There’s something magical about a big bowl of soup that combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with a keto twist—it’s like comfort food met a low-carb diet and they decided to throw a party. I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through a food blog late at night, and let me tell you, it was like finding a hidden gem in the vast sea of the internet. Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of sizzling beef, melted cheese, and savory spices filling your kitchen—it’s not just soup; it’s an experience.
Steps
- Begin by cooking 1/3 pound of diced bacon until crispy, then set it aside for later use. In the same pan, brown a full pound of ground beef, ensuring it is cooked through.
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the cooked ground beef and any desired diced vegetables, such as onions or serrano chilies, to the pot.
- Pour 4 cups of broth into the pot. You can choose a combination of chicken and beef broth for a varied flavor profile.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch directly into 1 cup of milk to thicken the mixture. Add this milk mixture and an additional 1 cup of half and half to the pot.
- Incorporate 2 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and integrated. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency. For added flavor, mix in the reserved bacon pieces before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors reminiscent of a cheeseburger. Optionally, garnish with extra cheddar cheese or diced tomatoes for additional taste and texture.
Ingredients
- 1/3 lb bacon, diced and cooked
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 serrano chilies, diced
- 4 cups broth (chicken or beef)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Optional: diced tomatoes
- Optional: Velveeta cheese (2/3 of a large block)
FAQ
- Can I cook Cheeseburger Soup in a crockpot?
- Yes, you can prepare Cheeseburger Soup in a crockpot. Many people have successfully used a crockpot, adding ingredients like a full pound of ground beef, extra butter, and additional cheese for enhanced flavor.
- What can I use as a thickening agent for the soup?
- Instead of using flour, you can use cornstarch to thicken Cheeseburger Soup. Mixing cornstarch directly with milk instead of water can give the soup a richer consistency.
- Can I substitute sour cream in the recipe?
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with a combination of half and half and milk. This replacement has been well-received and maintains a creamy texture.
- Is it possible to add more ingredients for flavor?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients such as diced bacon, serrano chilies, or even diced tomatoes. Adjusting the amount of cheese or using different types can also modify the taste.
- Can I use different types of broth in the soup?
- Yes, you can use a combination of chicken and beef broth for a more complex flavor. Some cooks have found this mix to be delicious and complementary to the soup’s overall taste.
Tips
- Consider adding bacon to the soup for extra flavor. Cook and dice about 1/3 lb of bacon and use some of the grease to sauté the vegetables or mix with the flour for added richness.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, try adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch directly to the milk or cream mixture instead of using flour or water.
- To enhance the cheeseburger flavor, use a combination of chicken and beef broth. This blend can provide a more complex taste profile.
- For a creamier texture without using sour cream, substitute with 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of milk. Adjust the cheese quantity to your preference to manage the overall fat content.
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker) – For those who want to make the soup using this method.
- Immersion Blender – If you prefer a smoother soup texture.
- Cheese Grater – For shredding cheese if not already shredded.
