Name: Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ¾ cup chopped onion; ¾ cup shredded carrots; ¾ cup diced celery; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; 4 tablespoons butter (divided); 3 cups chicken broth; 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups Velveeta processed cheese (cubed or shredded cheddar cheese); 1 ½ cups milk; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup sour cream

Introduction to Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

When it comes to weeknight dinners that are both comforting and quick to prepare, award winning cheeseburger soup stands out as a game-changer for young professionals. Picture this: the rich, cheesy flavor of your favorite cheeseburger, combined with hearty vegetables and satisfying potatoes, all in a warm, creamy soup. It's a delightful dish that brings the nostalgia of burgers right to your bowl.

Young professionals often lead busy lives, juggling work, social commitments, and personal time. A recipe like cheeseburger soup not only checks the box for deliciousness but also provides the essential nutrients you need to stay energized. With common ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, it's both cost-effective and simple to whip up after a long day. You can even make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—talk about meal prep made easy!

For those interested in nutritious options, substituting lean ground beef or making slight tweaks, such as opting for Turkey Bacon instead of traditional bacon, can help you maintain a balanced diet without compromising on flavor. If you want to explore more creative tweaking, check out resources like EatingWell for tips on making comforting meals healthier. So, are you ready to dive into this scrumptious soup? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Key ingredients you’ll need

Creating a cozy bowl of award-winning cheeseburger soup starts with some essential ingredients. Here's what you'll need to bring that deliciousness to your kitchen:

1 pound ground beef: Look for lean beef to keep it healthier.
¾ cup chopped onion: For that aromatic base.
¾ cup shredded carrots: A touch of sweetness.
¾ cup diced celery: Adds crunch and flavor.
3 cups chicken broth: Forms the hearty soup base.
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes: The heart of the soup, making it filling.
2 cups Velveeta cheese or shredded cheddar: For that creamy cheeseburger flavor.
¼ cup sour cream: Adds a creamy finish to your soup.

Optional ingredients for a twist

Feeling adventurous? You can enhance your cheeseburger soup with a few optional ingredients:

Turkey bacon or chicken ham: For a smoky flavor while keeping it lean.
Diced jalapeños: For a spicy kick!
Chopped green onions: Perfect for garnish and a fresh touch.
Extra spices: Consider smoked paprika or garlic powder for depth.

By incorporating these ingredients, you’re just one step closer to serving a soup that’s sure to impress! For additional tips on variations, you might want to check out this guide on soup perfection.

Preparing Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Creating an award-winning cheeseburger soup at home is easier than you might think! This creamy, hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights in and can be a real showstopper when served to friends and family. Let’s walk through each step so you can master this delicious recipe.

Brown the Ground Beef

First things first, grab a sturdy 3-quart saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward—it’s key to achieving that rich, savory flavor without the greasiness. Set the beef aside while we move on to the veggies!

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in ¾ cup of chopped onion, ¾ cup of shredded carrots, and ¾ cup of diced celery. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes for a depth of flavor. Sauté the mix until the veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step really helps to build the foundational flavors of your award-winning cheeseburger soup.

Combine Broth and Potatoes

Now it’s time to make the soup base! Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and add 4 cups of peeled and diced potatoes. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are lovely and tender. This creates a comforting, hearty base that’s essential for your soup.

Make the Thickening Roux

In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. This roux will help to thicken your soup, giving it that creamy consistency we all love. Add this mixture back into your soup and bring it to a gentle boil, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Stir in the Cheese and Milk

Now for the best part—cheese! Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of Velveeta processed cheese (or shredded cheddar cheese for a more traditional touch) along with 1 ½ cups of milk. Keep stirring until everything is melted and creamy—this is where your award-winning cheeseburger soup starts to shine.

Finish with Sour Cream

To elevate the creamy texture, add ¼ cup of sour cream just before serving. Mix it in well and taste—feel free to adjust seasoning with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of pepper based on your preference.

And there you have it—an incredibly inviting bowl of award-winning cheeseburger soup! Serve it up with some crusty bread or top it with your favorite garnishes for a comforting meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure! For more delicious recipes and tips, check out this guide on comforting soups.

Variations on Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup

Craving a meatless meal? Transform this award winning cheeseburger soup into a delicious vegetarian delight! Simply substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of lentils and mushrooms for added depth. You can also load it up with veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to enrich the flavor profile while keeping it hearty and satisfying.

Other Cheese Options

While Velveeta processed cheese is the classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap it out for smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a robust blue cheese for a sophisticated twist. Each option can add unique flavor notes and a creamy texture, ensuring your award winning cheeseburger soup remains a standout dish every time you make it.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

To create the ideal award winning cheeseburger soup, pay attention to the potatoes. Ensure they are diced evenly so they cook uniformly. For that creamy, velvety texture, add the cheese slowly while stirring over low heat. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the flour mixture, ensuring it doesn't clump.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid browning the beef too quickly; take your time to get that perfect sear and flavor. Furthermore, not simmering the soup long enough can leave your potatoes undercooked—nothing's worse than biting into a crunchy potato in a soup. Lastly, resist the urge to skip the sour cream; it adds a rich, tangy finish that elevates this dish to award-winning status!

For more insights, check out this article on soup textures and flavor balancing.

Serving suggestions for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

When you're enjoying your award winning cheeseburger soup, pairing it flawlessly can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Ideal side dishes

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. It's comforting and complements the flavors beautifully.
Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the soup. Toss in some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Turkey Bacon Wraps: Wraps featuring turkey bacon, lettuce, and tomato are a great finger-food option alongside soup, giving you that delightful savory flavor.

Suggested garnishes

Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top can enhance the cheesy goodness of your soup.
Chives or Green Onions: These add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top not only looks appealing but adds an extra dimension of flavor.

Feel free to mix and match your sides and garnishes to create a meal that's not just filling but also a feast for the senses! Discover more tips and ideas on enhancing your comfort food experience.

Time breakdown for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Preparation time

The prep for your award winning cheeseburger soup will only take about 15 minutes. This includes chopping your vegetables and getting your ingredients ready, so you can dive right into cooking.

Cooking time

Cooking the soup takes approximately 30 minutes. This timing allows for all the flavors to meld beautifully together while ensuring your potatoes are tender and delicious.

Total time

All in all, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen! For a deeper dive into the recipe and cooking tips, check out this link.

Nutritional Facts for Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

When it comes to comfort food, few choices resonate like an award winning cheeseburger soup. It’s not just delicious; it also provides a hearty dose of nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect each bowl to deliver:

Calories

Each serving of this creamy, flavorful soup contains approximately 581 calories. A filling choice for those chilly nights!

Protein

Packed with 38 grams of protein, this soup helps keep you feeling satisfied. It's a great source of energy, especially after a long day.

Sodium

Be aware that this delightful dish has 2144 mg of sodium. If you're watching your salt intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth or reducing the amount of added salt for a lighter option.

Enjoy every spoonful of this award winning cheeseburger soup, knowing it’s not just tasty but also provides substantial nourishment! To learn more about healthy eating habits, check out this insightful resource from the American Heart Association.

FAQs about Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Can I make cheeseburger soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Award winning cheeseburger soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

How to store leftovers?

Storing your leftovers is easy! Place any remaining soup in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion, and it should last up to 3 months in the freezer.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you're looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, try using turkey or chicken instead. Ground turkey or chicken provide a similar texture while keeping the award winning cheeseburger soup delicious and satisfying. You could also use plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version. Check out Healthline for more ideas on meat substitutions!

Conclusion on Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

Wrap-up and encouragement to try this recipe

In summary, this award-winning cheeseburger soup offers a delightful twist on comfort food, brimming with flavor and heartiness. It's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Don’t hesitate—whip up this recipe for a deliciously satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike!