Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup provides all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, warm bowl, making it perfect for chilly days.
• Simple Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry staples and ground beef, it’s an accessible recipe that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences, you can add or substitute ingredients as desired.

Ingredients

• 12-ounce package cooked, diced chicken
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons hamburger seasoning (or simply salt and pepper)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 10.5-ounce can cheddar cheese soup (low sodium if preferred)
• 2 cups beef broth (low or no sodium)
• 5 cups O’Brien diced potatoes with onions and peppers (frozen; no need to thaw)
• 8-ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions and/or extra shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the diced chicken until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to cool.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef and hamburger seasoning. Brown and crumble the beef for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain and discard any excess grease.
3. Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Base Ingredients: Add the cheddar cheese soup, beef broth, and frozen diced potatoes to the pot. Stir gently until well combined and smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the potatoes are heated through, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Incorporate Chicken: Add half of the cooked chicken back into the soup, reserving the other half for topping.
6. Melt in Cheese: Once the soup is heated through, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to melt and incorporate it into the soup.
7. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thick and creamy. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
8. Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the reserved chicken and, if desired, additional shredded cheese and sliced green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the ground beef for added flavor.
• Spice Level: For a spicier version, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda to introduce new flavor profiles.
• Potato Substitutes: If O’Brien potatoes are unavailable, use peeled and diced russet potatoes, adding chopped onions and bell peppers if desired.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, note that potatoes may become mushy upon reheating. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

FAQs

How can I make this soup lower in sodium?

To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium or unsalted versions of the cheddar cheese soup and beef broth. Additionally, consider using a no-salt seasoning blend instead of traditional hamburger seasoning.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, to make this soup in a slow cooker, first brown the ground beef and then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. About an hour before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream.

What are some suitable side dishes to serve with cheeseburger soup?

Thick, crusty bread is an excellent choice for dipping into the soup. A fresh side salad also complements the rich flavors of the soup nicely.

Is it possible to substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives to ground beef. For a different flavor profile, ground pork or sausage can also be substituted.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by adding a slurry made from equal parts flour and water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, adding more cheese or mashing some of the potatoes can naturally thicken the soup.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese soup with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based heavy cream replacement. Nutritional yeast can also help add a cheesy flavor.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

For best results, use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15). This ensures a good balance of flavor without too much excess grease.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes! Simply peel and dice fresh russet or Yukon gold potatoes and cook them until tender in the broth before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

How long does cheeseburger soup last in the fridge?

Cheeseburger soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, before serving.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this soup is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, delicious bowl of cheeseburger-inspired goodness!