Craving that juicy cheeseburger but don't have the time or energy for grilling? Then get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort food bliss with this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy cheeseburger soup! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying those burger cravings in a warm, hearty bowl. It's a healthy twist on a classic, packed with flavor and perfect for a quick dinner idea or a satisfying weekend meal. Prepare for a homemade cooking experience that's both delicious and surprisingly simple.
Ingredients: You'll Need These to Make the Magic Happen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Simmer the soup: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
Add corn and cheese: Stir in the drained corn and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve and enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy bacon bits.
Cooking Tips for Cheeseburger Soup Perfection
- For a thicker soup: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
Variations: Customize Your Cheeseburger Soup Experience
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides approximately 350-400 calories, 20-25g of protein, and 15-20g of fat. This is a rough estimate and should be considered as a guideline only. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This cheeseburger soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It's a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes and quick dinner ideas.