Comforting Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup

Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Soup Making · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Quick Answer

This Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup combines ground beef, broccoli, and cheese for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly nights.

As the crisp autumn air envelops New York City, I find myself reaching for comforting, hearty meals like this Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup. With Thanksgiving and the holiday season fast approaching, it's the perfect dish to warm up my home while also satisfying everyone at the dinner table. This soup strikes the right balance between rich and wholesome, making it an ideal addition to your festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Let's dive into creating this delightful recipe step by step!

A Comforting Holiday Soup

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
• Rich flavors from ground beef and cheese combined with the nutrition of broccoli.
• Easily customizable with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
• Great for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• A crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up this scrumptious Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup:

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef (grass-fed preferred)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Liquids

• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups beef broth

Dairy and Seasoning

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious pot of Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, allowing it to soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The warm, inviting aroma of sautéing onion fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Using leaner ground beef adds texture that balances the richness of the soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The garlicky fragrance enhances the savory depth of the dish.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth soup base.

Step 5: Pour in Broth

Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Fold in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender yet vibrant in color. Watching the broccoli soften while retaining its hue is a visual delight.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's melted and fully incorporated, transforming the soup into a creamy bowl of comfort.

Step 8: Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the aromatics: Don't underestimate the power of sautéing onions and garlic; they're the base of flavor for your soup!
• Not cooking the broccoli enough: Ensure your broccoli is tender; otherwise, it can be too crunchy and not showcase the lovely taste we're after.
• Adding cheese too early: Always add the cheese off the heat; this prevents it from becoming gritty and ensures a smooth finish.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, for a unique twist.
• Add extra flavor: Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little kick.
• Top it off: Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of croutons for added texture.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Swap out broccoli for other greens, like spinach or kale.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How to Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Serve in bowls with crusty bread on the side.
• Offer grated cheese on top for those who want extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for easy access during busy weeknights.
• Storage: Allow it to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to a month for longer storage.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

I love how this soup captures the essence of comfort food while also adding the nutritional benefits of broccoli. The balance of flavors and textures truly embodies the spirit of cozy gatherings, making it an instant favorite in my home kitchen. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, it reminds me that even in the hustle and bustle of NYC, a warm bowl of soup can bring everyone together.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 20g protein · 10g carbs · 25g fat

Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Comforting Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup

This Cheeseburger Broccoli Soup combines ground beef, broccoli, and cheese for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb. ground beef grass-fed preferred
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Group: Vegetables and Liquids

• 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
• 4 cups beef broth

Group: Dairy and Seasoning

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp preferred
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, allowing it to soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Fold in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender yet vibrant in color.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it's melted and fully incorporated.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Avoid skipping the aromatics, and be sure your broccoli is tender for the best flavor.

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