta, a processed cheese, is a popular choice as it melts smoothly and gives the soup a creamy texture. However, you can also use shredded cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.

Additional Ingredients:

• Butter and Flour: These create a roux, which thickens the soup and adds a rich, creamy texture.
• Chicken Broth and Milk: The combination of savoury broth and creamy milk gives the soup a indulgent and satisfying cheeseburger flavour.
• Seasonings: Dried basil and parsley flakes enhance the soup's flavour and give it an aromatic touch.
• Sour Cream: This tangy ingredient adds a creamy texture and a subtle acidity to balance the rich flavours.

Optional Ingredients:

• Bacon: Adding crumbled bacon takes the soup to the next level, giving it a smoky flavour and extra crunch.
• Spices: For a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes, jalapenos, or crushed red pepper.
• Toppings: Green onions, pickles, tomatoes, and croutons are just a few toppings that can enhance the soup's flavour and presentation.

With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering cheeseburger soup that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Cheeseburger Soup Cooking Steps

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Butter
• Onion
• Shredded carrots
• Diced celery
• Dried basil
• Dried parsley
• Cubed potatoes
• Chicken broth
• All-purpose flour
• Cheese (Velveeta, shredded cheddar, or a mix of both)
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Sour cream

Steps:

Cook the beef:

Brown the ground beef in a saucepan over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and set the beef aside.

Sauté the vegetables:

In the same saucepan, melt butter and add onion, shredded carrots, parsley flakes, basil, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.

Simmer the soup:

Add the potatoes, broth, and cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Make a roux:

In a separate skillet, melt butter and add flour. Cook until the mixture is bubbly.

Thicken the soup:

Add the roux to the soup and bring it to a boil. Cook and stir for a few minutes.

Melt the cheese:

Reduce the heat and stir in the cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese melts.

Finish with sour cream:

Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations and Tips:

• You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
• Make it spicy with jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
• Use different types of cheese like American, cream cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack.
• Serve with toppings like bacon, green onions, or croutons.

Cheeseburger Soup Variations

This cheeseburger soup is so versatile! You can make it your own by mixing and matching ingredients and trying out different variations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Change the Meat

Try using ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage instead of ground beef. Or, make the soup vegetarian by adding extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, or frozen peas.

Spice Things Up

Add some heat to your soup by including chopped jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes. Or, top each bowl with your favorite hot sauce.

Switch Up the Starch

Instead of potatoes, try cooked macaroni, egg noodles, orzo, or rice. Add your chosen grain to the soup just after thickening it, and cook until warmed through.

Get Creative with Cheese

While Velveeta is a popular choice for this soup, you can also experiment with other cheeses like American cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack cheese, or Colby jack cheese.

Play with Toppings

The fun part about this soup is that you can add a variety of toppings, just like you would with a cheeseburger! Try bacon crumbles, chopped dill pickles, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, crackers, or bun croutons made from sesame seed buns.

Cheeseburger Soup Storage

Cheeseburger soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store, place the soup in an airtight container or ziplock bag once it has completely cooled. When you're ready to reheat, you may need to add a little chicken broth if the soup is too thick.

While cheeseburger soup can be frozen, it's not ideal as the potatoes tend to become mushy, and the soup can separate, becoming gritty and grainy. If you do choose to freeze your soup, it's best to leave out the potatoes and add them when reheating. Place the soup in a ziplock bag with the air removed and freeze for up to one month. Reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker without thawing first.

Cheeseburger Soup Tips

Ingredients

When making cheeseburger soup, it's important to use the right ingredients to get the best results. Here are some tips for choosing the right ingredients:

• Meat: While most recipes call for ground beef, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. If you're looking for a meatless option, simply add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes.
• Vegetables: The classic combination of onions, carrots, and celery provides a great aromatic base for the soup. However, feel free to mix it up by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or canned tomatoes.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a popular choice for cheeseburger soup as they add thickness to the soup. However, if you're looking for a potato that holds its shape better, go for red or yellow potatoes.
• Cheese: The type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your soup. Velveeta is a popular choice as it melts easily and gives the soup a creamy texture. If you prefer shredded cheese, go for cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Broth: Chicken broth is commonly used in cheeseburger soup, but you can also use beef broth or vegetable broth for a different flavour profile.
• Seasonings: Don't skimp on the seasonings! Basil, parsley, garlic, and mustard are commonly used to enhance the flavour of the soup. You can also add red pepper flakes or paprika for a spicier kick.

Cooking Tips

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Here are some tips to ensure your cheeseburger soup turns out perfectly:

• Browning the meat: When browning the ground beef, make sure to cook it until it's no longer pink. Drain the excess grease to avoid an oily finish in your soup.
• Preparing the vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables in butter before adding the broth will help bring out their flavour. Make sure to cook them until they're tender but not mushy.
• Making the roux: A roux is essential for thickening the soup. Combine butter and flour in a small skillet and cook until bubbly and smooth. Gradually add milk or broth to create a thick and smooth sauce.
• Adding the cheese: When adding the cheese to the soup, reduce the heat to low and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and combined.
• Serving and storing: Cheeseburger soup is best served hot and can be garnished with bacon, green onions, or your favourite burger toppings. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Unfortunately, this soup doesn't freeze well due to the dairy content.

Frequently asked questions