Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base for the soup.

Onions: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the soup.

Carrots: Contributes a slight sweetness and vibrant color.

Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor and crunch.

Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup.

Potatoes: Adds heartiness and texture to the soup.

All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the soup.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, providing a rich, cheesy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice, caramelized flavor. This will add depth to your soup and enhance the overall taste. Additionally, when adding the flour and milk mixture, make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• diced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• diced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but add a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor.

• diced celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch with a subtle anise flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian option and maintains the soup's flavor.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that still provides a hearty texture.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in soups.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor with an additional umami boost.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can be more subtle.

• Allow the cheeseburger soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery soup.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.

• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The cheddar cheese and vegetables will maintain their texture and flavor during this period.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's creamy consistency.

• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.

• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

• Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the ground beef and vegetables.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Place the leftover cheeseburger soup in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Continue to heat until the soup is warmed through and cheese is melted and smooth.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the cheeseburger soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. If the soup is not hot enough, continue to heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until warmed through.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover cheeseburger soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Stir occasionally and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
  4. Add a bit of milk or chicken broth if the soup needs thinning.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the cheeseburger soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check to ensure the soup is heated through and the cheese is melted and smooth.

• Large pot: Used for cooking the ground beef and simmering the soup.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook.

• Knife: Necessary for dicing the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the quantities of onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Small bowl: Used for whisking together the flour and milk.

• Whisk: Helps to combine the flour and milk smoothly.

• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the onions, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Instant potatoes: Use instant diced potatoes to cut down on prep time.

Batch cook ground beef: Cook and freeze ground beef in advance for quick use in recipes.

One-pot method: Utilize a large pot to cook everything, reducing the number of dishes to clean.