Burger Soup: A Comforting and Hearty

Burger Soup

If you’re craving the classic flavors of a burger but want something a little more filling and comforting, burger soup is the perfect solution. This hearty dish combines all the flavors you love in a burger, like seasoned beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, but in the form of a delicious, warm soup. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, burger soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

The beauty of burger soup is that it’s made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef – Choose a lean cut, such as 80/20, for the best flavor without too much grease.
• 1 onion, diced – For a savory base, finely chop a yellow or white onion.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a fragrant aroma and depth to the soup.
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – These will give the soup a hearty texture and help thicken the broth.
• 1 cup carrots, sliced – A touch of sweetness and color, carrots are a great addition to the mix.
• 4 cups beef broth – For the perfect savory liquid base, beef broth provides the richness that complements the burger flavor.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds a touch of acidity and balance to the richness of the beef.
• 1 teaspoon salt – A simple seasoning that enhances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – A pinch of pepper gives a little heat without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – For a smoky note that gives depth to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano pairs well with the other ingredients and adds an herbaceous flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory umami kick, just like it would in a burger patty.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – No burger is complete without cheese! Add it to the soup for a creamy, gooey finish.
• 2 tablespoons pickles, chopped (optional) – A topping for garnish, pickles bring the classic burger experience to the soup.

This combination of ingredients results in a rich, flavorful soup that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. If you like, you can experiment with other cheeses or toppings to customize the recipe to your liking.

Directions

Making burger soup is simple, and it doesn’t take long to prepare a hearty meal. Follow these easy steps to create your burger soup:

1. Cook the beef
   Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will infuse the base with savory flavors.
3. Add the potatoes and carrots
   Next, add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the vegetables with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for another 3 minutes to soften them slightly.
4. Add the liquids and seasonings
   Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Add the Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Combine the beef and finish the soup
   Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, mixing it into the soup. Stir well to incorporate the beef with the vegetables and broth. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Add cheese and pickles
   Once the soup is done, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. For a finishing touch, top with chopped pickles if you’re using them. The tangy crunch of the pickles brings that classic burger flavor right into the soup.
7. Serve and enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve immediately. This burger soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cook’s Note

Burger soup is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, you can swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or simply add more vegetables and beans for protein.
• If you prefer a creamier soup, consider adding heavy cream or a splash of milk to the broth.
• To make the soup spicier, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the pot.

You can also make this soup ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Here’s an overview of the nutrition breakdown for a single serving of burger soup:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg

The soup is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. However, it’s also fairly rich in fat due to the cheese and beef. For a lighter version, you can use lower-fat cheese and leaner beef options.

Burger soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the classic flavors of a burger with the warming, filling texture of a soup. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Give it a try tonight and experience this delicious twist on a burger!