Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
Loaded Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger into a warm bowl of soup. With rich ingredients like creamy cheese, ground beef, and crispy bacon, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a chilly night. It combines everything you love about a cheeseburger in a delicious and easy-to-make soup form.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Loaded Cheeseburger Soup is a great idea for several reasons. First, it’s quick and simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. Second, this soup is filling, satisfying, and packed with flavor, ensuring everyone will love it. Lastly, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, so everyone can enjoy their perfect bowl!
How to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for topping)
Directions
Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the potatoes and broth: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and mustard powder.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make it creamy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Cook over low heat for 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added.
Add the cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Stir until the soup is smooth, creamy, and cheesy.
Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. For an extra cheeseburger touch, add shredded cheddar, diced pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
How to Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
Serve Loaded Cheeseburger Soup hot in bowls, topped with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and any additional toppings you prefer. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
How to Store Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
To store Loaded Cheeseburger Soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth for creaminess.
Tips to Make Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- If you like spicy flavors, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to change the cheese! Gouda or Monterey Jack can add different flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Variation
For a lighter version of this soup, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could also use low-fat milk and cheese to cut down on calories while still enjoying the delicious taste.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Loaded Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time. Just reheat it before serving.Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.What can I use as a topping besides bacon?
You can use crispy fried onions, diced pickles, more shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream as alternative toppings.
Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and mustard powder.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Cook over low heat for 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Stir until the soup is smooth, creamy, and cheesy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. For an extra cheeseburger touch, add shredded cheddar, diced pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
