# **Cheeseburger Soup – Creamy, Hearty & Comforting**
## **A Cozy Soup Loaded with Cheeseburger Flavor!**
There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of **Cheeseburger Soup** on a chilly evening. Packed with **savory ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth**, this dish delivers all the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic cheeseburger – now in warm, spoonable form!
Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings, this **creamy cheeseburger soup** is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal and pairs wonderfully with **crusty bread** or a side salad. If you’re craving comfort food, this **thick and cheesy soup** is just what you need. Top it with **crispy bacon, pickles, or even sesame croutons** for an extra burger-style flair!
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## **Quick Recipe Highlights**
– **Flavor Profile:** Savory, cheesy, slightly smoky with a hint of Worcestershire depth.
– **Texture:** Thick, creamy, and velvety with tender chunks of potatoes and ground beef.
– **Aroma:** Warm, cheesy, and rich with garlic and beefy goodness.
– **Visual Appeal:** Golden-orange hue with vibrant garnishes like parsley and crispy bacon.
– **Skill Level Needed:** Beginner-friendly, requires basic chopping and sautéing.
– **Special Equipment:** Dutch oven or large soup pot.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup**
### **1. Comforting & Hearty**
This **cheesy hamburger soup** is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s filling enough for a **main course** and is guaranteed to satisfy **cheeseburger cravings** in a wholesome way.
### **2. Simple & Quick to Make**
With just **40 minutes** from start to finish, this **easy soup recipe** is perfect for busy nights. The **one-pot method** makes prep and cleanup a breeze.
### **3. Family-Friendly**
Kids and adults alike will love the **rich cheesy flavor** and hearty chunks of meat and potatoes. It’s a wholesome alternative to fast food while keeping those classic flavors intact.
### **4. Budget-Friendly Ingredients**
Made with **pantry staples** like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and broth, this **affordable meal** is a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
### **5. Customizable & Adaptable**
Easily modify this **cheeseburger soup recipe** to fit dietary needs. Swap the ground beef with turkey for a lighter version or use alternative cheese blends for new flavors.
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## **Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions**
### **Ground Beef**
– Provides the signature **burger flavor**. Substitute with **ground turkey or plant-based meat** for dietary adaptations.
### **Potatoes**
– Add a **hearty, soft texture**. Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their **starchy, creamy consistency**.
### **Cheddar Cheese**
– Creates the rich, **cheesy depth**. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack or Gouda can be used.
### **Beef Broth**
– Enhances the **savory, umami richness**. For a milder taste, use chicken or vegetable broth.
### **Worcestershire Sauce**
– Adds a **slightly tangy, smoky kick**. If unavailable, swap with soy sauce + a touch of vinegar.
### **Smoked Paprika**
– Introduces a **hint of smokiness** that enhances the burger essence.
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## **Common Mistakes to Avoid**
1. **Overcooking the Potatoes:** Keep an eye on the simmering process to avoid mushy potatoes.
2. **Not Draining the Beef Fat:** Retaining too much grease will result in an oily texture.
3. **Adding Cheese Too Early:** Stir the cheese in at the end to ensure **smooth melting**.
4. **Skipping the Worcestershire Sauce:** This key ingredient enhances the **burger-like taste**.
5. **Not Seasoning in Steps:** Layering flavors while cooking ensures a **balanced, well-seasoned soup**.
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## **The Recipe**
### **Cheeseburger Soup**
**Servings:** 6
**Prep Time:** 15 mins
**Cook Time:** 25 mins
**Total Time:** 40 mins
### **Kitchen Equipment Needed**
– Large Dutch oven or soup pot
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Knife & cutting board
### **Ingredients**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– ½ tsp black pepper
– ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
### **Directions**
1. **Brown the Beef**
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**
Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. **Simmer with Vegetables**
Stir in beef broth, potatoes, carrots, drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. **Add the Cream & Cheese**
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
5. **Thicken if Needed**
If a thicker consistency is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 3-4 more minutes.
6. **Taste & Serve**
Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot with fresh parsley.
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## **Variations to Try**
– **Bacon Cheeseburger Soup:** Add crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
– **Spicy Version:** Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– **Low-Carb & Keto Alternative:** Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.
– **Dairy-Free Option:** Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Cheeseburger Soup** is a must-try for anyone who loves **classic comfort food**. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with **burger-inspired goodness**, it’s perfect for cozy nights, meal prepping, or even game-day gatherings. Give it a try and let us know how you like it in the comments below! 🍔🧀🥣
