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Craving a warm and hearty meal? Loaded Cheeseburger Soup is your answer! With rich flavors and creamy textures, this easy dish is sure to please the whole family. Let me take you through a simple recipe packed with essential ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and plenty of cheese. Grab your spoon and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s perfect for any night!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This Loaded Cheeseburger Soup combines all the delightful tastes of a cheeseburger in a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for any season.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a breeze for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste, whether adding more veggies or experimenting with different cheeses.
- Kid-Friendly: This soup is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a family favorite that everyone will love, especially with the crispy bacon on top!
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make Loaded Cheeseburger Soup, gather these key items:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup milk
These ingredients form the base of the soup. The ground beef gives it that rich, meaty flavor. The onion and garlic add depth and aroma, while the potatoes create a hearty texture. Beef broth brings everything together and enhances the taste. Finally, milk makes the soup creamy and smooth.
Dairy & Toppings
Next, you’ll need these dairy items and toppings:
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– Optional: 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Cheddar cheese is the star here. It melts beautifully and adds a cheesy goodness. Sour cream adds a tangy note that balances the flavors. If you like, crumbled bacon gives extra crunch and richness. Chopped green onions add freshness and color to your bowl.
Seasonings
Don’t forget these seasonings to boost the flavor:
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Worcestershire sauce brings a savory kick. Onion powder and garlic powder enhance the flavor without needing fresh ingredients. Salt and pepper are key to making all the flavors pop. Adjust these seasonings to your taste for the best result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Beef
– First, heat a large pot over medium heat.
– Add 1 lb of ground beef to the pot.
– Cook until the beef turns brown.
– Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
– Once browned, drain any extra fat. This helps keep the soup light.
Adding Vegetables and Broth
– Now, throw in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
– Sauté these for 2-3 minutes until the onion is clear.
– Next, add 3 diced potatoes to the pot.
– Pour in 4 cups of beef broth.
– Increase heat to high and bring this to a boil.
– Once boiling, lower heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
– Check the potatoes with a fork; they should be tender.
Finalizing the Soup
– Slowly stir in 1 cup of milk.
– Be careful not to let it boil, or the milk will curdle.
– Gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of sour cream.
– Keep stirring until both are mixed in well and the cheese melts.
– Mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
– Season with salt and pepper to fit your taste.
– If you want, add 1 cup of crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
– Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Avoiding curdled milk: When adding milk, lower the heat first. Heating it too fast can cause curdling. Stir gently and let it warm up slowly. This keeps your soup creamy and smooth.
– Ensuring tender potatoes: Cut potatoes into small, even pieces. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Boil them until soft, about 15 minutes. Check with a fork; they should pierce easily.
Serving Suggestions
– Best ways to serve: Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot. Top each bowl with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. You can also add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
– Pairing ideas with sides: This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread also works great for dipping. Enjoy a complete meal with these sides.
Common Mistakes
– Overcooking ingredients: Keep an eye on the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Cook them just until tender. This keeps the texture nice in your soup.
– Not seasoning properly: Taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper in small amounts. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Proper seasoning makes a big difference in flavor.
Pro Tips
- Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned nicely to develop a rich flavor base for your soup. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to the overall taste.
- Control the Heat: When adding milk, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. A gentle heat ensures a smooth and creamy soup without any lumps.
- Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added complexity. A blend of cheddar and gouda can create a unique flavor profile.
- Enhance with Toppings: Consider adding extra toppings like jalapeños or crispy onions for an exciting texture contrast and flavor boost!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner and still tasty. If you want a non-meat choice, use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty base. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk.
Flavor Enhancements
To spice things up, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This adds a nice kick to the soup. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavor. You can mix these in right before serving for the best taste.
Additional Toppings
Different cheeses can change your soup game. Try pepper jack for spice or gouda for a smoky flavor. Unique garnishes, like crispy fried onions or diced tomatoes, can add texture and freshness. Each topping can make your bowl special and personal.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your Loaded Cheeseburger Soup fresh, cool it quickly. Place it in a shallow container for faster cooling. This way, it chills evenly. Use airtight containers to avoid spills and keep out air. Glass or plastic containers work well. Label them with the date to track freshness.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze Loaded Cheeseburger Soup too! First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm it gently on the stove. Stir often to keep it smooth and creamy.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, Loaded Cheeseburger Soup lasts about three to four days. In the freezer, it stays good for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Proper storage helps maintain its rich and tasty goodness.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner. You can also try plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. Each choice offers a different taste and texture.
Can I make Loaded Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free. The ingredients like beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are usually gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy cheese for an extra kick. Experiment with the level of heat that you enjoy!
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal without much fuss!
In this blog post, we explored the ingredients needed for Loaded Cheeseburger Soup, like ground beef and potatoes. I shared a step-by-step guide for cooking the dish, followed by essential tips to enhance your soup experience. We also covered variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions.
You now have everything needed to create a tasty meal. Enjoy making it your own! This soup is simple, versatile, and sure to please everyone at the tabl
Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
A creamy and hearty soup loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
- as needed chopped green onions (for garnish)
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat after browning to keep the soup from being greasy.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Incorporate the diced potatoes into the pot, followed by the beef broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
After the potatoes are soft, slowly stir in the milk and heat the mixture, being careful not to let it come to a boil, as this can cause the milk to curdle.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream to the pot, stirring continuously until both ingredients are fully integrated and the cheese has melted, creating a creamy texture.
Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference, adjusting for taste.
If desired, fold in the crumbled bacon for an additional burst of flavor and texture, making each bite indulgently rich.
Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Optional toppings include crumbled bacon and green onions for added flavor.
Keyword cheeseburger, comfort food, soup
