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Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup - recipe card
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This is a rich and creamy soup that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in bowl form — seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and celery simmered in a savory broth, then finished with sharp cheddar and a creamy swirl. It’s hearty, indulgent, and pure comfort food that feels like a hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (85% lean) ground beef
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 medium potatoes)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional, for cheeseburger flavor)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups, preferably freshly shredded)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • For garnish: chopped fresh chives or parsley, additional shredded cheddar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. The beef should be sizzling and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it off, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion should turn translucent and the carrots should begin to tenderize.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable-meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, to eliminate the raw flour taste. This roux will help thicken the soup.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the whole milk, stirring until smooth.
  6. Add the cubed potatoes, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low so it maintains a gentle bubble. Cook uncovered until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring well after each addition until completely melted. The cheese will make the soup creamy and glossy.
  8. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or parsley and extra cheddar, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits; thin with a little broth or milk when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. To freeze, omit the sour cream and add it after thawing and reheating. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a lighter version, use 2% milk and reduced-fat cheddar, but be aware the texture will be slightly less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, pioneer woman cheeseburger soup, cheddar soup, ground beef soup, creamy potato cheese soup, hamburger soup, American comfort food, weeknight dinner, cold weather recipes, stovetop soup

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cheeseburger-soup/