Cheeseburger Soup: A Satisfying Combination of Flavors
It’s amazing how much a name can elevate a dish. Cheeseburger Soup is a perfect example of that. At its core, it’s a simple soup with basic ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and cheese. But when you call it Cheeseburger Soup, suddenly, it feels more fun, familiar, and delicious. My family was instantly hooked the first time I made it. This soup captures the comforting, savory flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a warm, cozy bowl that’s perfect for the cooler seasons. I make a lot of soups when the weather turns chilly, and this one quickly became a soup I could prepare for those days we were in the mood for this sort of flavor.
Did You Know?
Cheeseburger soup is a fun twist on the traditional cheeseburger. By turning a popular fast-food item into a comforting soup, you get the best of both worlds: all the savory, cheesy flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, warm bowl. This soup often includes ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and cheese, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Cook the Meat:
In a large pot, cook the ground beef or ground chicken over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat and set the meat aside.
Personal Tip: For added flavor, season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper while it’s browning.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Personal Tip: If you want extra richness, sauté the veggies in a little butter instead of the leftover fat from the meat.
Add Potatoes and Broth:
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Personal Tip: Use a fork to test the potatoes—if they easily break apart, they’re ready.
Make the Roux:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
Personal Tip: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming in your roux.
Combine and Simmer:
Add the thickened milk mixture to the pot with the vegetables. Stir in the cooked meat and shredded cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Personal Tip: For an extra cheesy flavor, add an additional handful of shredded cheese right before serving.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sour cream just before serving.
Personal Tip: Stir in the sour cream off the heat to prevent it from curdling.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450, Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Sugars: 8g, Total Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Sodium: 800mg, Fiber: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Ground Meat Options: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. It can also be more affordable.
- Vegetables: Chop all vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator to save time when preparing the soup.
- Cheese: Buy cheese in blocks and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives and can be more expensive.
- Broth: Use homemade chicken broth or stock if you have it on hand. It’s a great way to use leftovers and can be more flavorful.
- Potatoes: Choose Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture in soups.
- Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals on busy days.
- Serving Ideas: Serve the soup in bread bowls for a fun presentation and an extra hearty meal.
- Garnishes: Top the soup with additional shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour to the roux or use a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Cost-Saving: Buy ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour in bulk to save money. Look for sales on cheese, and consider using store-brand products which are often just as good as name-brand items but at a lower price.
Let’s Learn About Ground Beef vs Ground Chicken
Ground beef and ground chicken are popular choices for various dishes, but they differ in flavor, fat content, and nutritional value.
Ground Beef is known for its rich, juicy flavor, often used in burgers, tacos, and meatloaf. However, it can be high in fat and calories, especially in fattier blends like 80/20. Leaner options such as 90/10 offer a balance between flavor and health benefits, but checking the label is key to understanding fat content and quality.
Ground Chicken, on the other hand, is a leaner option with fewer calories and less saturated fat. It's great for those looking to reduce fat intake and works well in lighter dishes like stir-fries, chicken burgers, or lettuce wraps. Ground chicken can sometimes be dry, so adding sauces or moisture can enhance texture.
When choosing either ground beef or ground chicken, it's important to read labels carefully. Opt for organic, grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free, organic ground chicken to ensure you’re getting the best quality without unnecessary additives or fillers.