Family Favorite Creamy Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. Set the cooked beef aside in a bowl and keep it handy for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery: In the same pot, add a tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery over medium heat until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Make a Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and golden. This will help thicken the soup.
2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Cheese: Once thickened, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Set the cheese sauce aside.

Step 5: Combine and Season

1. Add Beef Back to the Pot: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot with the potatoes and vegetables.
2. Pour in the Cheese Sauce: Stir the cheese sauce into the soup, mixing well. The soup should now be creamy and thick.
3. Add Worcestershire Sauce and Heavy Cream (Optional): For added richness, stir in Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, adjusting to taste.
4. Simmer Briefly: Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the creamy cheeseburger soup into bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese for presentation.
3. Optional Toppings: You can also garnish with crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or even chopped pickles for a true cheeseburger experience!

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

• Choose the Right Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but you can also mix in other cheeses like American or Swiss for a unique twist.
• Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little extra flour to the roux or reduce the broth slightly.
• Adjust the Flavor: Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a little garlic powder can add depth, making the soup taste more like a classic cheeseburger.

Why This Soup is a Family Favorite

This creamy cheeseburger soup brings all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, hearty bowl. It’s rich, filling, and packed with both protein and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. With the creaminess of the cheese and milk, plus the depth of the beef and potatoes, it’s no wonder this soup is a hit with both kids and adults alike!

The recipe is also versatile; feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and you can toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture.