This cheeseburger soup is a warm and tasty treat, packed with all your favorite burger flavors! Ground beef, cheese, and veggies come together in a creamy broth that’s simply comforting.
No need to fire up the grill with this recipe! I love how it’s like having a cheeseburger in a bowl. Serve it with some crusty bread for a fun meal on chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for cheeseburger soup, I always go for lean ground beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can work too. For a meatless version, try using crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils.
Onion and Garlic: Diced onions and minced garlic add great flavor. I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re not a fan, shallots or green onions can be great substitutes, especially green onions for a milder taste.
Beef Broth: It provides a rich base for the soup. If you prefer a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium broth. Vegetable broth is another excellent alternative for a lighter flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is essential for that cheeseburger flavor. A sharp cheddar will add a nice kick. You could also try Monterey Jack or a combination for a different twist.
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta is traditional for the texture it brings. Feel free to swap it with any small pasta like ditalini or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Texture in Your Cheeseburger Soup?
To achieve that perfect creamy and chunky texture, focus on the cooking times for each ingredient. Start with cooking the onions until they’re just softened. This sets a great base.
- Cook the garlic briefly to avoid bitterness.
- When adding the beef, break it up well as it cooks. Drain excess fat if you have a lot.
- Simmer the potatoes, carrots, and macaroni until tender, but be careful not to overcook them. They should still have a bit of bite!
Finally, add the milk and cheese off the heat to prevent curdling, keeping everything creamy and delicious. Enjoy your cheeseburger soup!
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Serving:
- Sesame seed dinner rolls (optional)
- Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheeseburger soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and starts to look translucent.
2. Browning the Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook everything together until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it off.
3. Cooking the Vegetables:
Stir in the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, and elbow macaroni. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes, carrots, and macaroni are tender.
4. Adding Milk and Seasoning:
When the vegetables are fully cooked, stir in the milk and Worcestershire sauce. Let the soup heat through, but make sure not to let it boil at this stage.
5. Finishing the Soup:
Take the pot off the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and gives the soup a creamy texture. Season it with salt and pepper according to your taste.
6. Serving:
Serve the cheeseburger soup hot alongside sesame seed dinner rolls if you like. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top. Enjoy your hearty and comforting soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe, offering a lighter option. Just be sure not to overcook the poultry; cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You might want to add a little extra seasoning, as poultry can be a bit milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this cheeseburger soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and lentils for added texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure the cheese is plant-based or omit it entirely if you want a dairy-free version.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Elbow Macaroni?
No problem! You can easily substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type so it cooks properly in the soup.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheeseburger Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up before serving.
