If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, look no further than this creamy cheeseburger soup. Imagine a rich, velvety bowl of soup packed with all the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger—without the bun. What could be better on a chilly evening or a hectic weeknight? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness. Grab your Velveeta cheese, ground beef, and a few simple ingredients, and let’s dive into a soup that will have the whole family asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is as easy as it gets. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down.
What You Need to Make Creamy Cheeseburger Soup with Velveeta
Ingredients Overview
The key to this soup’s success is a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. You’ll need:
- Ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- Velveeta cheese (the creamy magic that gives this soup its rich texture)
- Potatoes for a hearty, comforting base
- Onion, garlic, and seasonings for a depth of flavor
- Beef broth, milk, and cream for that creamy soup base
- Shredded cheddar cheese to give it that extra cheeseburger touch.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Not everyone has Velveeta on hand, and that’s okay! You can use any melty cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, but Velveeta truly delivers that perfect melt and texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
Looking for something lighter? Try swapping out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you’re gluten-free, don’t worry—this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set to enjoy it without any swaps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Cheeseburger Soup
Cooking the Beef and Preparing the Vegetables
Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot. This step gives your soup that rich, meaty flavor. While the beef is cooking, chop your potatoes, onion, and garlic. The onions add a savory sweetness that will blend perfectly with the beef. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess grease, and toss in your veggies. Let them sauté together for a few minutes until the onion softens.
Building the Soup Base
Add in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. You want the potatoes to cook until tender—this will take about 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are soft, it’s time for the magic: Velveeta! Stir in cubes of Velveeta cheese and let it melt into the soup, making it creamy and rich. Then, pour in some milk and heavy cream to make it even smoother. Don’t forget to season to taste with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Soup
Make It Ahead of Time
This creamy cheeseburger soup actually tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time. To do this, simply let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. If the soup has thickened up too much while cooling, simply add a little more milk or broth to bring it back to the desired consistency. This makes it a perfect choice for meal prep or a busy weeknight when you want a homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Make It in the Slow Cooker
For an even easier version, you can make this soup in the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker (this step adds flavor and helps the beef retain its texture). Then, add the rest of the ingredients: diced potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, milk, and Velveeta. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese right before serving to maintain that smooth, creamy texture. This method is perfect if you want to set it and forget it, especially for busy days.
Customize the Consistency
One of the great things about this soup is that you can adjust its consistency to suit your preferences. If you like a thicker, heartier soup, simply use less broth or add a bit of cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) to thicken it up. If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra beef broth or milk to get it just right. You can also add more cheese to create a creamier texture, but be mindful not to overdo it as the soup could become too rich. Adjusting the texture to your liking ensures that the soup is exactly how you want it.
Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
Just like a classic cheeseburger, the toppings make all the difference. Here are a few suggestions:
- Crispy Bacon: Try beef bacon or turkey bacon if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional pork bacon. It adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cut through the richness of the soup, adding a cool, tangy contrast.
- Shredded Lettuce: A sprinkle of fresh, shredded lettuce on top gives your soup that extra “burger” feel and adds a fresh, crunchy texture.
- Pickles: If you’re a fan of pickles on your burgers, you can finely chop them and sprinkle them on top for an added tangy crunch.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a nice freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy, rich soup base.
Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
While this soup is hearty on its own, you can sneak in a bit of extra nutrition by adding some vegetables. Finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added alongside the onions and garlic for a bit more flavor and crunch. For a richer, more balanced soup, consider tossing in some spinach or kale just before serving. The greens will wilt down nicely, blending into the creamy soup without overpowering the flavors.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken for a Lighter Version
If you prefer a lighter version of this soup, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options will still give you a great flavor and the same creamy texture, but with less fat. If you go with ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add extra seasoning to boost the flavor since they can be milder than beef.
Spicy Kick
If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even finely chopped jalapeños to your soup. The spicy addition can mimic the kick you sometimes get from a cheeseburger with pickled jalapeños, giving the soup a fun, zesty twist. Be careful with the amount—add a little, taste, and adjust as you go to keep it at your desired level of heat.
Add More Cheese for Extra Creaminess
Velveeta is a classic choice for this recipe due to its smooth meltability and creamy texture. However, if you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or even a little cream cheese to make the soup extra rich and indulgent. Just be sure to add them in gradually and stir until fully melted to avoid any clumping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Cheeseburger soup freezes really well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Velveeta is a popular choice because it melts smoothly, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on your choice.
Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can skip the heavy cream and use additional milk or even chicken broth for a thinner consistency. It will still taste great!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this creamy cheeseburger soup with Velveeta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for a chilly weeknight meal, this dish will surely hit the spot. Serve it up with your favorite toppings, and watch it become a family favorite. Trust me, you’ll want to make this over and over again.
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Creamy Cheeseburger Soup With Velveeta
Description
This creamy cheeseburger soup with Velveeta is the perfect weeknight meal. Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s like enjoying a cheeseburger in a bowl. Great for the whole family!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
Add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the potatoes, beef broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the Velveeta cheese until melted and creamy.
Add the milk and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with shredded cheddar and your favorite toppings like bacon or sour cream.