Craving a cheeseburger but looking for something a little… different? Then get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredible Cheeseburger Chowder Soup! This recipe takes all the deliciousness of a juicy cheeseburger and transforms it into a hearty, flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening or a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. Forget takeout; this easy recipe is surprisingly simple to make and bursting with homemade goodness. It's the perfect blend of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, satisfying your cravings without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pickles, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. This step builds the flavor foundation of your chowder.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the butter to the pot and melt it. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Pour in the beef broth, add the diced potatoes, undrained canned tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Adding the Cheese and Finishing Touches
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley. If desired, stir in the chopped pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Serving
Ladle the Cheeseburger Chowder Soup into bowls and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Chowder:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn.
- Thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cheese.
Variations:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder: Add 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, along with the ground beef.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Chowder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Cheeseburger Chowder: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegan ground beef.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 25-30g Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and easy Cheeseburger Chowder Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both satisfying and relatively healthy. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to make it your own signature recipe!