Amish Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’ve never experienced Amish Cheeseburger Soup, you’re in for a real treat. This comforting, hearty dish combines all the best aspects of a cheeseburger and transforms it into a creamy, soup form that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner on a chilly evening or a meal to please a crowd, this soup offers the ultimate balance of rich flavors and creamy textures. Plus, it’s a great way to get the comfort food experience without the mess of assembling a full-on burger!

Amish Cheeseburger Soup is typically served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad, making it a well-rounded, filling meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It has become a staple in Amish and Mennonite communities, where simple, wholesome ingredients are cherished, and meals are crafted with love and care. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity – just a few ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe and get you ready to make this soul-soothing dish yourself!

Amish Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Before you roll up your sleeves, gather these ingredients. They’re straightforward and easy to find at your local grocery store, but their combination is what really makes this soup something special.

• 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean ground beef for a slightly healthier version, but if you prefer a richer, more decadent flavor, feel free to go for regular ground beef.
• 1 onion, finely chopped – The onion adds a sweet, savory base to the soup and helps balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is always a great addition for flavor depth, and it complements the beef wonderfully.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This forms the base of your soup. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or beef broth for something richer.
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes give the soup some heartiness, absorbing the flavors and adding a smooth texture as they cook.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – This is where the magic happens. The sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the soup, creating that cheesy, creamy goodness.
• 1 cup milk – The milk adds creaminess to the broth without making it too heavy.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For extra richness and a silky texture, the heavy cream is essential.
• 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds a lovely herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions – These toppings add a bit of crunch and extra flavor, but they’re optional. If you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence, go ahead and add them!

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down how to turn these ingredients into a bowl of deliciousness.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat, leaving just a little to keep things flavorful.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: To the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer with Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
4. Make it Creamy: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Let the soup return to a gentle simmer, and then add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
5. Season and Adjust: Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Give the soup a good mix, and taste it to see if it needs any more seasoning. If you like it a bit cheesier, feel free to add more cheese!
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings. Crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions all make the soup even more indulgent.

Ingredient Insights

When you’re making Amish Cheeseburger Soup, each ingredient plays a key role in building the soup’s rich, satisfying flavor. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

• Ground Beef: The beef is the heart of the dish. It provides a savory, umami-rich base that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup. Ground beef is typically used because it’s easy to cook, but ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in if you prefer a leaner option.
• Onion and Garlic: These are your foundational flavoring agents. The natural sweetness of onions and the deep, pungent aroma of garlic set the stage for the rich and creamy elements that follow. They also help mellow out the beef’s richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the cheese of choice because it has a robust flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the soup. It melts beautifully, adding that signature gooey, cheesy element that makes this soup a comforting indulgence.
• Potatoes: Not only do they add heartiness to the soup, but they also absorb the broth and cheese, thickening the soup and giving it a satisfying texture. Russet potatoes work best since they’re starchy and break down easily.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: Together, these create a silky, rich base that balances the cheese’s sharpness. The combination of both is what makes this soup so indulgent.
• Chicken Broth: The broth brings everything together, adding depth of flavor without overwhelming the soup. Using a good quality broth will really enhance the final dish.

Expert Tips

Here are a few expert tips to make sure your Amish Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: This step adds a ton of flavor! Don’t rush through it – letting the beef brown properly creates those delicious fond bits at the bottom of the pot, which infuse the soup with more savory goodness.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, grating your own cheese will give you a smoother, creamier soup. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your soup.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, you can add more milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to thicken up.
• Add a Little Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Amish Cheeseburger Soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy twist. You can also top it with a bit of spicy salsa.
• Bacon Lovers’ Cheeseburger Soup: If you love bacon, crumble some crispy bacon into the soup or sprinkle it on top for added flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for plant-based meat or lentils. You can still use all the other ingredients to keep the rich, creamy flavor.
• Cheeseburger Chowder: Want a thicker, chunkier soup? Add some corn, carrots, or celery for extra texture and flavor.

Final Words

Amish Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of a cheeseburger with the velvety smoothness of a creamy soup. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

With its simple ingredients and rich flavor, Amish Cheeseburger Soup is a reminder of how much love and care can go into preparing a dish, even with the most basic ingredients. So grab your pot, get cooking, and treat yourself to a bowl of comfort today!