Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions: A Comforting Weeknight Meal
Craving the comforting taste of a cheeseburger but in soup form? This Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions is your new go-to dish! Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy onions, this soup is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
With the smoky cheddar adding depth and a tangy twist, and crispy onions bringing crunch and flavor, this is a cheeseburger-inspired soup like no other.
Why Make Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions?
- Quick & Easy: This one-pot wonder is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Comforting: With ground beef, creamy cheese, and potatoes, this soup is filling and packed with flavor.
- Unique Twist: The addition of smoky cheddar and crispy onions elevates this soup to something truly special.
- Burger-Inspired: With the combination of beef, cheese, and classic burger condiments, it tastes just like a cheeseburger in soup form!
Ingredients:
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For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or use ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese (adds a smoky flavor that makes the soup special)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that classic cheeseburger taste)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (for a slight tang, reminiscent of burger sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- New Twist: 1 cup crispy fried onions (instead of bacon, adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor)
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For the Toppings:
- Sliced pickles (optional, for that burger-inspired flavor)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, and ground beef back into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make the Soup Creamy:
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded smoked cheddar, and sharp cheddar cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Add Flavor Boosters:
- Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will give the soup a burger-inspired flavor that is rich and satisfying.
6. Crisp the Onions:
- While the soup is simmering, heat the crispy fried onions in a separate pan to crisp them up even more. Alternatively, you can use store-bought crispy onions for convenience.
7. Finish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a generous amount of crispy fried onions, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. For an extra burger touch, add a couple of pickle slices on top for that tangy crunch.
Helpful Notes:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gouda or mozzarella, but the smoky cheddar really makes this soup special.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of the beef broth.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you like your cheeseburger soup with a little heat.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the crispy onions separately to keep them crunchy.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a little more cream or broth if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
Approximate Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions: A Comforting Weeknight Meal
This Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions is the ultimate comfort food twist on a classic American favorite. Creamy, meaty, smoky, and topped with irresistible crunchy onions, it’s everything you crave in one cozy bowl. Quick, easy, and perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends—this recipe brings the flavor of a cheeseburger straight to your spoon. Make it tonight and watch it disappear!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
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1 large carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp mustard powder
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Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Base:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
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1 ½ cups shredded smoky cheddar cheese (or sharp cheddar)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for creaminess)
Toppings:
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1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
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Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Extra shredded cheddar
Instructions
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Cook the Beef:
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics:
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In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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Simmer the Vegetables:
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Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Make the Cream Base:
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened.
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Combine & Melt Cheese:
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Pour the cream base into the soup. Stir in the cooked ground beef.
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Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
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Finish & Serve:
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Ladle into bowls and top with crispy onions, fresh parsley, and extra cheese if desired.
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Notes
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Make It Smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked gouda for a deeper flavor twist.
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Cream Substitutes: You can sub evaporated milk or non-dairy alternatives for a lighter version.
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Veggie Boost: Add chopped broccoli or cauliflower to bulk up the soup.
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Thick or Thin: For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream base.
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Storage: This soup keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion:
This Cheeseburger Soup with Smoky Cheddar and Crispy Onions brings all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty soup. The smoky cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions add layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly stand out. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or just need a comforting meal, this cheeseburger soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Serve it with some fresh crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy this ultimate comfort meal any time!
