Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate cheeseburger soup recipe! Imagine the comforting, familiar flavors of a cheeseburger-tender beef, melted cheese, pickles, and a rich, savory broth-all combined into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or even a fun twist on your regular weeknight meals. Cheeseburger soup has become a staple for those who want all the indulgence of a cheeseburger without the bun, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

This dish has been a hit in homes across the world, and for good reason-it offers all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger in soup form. Whether you’re someone who craves comfort food or simply wants something to warm you up on a chilly day, this cheeseburger soup will hit all the right notes. And yes, it’s award-winning! Let’s dive deep into the recipe that’s earned rave reviews and become a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Now, let’s talk about what makes this cheeseburger soup so special. The combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, vegetables, and melted cheese in a creamy base creates a balanced, delicious flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s what makes this recipe award-winning:

• Rich and creamy texture: The perfect amount of creaminess, without being too heavy.
• Hearty and filling: It’s more than just a soup; it’s a meal in a bowl.
• Cheeseburger-inspired: All the flavors of a cheeseburger, but without the bun!
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you like, making it versatile for anyone’s taste buds.
• Perfect balance of ingredients: The right amount of seasoning, beef, veggies, and cheese come together perfectly.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to make this delightful cheeseburger soup:

• Ground beef (1 lb): The base of the soup, providing that meaty cheeseburger flavor.
• Bacon (4 strips): Adds crispiness and a smokey depth of flavor that elevates the soup.
• Yellow onion (1 medium): A classic addition that imparts sweetness and earthiness to the soup.
• Carrots (2 medium): For sweetness, texture, and a little color.
• Celery (2 stalks): A crunchy, fresh element that complements the creamy base.
• Potatoes (2 medium): Adds substance and heartiness, making the soup filling.
• Garlic (2 cloves): A must for depth and aromatic warmth.
• Beef broth (4 cups): Provides the savory liquid base for the soup.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): The creamy component that makes this soup rich and luxurious.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): The star of the show! This gives the soup that melted cheeseburger effect.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): A little tangy kick that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami and complexity.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, fresh parsley, chopped green onions, and additional shredded cheese for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this cheeseburger soup:

1. Brown The Beef And Bacon

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside with the beef.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the pot, with the bacon fat remaining, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add The Broth And Potatoes

   • Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, until tender.

4. Blend In The Cream And Seasonings

   • Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.

5. Add The Meat And Cheese

   • Return the cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon to the pot. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.

6. Simmer

   • Let the soup simmer on low for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sour cream, chopped parsley, or additional cheese. Serve with crusty bread or crackers if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key ingredients and why they work so well together in this recipe:

• Ground Beef: The ground beef serves as the ’burger’ part of the cheeseburger soup. The fat from the beef gives the soup a rich, savory base that makes it satisfying.
• Bacon: Bacon introduces a smoky, crispy element, which contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the soup and adds complexity to the flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: The use of sharp cheddar cheese is essential for getting that iconic cheeseburger taste. The meltiness and tanginess from the cheese create the perfect texture for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: The cream adds richness and a silky smoothness that gives this soup its indulgent feel. It balances the savory flavors and provides a luscious texture.
• Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: These two ingredients bring a tangy, umami depth to the soup that cuts through the richness and prevents the soup from feeling too heavy.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add heartiness to the soup, giving it substance and making it a complete meal. Plus, they absorb all the flavors from the broth, enhancing the overall taste.

Expert Tips

• Make it ahead of time: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn to add more texture and flavor to the soup.
• Use a mix of cheeses: Try mixing in some mozzarella or Gouda with the cheddar for an extra creamy and melty texture.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mash the potatoes for added creaminess.
• Leftovers make great casseroles: If you have leftovers, you can transform this soup into a casserole by baking it with a layer of shredded cheese on top.

Recipe Variations

This cheeseburger soup is super adaptable! Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add extra bacon for an even more indulgent version. You could even top the soup with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the soup for a spicy kick. You could also use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Cheeseburger Soup with Pickles: If you love pickles on your cheeseburgers, chop some dill pickles and stir them into the soup for that tangy, pickle-flavored pop.

Final Words

This cheeseburger soup is a true winner, bringing together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, comforting bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to play around with ingredients and flavors to suit your personal tastes.