Cheeseburger Soup

How to make Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

4 slices smoked bacon

1 lb lean ground beef

4 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

2 carrots grated

2 Yukon Gold potatoes diced

⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

2 cloves garlic minced

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown bacon in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat.

Halfway through the browning process add the ground beef.

Cook until browned breaking it up as it browns.

Drain any excess grease. Move the browned meat to a plate.

Turn heat to medium low; add butter.

Add onions, celery, carrots and potatoes; cook until the onions and celery start to soften.

Add dried thyme, onion powder, basil, oregano, parsley and garlic.

Continue cooking 1 minute; stirring constantly.

Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat; cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly.

Add chicken broth and milk; alternating between the two.

Simmer until potatoes are tender.

Add cooked beef and bacon back to the pot warming for 3-5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar; stirring until melted.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1 cup (approximately)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey bacon instead of smoked bacon in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it should still work well in the soup.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is traditional for cheeseburger soup, you can experiment with other types of cheese like American, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and ground beef. Instead, you can use vegetable broth and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives like tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Can I freeze the soup for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for later. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I add additional toppings or garnishes to the soup?

Absolutely! Cheeseburger soup can be customized with various toppings such as crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

These toppings can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I use a substitute for bacon in the recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use bacon or want a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute like tempeh bacon or vegan bacon bits.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the soup may be slightly different.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven or stockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the bacon and ground beef separately in a skillet, then transfer them along with the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese) to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the shredded cheese at the end until melted.

Can I add additional vegetables or herbs to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding extra vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers.

You can also experiment with herbs and spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor to your liking.