Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

Hearty Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. If the beef is very lean, you may need to add a bit of olive oil.
   • Drain the excess fat if necessary and remove the beef from the pot. Set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
   • Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot with the vegetables and broth.
   • Pour the cheese sauce into the soup and stir well to combine.
   • Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot cheeseburger soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
   • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the soup before serving.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

This cheeseburger soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that will remind you of a classic cheeseburger, making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving comfort food.

If you need more recipe ideas or have any other questions, feel free to ask!