Cheeseburger Soup

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup

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1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef for 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. Spoon off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

2. Add the butter, onion, carrots and celery and cook for 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock, followed by the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper.

   Mark done Start 1 min timer

4. Add the potatoes, bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

   Mark done Start 15 min timer

5. Stir in the warm milk and heat gently for 5 minutes without letting it boil.

   Mark done Start 5 min timer

6. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until it has melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

   Mark done

7. Ladle into bowls and top with pickles, bacon and diced tomato.

   Mark done

Tips for Making Cheeseburger Soup

• Drain the fat from the beef. Most of the grease ends up floating on the soup if you do not, and it can also stop the cheese from blending in.
• Add the cheese off the heat. Cheese in a boiling soup separates into oil and curds, but off the heat it melts smoothly.
• Use a mature cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese has an anti-caking coating that stops it melting smoothly.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup

• Toasted burger buns
• A green salad
• Dill pickles

Storing & Reheating Cheeseburger Soup

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring, and add a splash of milk to loosen it. Dairy-based soups can turn grainy on freezing, so it is best eaten fresh.

Cheeseburger Soup FAQ: Common Questions

Cheeseburger Soup Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.