Description

A thick, creamy, and comforting soup that deconstructs the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It is incredibly cheap to make, uses simple pantry staples, and is ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
3 medium russet potatoes (approx. 1.5 lbs), diced
6 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Add diced onion and chopped carrots to the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add diced potatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half-and-half (or milk). Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until cheese is melted and soup is creamy. Do not boil.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered. To reduce grease, drain beef grease after browning and skim the top before serving. This soup freezes well for up to 2 months, though potatoes may become soft upon thawing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 800
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 25

Keywords: budget meal, cheap dinner, cheeseburger soup, potato soup, one pot meal, comfort food, ground beef recipes, bacon soup, meal prep