Description
This hearty and comforting Cheeseburger Soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. Packed with carrots, celery, and onions, it captures the classic cheeseburger taste in a warm, satisfying bowl perfect for any chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. 90/10 ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 (16-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Thickener
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Garnishes
- Dill pickle slices, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. To the remaining fat, add onion, celery, carrots, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; cook until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot along with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in yellow mustard, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Thicken and Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, half and half, and all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and the soup thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Serve with Garnishes: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crumbled crispy bacon, additional shredded cheddar, dill pickle slices, and toasted sesame seeds for that classic cheeseburger touch.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, increase the flour to 4 tablespoons.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Low-fat half and half can be substituted to reduce calories.
- Drain the ground beef fat to avoid a greasy soup.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup, bacon soup, comfort food, cheddar cheese soup