Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
While the exact origins of cheeseburger soup are unclear, it likely emerged in American kitchens during the 20th century as a way to combine familiar cheeseburger flavors with the convenience of a one-pot meal. It became especially popular in the Midwest, where hearty, creamy soups are staples during the cold winter months.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, diced pickles, extra cheese, or chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Ground BeefHeat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the VegetablesIn the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Simmer the Soup BaseBring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Create the Cheese SauceIn a medium bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine and FinishPour the cheese sauce into the soup pot.
- Add the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and GarnishLadle the soup into bowls.
- Top with optional garnishes like crumbled bacon or extra cheese.