Name: Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes); 1 cup shredded carrots; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping; Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy soup. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something comforting and satisfying. This recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while still enjoying that beloved cheeseburger taste!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
1 cup shredded carrots
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, green onions

Directions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and drain off any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and diced green chilies (with juice).
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the cubed potatoes and shredded carrots and bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Remove the pot from the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk or use an immersion blender until smooth.
Pour in the milk and stir until well combined.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon crumbles, sour cream, and green onions if you like. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Soup

Serve the Easy Cheeseburger Soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This soup also tastes great the next day!

How to Store Easy Cheeseburger Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the soup. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a little extra milk if it has thickened.

Tips to Make Easy Cheeseburger Soup

For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mixed cornstarch with a little cold water) during the simmering step.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more spices or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Using lean ground beef will reduce the fat content, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Variation

You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even pickles for a unique twist. Additionally, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.

2. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can brown the beef beforehand and then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup can be gluten-free! Make sure to use gluten-free beef broth and check that your seasonings do not contain gluten.