Cheeseburger Soup II: A Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food Recipe

Cheeseburger Soup is a classic comfort food that combines all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying soup. This recipe, dubbed “Cheeseburger Soup II,” takes the traditional version and elevates it with a richer, creamier texture and enhanced flavor profile. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy, beefy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

* **Cheeseburger Flavor in a Spoon:** All the delicious components of a cheeseburger – beef, cheese, onions, and even pickles – come together in a creamy, comforting soup. This recipe delivers that classic cheeseburger experience in a new, exciting way.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, you can have a hearty and flavorful soup on the table in under an hour.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of Cheeseburger Soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less of certain vegetables, cheeses, or spices. Want a spicier kick? Add some jalapenos! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it!
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This soup is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheeseburger Soup II:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor). You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups beef broth. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Potatoes:** 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work well.
* **Carrots:** 1 cup diced carrots. Carrots add sweetness and color to the soup.
* **Celery:** 1 cup diced celery. Celery adds a subtle, savory flavor to the soup.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese adds the most flavor, but mild or medium cheddar can also be used.
* **Milk:** 1 cup milk. Whole milk or 2% milk are recommended for richness.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the soup.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Flour is used to thicken the soup.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce adds umami and depth of flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to the soup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional Toppings:** Cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pickles, shredded lettuce.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** A wooden spoon or spatula is needed for stirring the soup and scraping the bottom of the pot.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** A knife and cutting board are needed for chopping the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with making Cheeseburger Soup II. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bowl every time:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 3: Thicken the Soup**

* Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and vegetables.
* Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.

**Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes**

* Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a boil.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

**Step 5: Add the Cheese and Cream Cheese**

* Remove the pot from the heat.
* Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is melted and the soup is cheesy and smooth.

**Step 6: Add the Milk and Seasonings**

* Stir in the milk until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard.
* Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**

* Ladle the Cheeseburger Soup into bowls.
* Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pickles, and shredded lettuce.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Cheeseburger Soup

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your soup will taste. Opt for high-quality ground beef, cheddar cheese, and beef broth.
* **Don’t Skip the Roux:** The roux is essential for thickening the soup and preventing it from being too watery. Make sure to cook the flour for a full 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
* **Shred Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a creamier, smoother soup.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and ruin the texture of the soup. Cook the potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more milk or beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or Dijon mustard to suit your taste preferences.
* **Use an Immersion Blender (Optional):** If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the cheese. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup too thin.

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about Cheeseburger Soup is its versatility. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Spicy Cheeseburger Soup:** Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Bacon Cheeseburger Soup:** Add cooked bacon crumbles to the soup and use bacon grease to sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
* **Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
* **Loaded Baked Potato Cheeseburger Soup:** Add baked potato toppings like sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
* **Mac and Cheese Cheeseburger Soup:** Add cooked macaroni noodles to the soup for a heartier meal.
* **Beer Cheese Cheeseburger Soup:** Replace some of the beef broth with beer for a richer, more complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:** Pair the soup with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combination.
* **Salad:** Serve the soup with a side salad for a lighter meal.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a great accompaniment to cheeseburger soup, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
* **Toppings Bar:** Set up a toppings bar with a variety of cheeseburger toppings, such as bacon crumbles, green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pickles, and shredded lettuce, so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Cheeseburger Soup is a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

* **Prepare the Soup:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of adding the cheese and milk. Let the soup cool completely.
* **Store the Soup:** Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat the Soup:** When ready to serve, reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir in the cheese and milk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Note:** The texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing. You may need to add a little extra milk or beef broth to restore the desired consistency.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

Cheeseburger Soup II Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
* 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red)
* 1 cup diced carrots
* 1 cup diced celery
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
* 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, pickles, shredded lettuce

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the milk until desired consistency is reached. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle into bowls. Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Cheeseburger Soup II! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and additions to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!