Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup

Why This Recipe Works

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of soup that brings together the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger. That’s where the Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup shines. Picture this: rich, savory beef mingling with crispy bacon, vibrant veggies, and creamy cheese, all in one blissful bowl. This recipe expertly balances each ingredient, creating a bouquet of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. The best part? It cooks up quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Trust me, the aroma wafting from your kitchen as this soup simmers will have everyone gathering around, ready to dig in.

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Why You’ll Love This Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup

This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful journey down memory lane. Who doesn’t love the familiar and nostalgic appeal of a classic cheeseburger? The Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup carries that same warmth, making it ideal for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to lively game day gatherings. Plus, it offers easy customization options. Whether you prefer a bit more spice, want to add extra veggies, or even swap out meats, this soup lets you play chef while still keeping it simple. Everyone at your table can enjoy it exactly how they like.

Ingredients for Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering soup:

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped small
• 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 pound ground beef (leaner preferred)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
• 4 cups water
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (half of a small block)
• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles (for garnish)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Shirley’s Famous Dinner Rolls (to serve with soup)

Get everything ready now, and your cooking journey will be smooth and enjoyable.

Preparing the Bacon: Crispy and Flavorful

Let’s start with the bacon, which adds loads of flavor. Grab your kitchen shears and cut the bacon into small pieces. Now, place those delightful bits into a large pot over medium heat. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot but leave the grease behind. You’ll want that flavor to shine through.

Sautéing the Vegetables: Building Flavor

With the bacon grease still in the pot, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. Add your chopped onions, celery, and shredded carrots. Sprinkle in Lawry’s seasoning salt, dried parsley, and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together, letting it cook for about 5 minutes. As the veggies soften, they’ll absorb all that beautiful bacon flavor, creating a delightful base for your soup.

Incorporating the Beef: A Hearty Base

Now, let’s give this soup its heart by adding the ground beef. Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggie mix and stir it in well. It’s time to break up that beef and add it to the pot. Cook until the meat is no longer pink—this should take about 5 to 10 minutes. If there’s too much grease, don’t hesitate to ladle some out. You want a hearty base, not a greasy one!

Adding The Flavor Base: The Soup Essentials

Ready to amp up the flavor? Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and Better Than Bouillon Beef Base. Stir it all thoroughly, allowing the ingredients to combine perfectly. Each component adds a unique twist that will make your Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup truly outstanding.

Combining Ingredients: Thickening the Soup

Next, it’s time to pour in 4 cups of water. Now, grab your Velveeta cheese and cut it into cubes. Toss those cheesy cubes into the pot, spilling them into the mixture. Bring everything to a boil, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those delightful bits. This stage is essential to ensure that all flavors meld beautifully.

Simmering the Soup: Perfecting the Taste

Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to medium and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally as it cooks; this helps prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. As time passes, you’ll notice the soup thickening and the flavors intertwining. The deliciousness will be hard to resist, so keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Bowl

When it’s time to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and get creative with your garnishes. Top each bowl with crispy bacon pieces, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pickles, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve it alongside Shirley’s Famous Dinner Rolls—those soft, buttery rolls are the perfect companion to your soup.

Tips for Success: Making It Perfect

To ensure your Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup turns out fantastic every time, here are some helpful tips. Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, keeping your soup lighter. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your palate—after all, no one knows your taste better than you! Lastly, make sure all your ingredients are chopped and prepped before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Variations: Make It Yours

Get creative! You might want to substitute turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Feel free to mix in different vegetables, too—corn, bell peppers, or anything you have on hand can elevate the flavor. If cheese is your jam, experiment with various kinds for fun twists. The beauty of this recipe is that it can easily be tailored to your liking.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist this dish), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat your soup on the stove, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. Enjoy the comforting flavors again!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack can give your soup a unique flavor.

2. Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, but the texture of the cheese may change a bit once thawed. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simple! Replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of the beef base.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, peas, or spinach will boost both nutrition and flavor.

5. What can I serve with this soup?
Shirley’s Famous Dinner Rolls are a great choice, but salads or a simple sandwich would work perfectly too.

This Best Ever Cheeseburger Soup makes for a hearty and comforting meal that embodies the classic cheeseburger experience. Perfect for those chilly nights, it blends delightful ingredients into a simple, enjoyable weeknight dish. With easy customizations and delightful garnishes, it’s sure to create smiles and happy hearts around the dinner table. Enjoy every scrumptious spoonful!

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