Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. This rich and creamy soup features a cheesy Velveeta base, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its mildly spicy kick and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that delights both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy texture combined with the spices creates a flavorful experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or potlucks, this recipe yields enough to serve a large group.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or add your favorite toppings, like croutons or green onions.
• Comforting Meal: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day to bring comfort and happiness.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather all necessary tools before you start. Having the right equipment ensures efficiency and ease during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A 3-quart saucepan
• A small skillet
• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 3-quart saucepan: Ideal for simmering soups, it holds enough volume to combine all ingredients without overflow.
• Small skillet: Useful for preparing roux, which thickens the soup without clumping.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, keeping your kitchen organized.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking of all ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup onion (chopped)
• ¾ cup carrots (shredded)
• ¾ cup celery (diced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 2 cloves garlic

For the Creamy Mixture

• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled potatoes (diced, about 1¾ pounds)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (okay to use gluten-free here)
• 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta (cut into cubes)
• 1½ cups milk
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to drain any excess fat before setting it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same saucepan over medium heat:
1. Add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Sauté the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Press the garlic into the pot and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add:
1. The chicken broth,
2. Diced potatoes,
3. The browned beef back into the saucepan.
Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

While waiting:
1. In a small skillet, melt the remaining butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook while stirring for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
3. Add this mixture to the soup in the saucepan; bring it back to a boil and stir continuously for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream

Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in pepper jack Velveeta cubes,
2. Milk,
3. Salt,
4. Black pepper.
Continue cooking while stirring until cheese melts completely. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream before serving.

Now you have a delicious bowl of Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that warms you up and satisfies your cravings. Here are some delicious ways to serve this comforting soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll makes for the perfect dipping partner, soaking up all the creamy goodness.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Add Crunch with Tortilla Chips

• Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.

Garnish with Cheese

• A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top enhances the cheesiness of the soup and adds a delightful melty touch.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds a unique twist and gives guests something to enjoy after finishing their soup.

How to Perfect Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

Perfecting your Cheeseburger Soup can elevate this dish even further. Here are some tips to ensure it’s always a hit!

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to add more pepper jack cheese or include jalapeños for an extra kick if you like it spicy.

• Experiment with broths: Using homemade chicken broth can add depth to your soup compared to store-bought options.

• Thicken to preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add additional flour mixed with broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

To make your meal even more enjoyable, consider serving these tasty side dishes alongside your Cheeseburger Soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
2. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Baked Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add crunch and heartiness.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the richness of the soup while adding a nice crunch.
5. Vegetable Sticks: Fresh carrots, celery, and bell peppers offer a crisp bite that balances the meal.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair well with savory flavors, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always ensure you brown the meat well before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking vegetables: If you cook the vegetables too long, they can become mushy. Sauté them just until tender for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in achieving the desired taste and consistency. Use precise measuring tools to avoid discrepancies.
• Adding cheese too early: Adding cheese at the wrong time can cause it to clump instead of melt smoothly. Wait until the soup is off the heat before blending in the cheese.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor profile; don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned.
• Using low-fat dairy: Low-fat options may not give you that rich, creamy texture that makes this soup special. Opt for full-fat milk and sour cream for maximum creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative while still providing a hearty flavor.

What can I substitute for Velveeta?

You can use a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.

How do I customize my Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like diced pickles, chopped onions, or even crispy fried onions for added crunch!

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home is both comforting and versatile, perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!