Description
Hearty cheeseburger soup from midwest kitchens delivers comfort in a bowl. Midwestern home cooks celebrate rich flavors and creamy textures that you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) package velveeta, cubed
- 1 cup bacon bits for topping
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese for topping
Vegetables:
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 4 small potatoes, peeled and diced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ground beef in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked and crumbly. Season with aromatic spices, drain excess fat.
- Clean skillet and create a golden roux by melting butter, whisking in flour until light tan. Gradually incorporate milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Chill mixture.
- Transfer browned beef to slow cooker. Add diced vegetables including onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Pour chicken broth and sprinkle herbs for enhanced flavor profile.
- Cover slow cooker and set on high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing vegetables to become fork-tender and ingredients to meld together.
- Introduce chilled roux and Velveeta cheese cubes into the soup. Stir gently and continue cooking for additional 30 minutes until cheese completely dissolves and soup reaches creamy consistency.
- Garnish with sharp cheddar cheese shreds and crispy bacon fragments moments before serving. Ladle into warm bowls for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Meat Selection Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and texture.
- Roux Technique Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning and create smooth, lump-free base for soup’s creamy consistency.
- Low-Sodium Adaptation Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to control sodium levels without compromising taste.
- Dietary Modifications Replace beef with ground turkey for lighter version or use plant-based crumbles for vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg