Gourmet Cheeseburger Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking for a dish that combines the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the cozy warmth of a soup, this Gourmet Cheeseburger Soup is about to become your new favorite. It's packed with flavors and textures that make it a perfect dish for any season, whether you're curling up on a cold winter's night or enjoying a breezy summer evening.

Ingredients for Gourmet Cheeseburger Soup

The star of this soup is the ground beef, providing that unmistakable cheeseburger heartiness. Butter adds a rich, creamy base when sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, which form the aromatic backbone of the soup. By incorporating flour, we create a roux that thickens the soup to the perfect consistency. Chicken broth acts as the foundational liquid, while heavy cream brings luxurious creaminess.

Cheddar cheese sharpens the flavor profile, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard adds depth and tang. Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that introduces a subtle smokiness, enhancing the beefy goodness. Finally, topping the soup with sour cream, dill pickles, and cherry tomatoes mimics the classic cheeseburger toppings, bringing the whole dish together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a lighter version, swap out some of the heavy cream for milk.
  • If you like a thicker soup, add a bit more flour during the roux-making step.
  • Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop. You might also try serving it with some homemade potato wedges for a complete "cheeseburger and fries" experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you're looking to change things up or reduce the fat content.

Gourmet Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté them until they're softened and aromatic—around 5 minutes should do it. Next, toss in the ground beef. Cook it until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. If there's excess fat, drain it off to keep the soup from being greasy.

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and veggies, stirring it in to coat everything. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until it forms a paste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Pour in the heavy cream, and add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cheddar cheese until it's melted and smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits. Serve the soup hot, garnished with sour cream, diced pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes for that full cheeseburger experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines classic cheeseburger flavors with a comforting soup.
  • Loaded with veggies and protein, making it a well-rounded meal.
  • Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sides.
  • Quick to prepare, yet feels like a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then bring to a simmer.
5. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits.
8. Serve hot topped with sour cream, diced pickles, and halved cherry tomatoes.

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