If you've ever wondered what makes Taste of Home's cheeseburger soup so beloved, you're not alone. This comforting recipe has gained widespread popularity for its perfect balance of familiar cheeseburger flavors transformed into a satisfying soup. The authentic version combines quality ingredients with straightforward preparation methods that home cooks can easily replicate.
Why This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Stands Out
Taste of Home's cheeseburger soup recipe stands apart from other versions because it captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger without relying on artificial flavorings or shortcuts. The recipe uses real American cheese (not cheese sauce), fresh vegetables, and quality ground beef to create a soup that's both nostalgic and comforting.
Unlike many copycat recipes found online, the genuine Taste of Home version maintains the proper texture balance—creamy but not overly thick, with distinct vegetable and meat components that don't turn mushy during cooking. This attention to texture and ingredient quality is what makes the taste of home cheeseburger soup recipe so consistently successful for home cooks.
Complete Ingredient List
Here's what you'll need to make the authentic cheeseburger soup taste of home version:
| Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Aromatics | Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Aromatics | Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Vegetables | Potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 cups |
| Liquid Base | Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Liquid Base | Canned tomatoes with juice | 14.5 oz can |
| Dairy | American cheese slices, chopped | 6 slices |
| Seasonings | Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Seasonings | Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Seasonings | Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Garnish | Dill pickles, chopped | For serving |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Follow these instructions for the authentic cheeseburger soup taste of home experience:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes with their juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add the chopped American cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a small amount of additional broth.
- Serve hot with chopped dill pickles on top for that authentic cheeseburger finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
When preparing your taste of home cheeseburger soup recipe, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don't rush the cheese incorporation - Adding the American cheese off-heat prevents it from becoming grainy or separating
- Use freshly grated American cheese if possible, as pre-sliced cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture
- For extra richness, substitute half the beef broth with whole milk or half-and-half
- Texture matters - Cut potatoes to uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking
- Don't skip the pickles - They provide the essential tangy element that mimics a real cheeseburger
Variations and Customizations
While the classic cheeseburger soup from taste of home is delicious as written, you might want to try these variations:
- Bacon lover's version: Add 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon with the ground beef
- Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth
- Spicy kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce
- Extra cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar along with the American cheese
- Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with diced cauliflower florets
Serving Suggestions
The authentic taste of home hamburger soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
- A simple green salad with ranch dressing
- Extra dill pickles on the side
- For a complete meal experience, serve with a small portion of coleslaw
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage ensures your cheeseburger soup taste of home maintains quality:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth if needed, as the soup thickens when chilled
- Freezing: Freeze without the dairy component (cheese) for best results. Add fresh cheese when reheating frozen soup
- Do not microwave the soup with cheese already incorporated, as this can cause the cheese to separate
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1.5 cups), the authentic taste of home cheeseburger soup recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in Taste of Home's cheeseburger soup?
Yes, while American cheese is traditional for authentic flavor, you can substitute with mild cheddar for similar melting properties. Avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan as they don't melt smoothly into the soup. For best results with alternative cheeses, add them off-heat and stir gently to prevent separation.
Why does my cheeseburger soup become grainy when I add the cheese?
Cheese becomes grainy when exposed to high heat or when added too quickly. Always reduce heat to low before adding cheese, and incorporate it gradually while stirring constantly. Removing the pot from heat entirely while adding cheese prevents overheating that causes separation. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-sliced also helps maintain smooth texture.
How can I make cheeseburger soup thicker without affecting the flavor?
For a thicker cheeseburger soup taste of home consistency without altering flavor, try mashing some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold broth, then stir it into the simmering soup. Avoid adding flour directly as it can create lumps and affect the clean cheeseburger flavor profile.
Can I make this cheeseburger soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the taste of home cheeseburger soup recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer to the slow cooker with all ingredients except the cheese and pickles. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Note that slow cooking may result in softer vegetables than the stovetop version.
What's the best way to store leftovers of cheeseburger soup?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze without the cheese component. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened in storage, add a small amount of broth or milk to reach desired consistency before reheating.
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