Description
This Healthy Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and nutritious twist on the classic cheeseburger. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheesy broth, it’s perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies cravings without the guilt. The soup is thickened with cornstarch and enriched with half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese for a rich flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Liquids and Thickener
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Other Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into ½” cubes (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté carrots and celery: Add the peeled and chopped carrots along with the finely chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, ground mustard, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken or beef broth and add the ½” cubed potatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Combine half-and-half and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk the half-and-half together with the cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture along with the shredded Cheddar cheese to the soup.
- Thicken the soup: Lower the heat to low and stir the soup continuously until it thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add any additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve hot for a hearty and healthy meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels.
- For a thicker soup, increase cornstarch by 1 tablespoon.
- Substitute half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter version, though it may be less creamy.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with crusty whole grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
