Cheeseburger in a Bowl: a Hearty Soup for All Seasons
Introduction
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet where comfort food reigns supreme, and today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that transforms the all-American classic cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup that's perfect for savoring all year round. Now, I know what you're thinking - a cheeseburger in a bowl? But stay with me. Imagine the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, complete with crispy bacon, melded into a rich, creamy soup form. It's not just a winter warmer; it's a bowl full of comfort for any season, a true family favorite that promises to delight your taste buds whether it's a cold night or a breezy summer evening. This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is a great way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger, without the grill.
Key Takeaways:
- A Classic Transformed: Turning the beloved cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup.
- Seasonless Comfort: Perfect for enjoying year-round, from cold winter days to summer evenings.
- Family Favorite: A delicious and easy recipe that's sure to become a household hit.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the heartwarming world of creamy, cheesy goodness, let's make sure you've got everything you need to whip up this comforting bowl of joy. Here's what you'll need:
- Lean Ground Beef: The star of our soup, bringing tender, juicy flavors that resemble the classic cheeseburger.
- Crispy Bacon: For that irresistible crunch and smoky depth, cooked to perfection over medium-high heat.
- Chicken or Beef Broth: The liquid gold that forms the base of our hearty soup, infused with rich flavors.
- Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: The dynamic duo that adds a creamy twist, making our soup irresistibly smooth.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness, we all crave in a cheeseburger - feel free to mix in some Velveeta or Pepper Jack if you're feeling adventurous!
- A medley of Veggies: Potatoes (red, russet, or Yukon gold), diced onions, and maybe even some green onions for garnish, bringing freshness and texture to every spoonful.
- The Flavor Enhancers: Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of butter, some flour for thickening, and let's not forget the spices - salt and pepper to taste.
Grab these ingredients, and you're all set to create a soup that's not just a meal but an experience - a warm hug in a bowl that's a huge hit with the whole family, any time of the year.
Prepping the Base: Cooking Bacon and Beef
Nothing says comfort food like the sizzle of bacon over medium-high heat, its aroma filling the kitchen. That’s where our journey begins, folks. Grab your large soup pot and let's get that bacon turning crispy, each piece a promise of savory goodness. Once it’s perfect, we set it aside, but oh, don’t you dare discard that fat! It's got flavors only dreams are made of.
Next, in the very same pot, it’s time to introduce our lean ground beef. Brown it to perfection, breaking it gently with a spoon, ensuring each morsel gets its fair share of heat. Imagine those beef pieces sizzling away, blending with the remnants of our bacon's affair with the pot. This, my friends, is how we lay down an irresistible base for what’s about to become the best soup you’ve whipped up this soup season.
Building Flavor: Veggies and Broth
After you've browned the crispy bacon and tender ground beef in a large soup pot, it's time for us to build those deep, rich flavors of a cheeseburger--in soup form, believe it or not. Start with melting a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, toss in the diced onions and celery. We want them soft, tender, and fragrant, just like they've been sautéing for a couple of minutes, filling the kitchen with that homely scent. Next, sprinkle in the flour, a key player in thickening our hearty soup. This step is crucial as you whisk; purpose flour works wonders here, ensuring our base has the ideal texture. Slowly pour in your choice of chicken or beef broth, stirring constantly. This isn't just ordinary soup; it's a creamy, comforting brew, mirroring those beloved flavors of a cheeseburger on a cold winter day or truly, any day.
The Creamy Twist: Adding Dairy
Now, let's dive into the heart of this comfort food masterpiece by adding that creamy twist we all adore. After your soup's base is rich and hearty, it's time to stir in some luscious heavy cream and watch it transform. But the real magic happens when we introduce our cheese. Whether it's the classic sharp cheddar cheese or you're venturing into the smooth, melty delight of velveeta or kicking things up a notch with some spicy pepper jack, this is where your soup turns into that creamy, dreamy, cheeseburger in a bowl. The key? Just keep stirring until that cheese blends seamlessly into the soup, creating a velvet texture that's truly irresistible.
Simmering to Perfection
Now, this is where the magic truly happens in our easy cheeseburger soup recipe. Once the base of our hearty soup is rich with the flavors of browned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and that all-important cheesiness, it's time to let it all come together through simmering. I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Tossing in cubes of Yukon potatoes or red potatoes, this is where patience becomes a virtue. The goal? To wait just long enough until each piece becomes fork tender, perfectly absorbing the vibrant flavors we've crafted. This isn't just soup; it's a promise of a warm hug in a bowl, ready to captivate the whole family even on a cold night. And, there you have it—a great recipe transforming a classic comfort food into a creamy soup form, simmered to perfection.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- I always use my dutch oven to make my Cheeseburger Soup along with many of my other stovetop to oven recipes!
- For the best flavor and melting use freshly grated cheese! I use my super easy hand crank cheese grater for fast grating!
- For serving this are my favorite white ceramic bowls.
- To store the extra dry pasta I use these airtight containers.
Personalizing Your Bowl
Now here comes the really fun part, personalizing your bowl! If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes, it’s those final touches that really make a dish shine. That’s why I love to encourage everyone to get a bit playful when it comes to topping off this easy cheeseburger soup. Imagine the rich, creamy soup as your canvas and the garnishes as your palette.
- Green onions and sour cream can add a fresh, tangy twist, elevating the flavors.
- Crispy bacon brings in that irresistible smokiness and crunch, making every spoonful a delight.
- For something a little out of the box, try a dash of pickle juice or even some diced pickles for that authentic cheeseburger tang.
Remember, this is your masterpiece. Whether it’s a cold night or a balmy evening, your cheeseburger soup will feel like a warm hug in a bowl, customized just the way you like it.
Storing and Reheating
After enjoying a warm bowl of this hearty soup, you'll likely have leftovers, and trust me, they taste even better the next day. To preserve that deliciousness, scoop your soup into an airtight container and give it a cozy spot in your fridge. This creamy cheese soup keeps well, ensuring you get to relish the flavors of a cheeseburger in soup form all over again. When you're ready for round two, gently warm the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, adding a splash of chicken broth or whole milk can bring back its velvety smoothness without a hitch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Turning our cheeseburger soup into a feast for the whole family doesn't end with just a bowl of comfort; it's about creating a meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. Imagine serving this alongside a crisp green salad, the freshness of the greens cutting through the richness of the soup. Or consider oven-roasted red potatoes, their crispy edges and soft centers offering a delightful contrast. For a touch of whimsy, mini pickle skewers or a platter of onion rings can transport you straight to your favorite diner. And, of course, don't forget a basket of warm, crusty bread for dipping. Each of these accompaniments not only complements the flavors but also turns our easy cheeseburger soup recipe into a hearty, family-favorite meal that's a hug in a bowl.
A Warm Hug in a Bowl
There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup, especially when it transforms a beloved classic into something you can enjoy with a spoon. This easy cheeseburger soup recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey to the heart of comfort food, bringing all the beloved flavors of a favorite American dish to your table in a delightful, soup form. Whether it's a cold winter day or a gentle summer evening, this soup is the perfect choice for any occasion. Imagine the creamy cheesy goodness, the tender ground beef, and that irresistible hint of crispy bacon—all coming together to create a hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It's a recipe that promises to become a family favorite, making soup season something to look forward to all year round.
Ingredients
- 5 pieces of bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup onion diced
- 2 sticks celery diced
- ½ 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
- ¼ cup pickles diced optional
Instructions
- 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.
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