Description
All the cozy flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, cheddar, dill pickles, and a creamy, velvety base—served by the spoonful. Weeknight-friendly and wildly comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, 1/2-inch dice
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk + splash of cream)
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
- 2–3 tbsp ketchup, to taste
- Green onions, bacon, sesame croutons for serving
Instructions
1. Brown beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until crisped at edges; drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Add 2 tbsp butter; sauté onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt until softened, 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
4. Push veggies aside; melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux; cook 1–2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in broth, scraping up bits. Add potatoes; simmer 10–12 minutes until tender.
6. Season with mustard, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
7. Return beef and simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low; stir in half-and-half. Do not boil.
9. Remove from heat; whisk in cheddar by handfuls until smooth.
10. Stir in chopped pickles and ketchup to taste. Ladle into bowls and top as desired.
Notes
Grate cheese fresh for the smoothest melt; add off heat.
Thin leftovers with a splash of warm broth or milk when reheating.
Freeze before adding dairy and cheese for best texture; add them after reheating.
Swap potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb version.
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend or thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg