Creamy Burger Soup

A warm bowl of Creamy Burger Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup combines all the beloved elements of a cheeseburger into one hearty dish. Ideal for family dinners, game days, or chilly evenings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The melty cheese and tender vegetables make every spoonful delightful, bringing smiles to everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with ground beef and potatoes, making it not just tasty but also satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the familiar flavors of cheeseburgers; it’s a surefire way to please picky eaters.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize with your favorite veggies or toppings, like crispy turkey bacon bits or additional cheese.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Creamy Burger Soup easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is key for achieving that rich flavor as it allows the ingredients to meld perfectly over time.
• Large skillet: Used for browning the ground beef efficiently before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth roux that thickens the soup without lumps.

Ingredients

A hearty slow cooker soup that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger, featuring ground beef, melty cheese, and tender vegetables in a rich, creamy broth.

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (16 oz) package Velveeta, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Creamy Mixture

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Seasoning and Toppings

• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• Turkey Turkey Bacon bits for topping
• Cheddar cheese, grated for topping

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Burger Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess fat after cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Roux

1. Wipe the skillet clean after removing the beef.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in milk while seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat once smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Add cooked ground beef to your slow cooker.
2. Stir in chopped onion, carrots, celery, and diced potatoes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and season with basil and parsley.

Step 4: Cook on High Heat

1. Cover your slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese Mixture

1. Stir in your prepared roux mixture along with Velveeta cubes.
2. Allow cooking an additional 30 minutes until cheese melts thoroughly and soup thickens.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle into bowls.
2. Top with grated cheddar cheese and turkey bacon bits before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy burger soup!

How to Serve Creamy Burger Soup

Creamy Burger Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Toppings

• Grated Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese on top for an extra creamy texture.
• Turkey Bacon Bits: Add a sprinkle of crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon bits for a savory crunch.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with warm garlic breadsticks for additional flavor and texture contrast.
• Side Salad: A light side salad can balance the richness of the soup and add some greens to your meal.

Serving Style

• In Bowls: Ladle the soup into deep bowls for individual servings, topped with all your favorite fixings.
• In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible container.

How to Perfect Creamy Burger Soup

To ensure your Creamy Burger Soup is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef keeps the soup flavorful without excess grease.
• Chop Vegetables Finely: Finely chopped vegetables cook evenly and blend well into the creamy broth.
• Whisk Roux Thoroughly: Whisking the flour and butter mixture thoroughly prevents clumps in your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Burger Soup

Creamy Burger Soup pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and garlicky flavor that pairs well with the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad provides crisp romaine and creamy dressing, balancing the heaviness of the soup.
3. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that echoes the potatoes in the soup while adding extra crunch.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins bring sweetness and warmth, making them an excellent pairing with burger-flavored soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make for a hearty dish that complements the creamy texture of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy burger soup, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong meat: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid a greasy soup. Fatty cuts can make your soup heavy and unappetizing.
• Skipping the roux: The roux is vital for thickening the soup. If you skip this step, your soup may end up watery and less creamy.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but firm veggies for better texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season throughout the cooking process. Adding all salt and spices at once can lead to uneven flavor.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer ensures all flavors meld together. Rushing this step can result in a less flavorful dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover creamy burger soup in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Burger Soup

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Burger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes creamy burger soup so comforting?

Creamy burger soup combines rich flavors and creamy textures that evoke the comfort of a cheeseburger, making it perfect for cozy meals.

Can I customize my creamy burger soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or use ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier option. Experiment with spices for added flavor!

How do I thicken my creamy burger soup?

If you want it thicker, you can add more flour to your roux or include additional cheese during cooking.

Is creamy burger soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions provided above.

Final Thoughts

Creamy burger soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Its rich flavor profile combined with simple ingredients makes it an ideal choice for any occasion. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe and enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings or ingredients!