Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for warming up during the colder months. This hearty soup combines lean ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, all simmered in a creamy, cheesy broth. It’s an award-winning recipe for a reason – it’s simply irresistible!
If you’re a soup enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to explore more classic and comforting recipes. Consider trying out timeless favorites such as Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup, the smooth and flavorful Tomato Basil Soup, or the ultimate cozy bowl of The BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe. These, along with this cheeseburger soup, are sure to become staples in your recipe collection.
Bowl of Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup topped with shredded cheese, showcasing its creamy and cheesy texture.
This Pioneer Woman inspired cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the winter winds are blowing. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it’s bursting with that classic cheeseburger flavor we all love. When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, this soup hits all the right notes.
What makes this cheeseburger soup so special? It’s incredibly flavorful and has garnered rave reviews, quickly becoming a reader favorite. The cheesy base is wonderfully unique compared to other soups, and it’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Plus, it makes a generous batch, meaning delicious leftovers are practically guaranteed! Give this Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup recipe a try, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s so beloved.
What You Need to Make Pioneer Woman Style Cheeseburger Soup:
This soup is incredibly delicious and made with simple, fresh ingredients. Topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, it’s a dish you’ll want to make time and time again. Each bite is a perfect blend of tender vegetables and creamy, cheesy goodness. This Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup recipe is straightforward and satisfying.
Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl filled with cheesy, hearty vegetables and a rich, buttery soup base. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! This recipe is easy to follow and yields a generous amount, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef is ideal.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped, to build flavor.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots, for sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Diced celery, adding a subtle savory note.
- Dried Basil: For an aromatic, herbaceous touch.
- Parsley Flakes: To enhance the overall seasoning and flavor profile.
- Butter: Used both for sautéing vegetables and creating a rich base.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and the perfect soup consistency.
- Potatoes: Peeled and diced potatoes, providing heartiness.
- Flour: Used to thicken the soup to a perfect creamy texture.
- Velveeta Cheese: For that signature creamy cheeseburger flavor, cubed or 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese as an alternative.
- Milk: To add creaminess and smooth out the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and extra creaminess at the end.
How to Make The Best Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup:
This award-winning soup is surprisingly easy to make! It comes together quickly with just a few simple steps and ingredients, culminating in a perfectly creamy soup loaded with tender vegetables and flavorful beef.
The combination of flavors and textures is just perfect. This Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup is consistently ranked as a top recipe, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a family favorite that’s requested time and time again – and for good reason!
Here’s how to make it:
- Brown the Beef: In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, parsley flakes, dried basil, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the browned ground beef, diced potatoes, and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make a Roux: While the soup simmers, prepare the roux. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden. This is your roux, a thickening agent for the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: Gradually whisk the roux into the simmering soup. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to allow the soup to thicken. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add Cheese and Creamy Finish: Stir in the Velveeta cheese (or cheddar cheese), milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Slow Cooker Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup Option?
For those days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort, you’re in luck! There’s also a fantastic Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup recipe available that’s just as delicious as this stovetop version. If you need to prep in the morning and let your slow cooker do the work, this is the perfect option. The flavor is just as amazing, offering that same comforting taste with the convenience of slow cooking. Whether you choose the stovetop or slow cooker method, you’re guaranteed a fantastic Pioneer Woman style cheeseburger soup!
Sautéing diced vegetables, including onions and celery, in a pot on the stove as part of the cheeseburger soup preparation.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup:
This easy-to-make cheeseburger soup is truly one of the best comfort foods! With quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can’t go wrong. It’s delicious from the first spoonful to the last! Here are a few tips to ensure your Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup is a success every time:
- Ground Beef Choice: Opt for leaner ground beef to minimize grease. Always drain off any excess grease after browning the beef before adding it to the soup.
- Potato Perfection: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they hold their shape well and are less likely to become mushy. Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used, but be careful not to overcook them.
- Cheese Matters: Velveeta cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburger soup because it melts beautifully and creates a very creamy texture. If you prefer not to use Velveeta, shredded cheddar cheese is a good substitute, but the soup base might be slightly thinner.
- Thickening Alternatives: If you’re out of sour cream, cream cheese can be a great substitute. It will maintain the soup’s richness and creaminess, while also contributing to a thicker texture.
- Remove from Heat for Sour Cream: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, always remove the soup from the heat before stirring it in. The residual heat will be sufficient to blend it smoothly.
- Homemade Bun Croutons: Elevate your soup with homemade croutons! Cube a sesame seed bun, toss the cubes with a little butter or oil and bake them on a sheet in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can sauté them in a skillet on the stovetop.
Variations to Customize Your Pioneer Woman Warm Cheeseburger Soup:
One of the joys of cooking is experimenting with recipes to make them your own! Once you’ve made this cheeseburger soup a few times, feel free to get creative and try different variations.
This Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup is definitely a family favorite in many homes, and it’s perfect for customizing. If you’re looking for a simple twist, try making Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. It’s a delicious variation that stays true to the original cheeseburger soup flavor but with the added goodness of bacon.
Here are more ideas to enhance, substitute, or simplify this cheeseburger soup recipe:
- Meat Options: Change up the protein by using ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate more vegetables or swap out existing ones. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even diced canned tomatoes can be great additions.
- Spice it Up with Seasoning: Add your favorite seasonings to personalize the flavor. Start with a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon and taste as you go. Red pepper flakes or paprika can add a touch of heat, while seasoned salt can offer a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Swaps: Instead of Velveeta, try using 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese. For a spicier kick, pepper jack cheese works wonderfully.
- Creamier Options: For an even richer soup, use heavy cream or whole milk instead of regular milk. Yogurt can also be used for a tangy twist while maintaining creaminess.
- Broth Alternatives: Beef broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes for chicken broth, each offering a slightly different depth of flavor.
Adding roux, the butter and flour mixture, to the cheeseburger soup to thicken it and create a creamy texture.
Delicious Toppings for Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup!
Toppings are the fun part of serving cheeseburger soup! While this soup is already packed with flavor and texture, toppings can elevate it even further. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy soup, hearty vegetables, and your chosen toppings. These topping ideas are quick, simple, and add an extra layer of flavor to your Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup.
- Crispy Bacon Pieces: For quick bacon, microwaveable bacon is a convenient option, just chop it into pieces. Leftover bacon works perfectly too.
- Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast to the rich soup.
- Chopped Onion: Add some fresh, chopped onion for a bit of crunch and sharp flavor.
- Pickled Perfection: Dill pickles, diced or sliced, add a sweet and tangy element that complements the cheeseburger flavors beautifully.
- Classic Crackers: You can never go wrong with crackers. Oyster crackers or saltine crackers provide a simple, salty crunch.
- Crunchy Croutons: Croutons soak up the cheesy broth and add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
- Salty Chips: Try crumbled potato chips or pita chips for a salty, textural contrast. Use them to dip or sprinkle them on top.
- Toasted Bun Croutons: Those homemade sesame seed bun croutons we mentioned earlier? They make fantastic toppings as well!
Storing Your Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup
This Pioneer Woman cheeseburger soup is known for its incredible taste and comforting qualities. It’s a truly tried-and-true recipe that’s perfect for family meals and gatherings. Another great thing about this recipe is that it makes a large batch, ideal for leftovers, freezing, or sharing. It’s just that good!
When it comes to freezing cheeseburger soup, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s generally best to omit potatoes if you plan to freeze it, as they can become mushy after thawing. Also, soups with a sour cream, cheese, and milk base don’t always freeze perfectly. Ideally, this cheeseburger soup is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do need to freeze it, here’s how to do it best:
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Once your cheeseburger soup has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much.
- Freezing Cheeseburger Soup (with Considerations): Yes, you can freeze it, but with a few caveats. For best results, if you know you’ll be freezing the soup from the start, consider leaving out the potatoes and adding freshly cooked potatoes when you reheat it. Once the soup is fully cooled, pour it into a freezer-safe zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and lay it flat in your freezer. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Freezing for longer periods may cause some separation in the soup, making it slightly harder to reheat smoothly.
- How to Reheat: The best way to reheat cheeseburger soup is on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw it first. Simply add the frozen soup to a pot and reheat over low heat, stirring frequently. Stirring helps to prevent any separation and ensures it reheats evenly.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup in a bowl, highlighting the cheesy, creamy texture and delicious ingredients with a spoon in the bowl.
More Delicious Soup Recipes
If you loved this Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll want to explore more comforting and flavorful soup recipes! Soup is a fantastic meal option, perfect for any time of year.
Pin this recipe now so you can find it later when you’re craving a warm and comforting meal!
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
4.83 from 133 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
Pioneer Woman Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup is a thick and hearty soup packed with lean ground beef, tender carrots, diced celery, and potatoes, all in a warm and creamy cheese soup. This award-winning soup is truly excellent and reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s comforting style!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Equipment
- Alyssa Also Recommends:
- Want to make this even easier? Here are a few products that I LOVE:
- Calphalon Cookware Set
- Staub Cast Iron Skillet
- The Recipe Critic Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a 3-quart saucepan. Drain off excess grease and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, shredded carrots, parsley flakes, basil, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and browned ground beef to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden (making a roux). Gradually whisk the roux into the soup and bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to thicken. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the Velveeta cheese (or cheddar cheese), milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
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Notes
Updated on December 3, 2019 Original Post on December 27, 2012
Nutrition
Calories: 581kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 2144mgPotassium: 1356mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 3903IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 590mgIron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Dinner, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe? Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
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