Cheeseburger Potato Soup
Cheeseburger Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy potato soup. It's perfect for chilly evenings and appeals to families and friends alike with its rich taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash potatoes; prick several times with a fork.
- Microwave them with a wet paper towel covering the potatoes on high for 6-8 minutes.
- Let them cool enough to handle.
- Cut in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp and reserve.
- Discard shells.
- Brown ground beef until done.
- Drain any grease from the meat and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large kettle over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in potato, ground beef, salt, pepper, 1 cup of cheese, 2 tablespoons of green onion, and 1/2 cup of bacon.
- Cook until heated (do not boil).
- Stir in sour cream if desired; cook until heated (do not boil).
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a lighter alternative. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans and use vegetable broth instead of milk, similar to what you might find in Vegetable-Burger Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Topping with additional green onions or a dollop of sour cream can add a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with Baked Beans for a comforting dinner, or you might enjoy it alongside a light coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom. You can also add a splash of milk while reheating to restore creaminess if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheeseburger Potato Soup contains roughly 1552 calories, with 51g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (102% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1771mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cheeseburger potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger potato soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. The texture may change slightly upon thawing, so stir well before serving.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use dairy-free butter. For the cheese, you can use a plant-based cheese alternative. Ensure the sour cream is also dairy-free, or you can use a cashew cream for a similar texture. Adjust the seasonings as needed to enhance flavor.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want to omit bacon, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor. You can also substitute with turkey bacon or cooked sausage for a different taste. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for added texture and flavor without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).