Cheeseburger Soup With Pickles Recipe

Cheeseburger soup with pickles: it sounds like an unusual combo, but trust me-it’s absolutely delicious! If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, you’re going to love this soup. It combines all the comforting, hearty flavors of a cheeseburger with a creamy, savory base, and the unexpected twist of tangy pickles. It’s perfect for cold weather, an easy weeknight dinner, or when you just need something that’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor.

This recipe is like a cheeseburger in a bowl, with everything you love about the classic sandwich-tender beef, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and, of course, that zesty pickle taste. It’s a fun and creative spin on a traditional soup, and it’s super easy to make!

Cheeseburger Soup With Pickles Recipe

This cheeseburger soup with pickles brings all the comfort and flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, satisfying soup. The pickles elevate the flavor profile, giving it that unique tangy twist that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, comforting masterpiece:

• 1 lb ground beef – The foundation of your soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but beef really gives that rich, cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor depth and a little sweetness to balance the savory beef.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because what’s a good soup without garlic? It’s the perfect aromatic base.
• 4 cups beef broth – This adds richness and depth to the soup base. You could substitute chicken broth if you prefer a lighter version.
• 2 cups milk – Helps create that creamy texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This makes the soup velvety smooth and luxurious. You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you’re cutting back on fat, but heavy cream is the key to that creamy cheeseburger experience.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – The melty, gooey cheese that makes this soup so comforting and cheeseburger-like.
• 1 cup dill pickles, chopped – Here’s where the magic happens. The tangy crunch of the pickles brings a fantastic zing to the soup. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but I love a generous amount!
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a nice savory, umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon mustard – This small addition really enhances that cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a little smokiness, which complements the beef and cheese perfectly.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
• Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even croutons if you want to give it that full-on burger feel.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this cheesy goodness:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
   • Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. This will keep the soup from being too greasy.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent-about 4-5 minutes.

3. Add The Liquids

   • Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. You want to see gentle bubbles forming at the edges of the soup but not a rolling boil.

4. Add The Flavorings

   • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

5. Melt The Cheese

   • Lower the heat and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

6. Finish With Pickles

   • Once the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth, stir in the chopped pickles. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings-shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef: The key to a great cheeseburger soup is the ground beef. Choose a beef with a little fat (like 80/20) because it’ll add richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but the soup may not be as rich in flavor.
• Pickles: Pickles are the secret ingredient that really sets this soup apart from your regular cheeseburger dishes. They provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese. Dill pickles are the go-to choice, but bread-and-butter pickles can give a sweeter contrast if you prefer.
• Cheddar Cheese: The cheese is essential to create that melt-in-your-mouth cheeseburger texture. Sharp cheddar works best because it adds a strong, flavorful kick, but you could mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness if you like.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Soup: Once the cheese has melted, avoid overcooking. If you let it boil too long, the creaminess could break down, making the soup less smooth.
• Pickle Quality Matters: Not all pickles are created equal! Go for a high-quality dill pickle for the best flavor. If you’re using jarred pickles, try to drain them well to avoid too much excess liquid in your soup.
• Texture Tips: If you like your soup extra creamy, you can use an immersion blender to slightly blend the soup before adding the cheese-this will give it a smoother consistency.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day, so it’s a perfect dish for meal prepping or leftovers. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently over low heat.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crumbled, crispy bacon to the soup for extra flavor and crunch. You can even garnish with bacon bits for an added touch of indulgence.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use plant-based protein or lentils as a substitute for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. The spiciness will pair well with the tang of the pickles and the richness of the cheese.

Final Words

This cheeseburger soup with pickles is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger-without the need for a bun or grill. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this soup will satisfy your cravings in the best possible way. Plus, it’s simple to make and packed with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

It’s a fun twist on classic flavors that’s sure to impress anyone who loves a good cheeseburger-or anyone who loves great soup, for that matter.