1-First Step: Get Everything Ready Start by preparing your ingredients to make cooking smooth and enjoyable! Chop the 3/4 cup onion, shred the 3/4 cup carrots, dice the 3/4 cup celery, and peel and dice 4 cups potatoes this takes about 10-15 minutes. For vegan swaps, use plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef, and measure out 3 cups chicken broth or a vegetable alternative.

2-Second Step: Brown the Protein Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 pound ground beef, cooking for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink! Drain any excess fat to keep things light. If using lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, add a bit of oil first and reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.

3-Third Step: Sauté the Aromatics Keep the pot on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter, along with the chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley! Cook for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant. For low-calorie options, use a light oil or skip extra butter to cut down on fat.

4-Fourth Step: Build the Soup Base Stir in 3 cups chicken broth, the diced potatoes, and the cooked beef, then bring everything to a boil! Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender at around 185-205°F. Adapt for gluten-free by ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free, and add more veggies for a low-calorie twist.

5-Fifth Step: Thicken the Soup In a small skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and stir in 1/4 cup flour, cooking for 3-5 minutes until bubbly to form a roux! Gradually whisk this into the soup and bring it back to a boil, stirring for 2 minutes. For vegan versions, use a cornstarch slurry instead to keep it creamy without dairy.

6-Sixth Step: Add Dairy and Season Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups cheese, 1 1/2 cups milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper until the cheese melts smoothly! Keep the soup warm but not boiling to avoid curdling it’s key for that perfect cheeseburger soup texture. Use dairy-free cheese and milk for vegan adaptations here.

7-Final Step: Finish and Serve Remove from heat and gently stir in 1/4 cup sour cream just before serving for extra creaminess! Portion into bowls, add toppings like extra cheese or pickles, and enjoy with warm rolls. This cheeseburger soup reheats well, so make extra for meals ahead for low-calorie versions, skip the sour cream and focus on veggies.