Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? I recently stumbled upon this cheeseburger soup recipe that’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket made of melted cheese and savory goodness. It’s a bit like the culinary equivalent of finding a forgotten $20 in your pocket—a delightful surprise that just makes everything better.
Steps
- Cook diced bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside. In the same skillet, brown a pound of ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and add diced serrano chilies for extra heat.
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in chopped onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until soft. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
- Add 4 cups of chicken or beef broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Incorporate diced potatoes and cook until tender.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of half-and-half. Continue to simmer until soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Reduce heat and gradually add 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in the cooked ground beef and bacon pieces.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, bacon bits, or diced tomatoes if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- 1/3 pound diced and cooked bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 diced serrano chilies
- 4 cups broth (can use a mix of chicken and beef broth)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Optional: diced tomatoes
- Optional: Velveeta cheese (2/3 of a large block)
FAQ
- Can I make Cheeseburger Soup in a crockpot?
- Yes, you can definitely make Cheeseburger Soup in a crockpot. Simply brown your beef beforehand, then add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for several hours. You might want to consider adding cornstarch mixed into milk instead of water to get a thicker consistency.
- What can I use as a substitute for sour cream in Cheeseburger Soup?
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with equal parts of half-and-half and milk. This combination will still provide a creamy texture to your soup.
- How can I thicken my Cheeseburger Soup?
- To thicken Cheeseburger Soup, you can add cornstarch directly to milk before mixing it into the soup. This will help achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
- Can I add bacon to Cheeseburger Soup?
- Yes, adding bacon can enhance the flavor of Cheeseburger Soup. Consider cooking and dicing the bacon before adding it to the soup, and you can even use a bit of the bacon grease to sauté your vegetables for added flavor.
- Is it possible to use different types of broth in Cheeseburger Soup?
- Absolutely, you can use a combination of chicken and beef broth to create a unique flavor profile for your Cheeseburger Soup. Adjust depending on your taste preference.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor by incorporating diced and cooked bacon into the soup, and consider using a full pound of ground beef for a heartier meal.
- To achieve a thicker consistency, add cornstarch directly to the milk instead of water. This can create a rich and creamy texture that complements the cheese.
- Experiment with broth combinations by mixing chicken and beef broth for a unique depth of flavor.
- Consider using less cheese to reduce the total fat content, and add some diced tomatoes for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy base.
Equipment
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker – If you plan to make the soup using a slow cooker, as mentioned by one of the reviewers.
- Immersion Blender – Useful if you want to achieve a smoother texture for the soup.
- Cheese Grater – Essential if you’re using block cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Ladle – For serving the soup easily.
