If you’re looking for a cozy meal that combines all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth of a hearty soup, then look no further than this Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup. This dish is a favorite among families and friends alike, making it perfect for gatherings or just a simple weeknight dinner. The rich, creamy broth is loaded with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a medley of vegetables that meld together beautifully. What’s more? This soup can be made in under an hour, making it an excellent choice for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers on the side for the complete experience. With every spoonful brimming with flavor, it’s no surprise that this recipe has earned its award-winning title.
Why You’ll Love This Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor; browning it adds depth to the soup
- Onion: A medium onion finely chopped enhances the overall taste; sautéing brings out its natural sweetness
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the meat
- Potatoes: Diced russet or yellow potatoes add heartiness; they thicken the soup as they cook
- Carrots: Chopped carrots add color and sweetness; they balance the savory notes of the dish
- Broth: Use beef broth for richer flavor; low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels effectively
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the soup its creamy texture; substitute with half-and-half if desired
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese enhances the cheeseburger flavor; reserve some for garnishing
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onions and carrots. Sauté until softened, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Push vegetable mixture to one side of the pot. Add ground beef to the other side and cook until browned through while breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in diced potatoes along with beef broth. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until potatoes are tender, about fifteen minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once potatoes are cooked through, pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cheese if desired.
Transfer to plates and enjoy your delicious Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Add Texture: For added crunch, consider topping your soup with crispy bacon bits or croutons before serving
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove before serving again
How to Serve Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
This Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: To save time, prepare the soup base a day in advance. Cook the ingredients as directed, allow it to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.
- Storing: Leftover cheeseburger soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing; it can last up to three months when frozen properly in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat your cheeseburger soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Suggestions for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is essential for creating a delicious Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup. Avoid using canned or frozen vegetables if possible, as they can compromise the flavor and texture of your soup. Fresh onions, garlic, and bell peppers add vibrant flavors that enhance the overall dish. Additionally, opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese. The melting quality and taste of fresh cheese can elevate your soup to award-winning status. Incorporating high-quality ground beef also makes a significant difference in the final outcome. When you prepare your soup with fresh ingredients, you ensure a rich, hearty flavor that everyone will love.
Don’t Skip the Browning Step
One common mistake people make when preparing Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is skipping the browning step for their ground beef. This step is crucial because it adds depth and richness to the overall flavor of the soup. Make sure to brown your beef in batches if necessary, allowing it to develop a nice crust before adding other ingredients. This caramelization process creates a savory base that enhances the taste of your soup significantly. Rushing through or skipping this step may lead to a bland result. Take your time during this critical phase to ensure your cheeseburger soup lives up to its award-winning name.
Balance Your Seasoning
Proper seasoning is vital for any dish, particularly in an Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup. One mistake many home cooks make is under-seasoning or over-seasoning their soups. Start by using salt and pepper judiciously; remember that you can always add more later but cannot take it away once added. Taste as you go along, adjusting flavors according to your preferences. Additionally, consider incorporating herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for added complexity without overwhelming the dish. A well-balanced seasoning profile will ensure each spoonful bursts with flavor, making it truly award-worthy.
Pay Attention to Texture
The texture of your Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup plays a crucial role in its overall appeal. One pitfall many people encounter is ending up with a soupy consistency instead of a thick and hearty texture. To achieve this desired thickness, consider using an appropriate amount of flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent. You can also blend some of the soup before serving to create a creamy base while leaving chunks of meat and vegetables intact for texture contrast. Ensuring that your soup has a satisfying mouthfeel will greatly enhance the dining experience and make it memorable.
FAQs:
What makes this cheeseburger soup recipe award-winning?
This cheeseburger soup recipe stands out due to its rich flavors and creamy texture that mimic a classic cheeseburger experience in every bite. The combination of fresh ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and vegetables creates an incredibly satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. Additionally, taking extra care in browning the meat and balancing seasonings elevates this simple recipe into something truly noteworthy.
Can I use different types of cheese in my cheeseburger soup?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is traditional for an Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for additional flavor dimensions. Mixing cheeses can provide unique textures and tastes that enhance your soup further. Just remember to choose cheeses that melt well so you achieve that creamy consistency characteristic of great cheeseburger soups.
How do I store leftover cheeseburger soup?
Storing leftover Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is easy! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container for refrigeration. It will last up to three days in the fridge without losing its delightful flavor. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers; it can last up to three months when properly stored. Just remember to thaw thoroughly before reheating on low heat until warmed through.
Can I make cheeseburger soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can create a vegetarian version of Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup by replacing ground beef with plant-based alternatives such as lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned appropriately for flavor depth. For added protein and texture, consider including beans or mushrooms as well! Ensure you still incorporate all other elements like vegetables and cheese (or vegan substitutes) so you maintain richness while accommodating dietary preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting an unforgettable Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup requires attention to detail in every aspect from ingredient selection to preparation techniques. Using fresh ingredients significantly enhances flavors while properly browning ground beef adds depth that’s hard to replicate otherwise. Balancing seasoning is essential for ensuring each bite satisfies while maintaining appealing textures throughout the dish keeps diners coming back for more! With these tips outlined above alongside enticing variations discussed in our FAQs section, you’re now well-equipped to impress family and friends alike with this comforting classic!

Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
- Author: Cecilia
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy bowl. This hearty soup features tender ground beef, wholesome potatoes, and colorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this quick and easy recipe can be prepared in under an hour. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop, and enjoy a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté onions and carrots until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side and brown the ground beef on the other side until fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added texture, top with crispy bacon bits or croutons. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter option if desired. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.