Soapsmith's Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

 Hello Friends:

Another recipe to share, bacon cheeseburger soup, yummy!  You can easily adapt the recipe using steamed broccoli, cauliflower in place of the meats, use sausage, shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of the beef.

Soapsmith’s Cheeseburger Soup

From scratch version:  I don’t measure but these are approximate amounts, easy to adapt to your taste

Pound of ground beef (bacon, sausage, turkey - your choice)
Small diced onion
Shredded carrots one cup or so
Finely diced celery one cup or so – optional parsley, basil, spiced like paprika, peppers etc.
Salt and pepper to taste approx. 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
Combine and brown well, drain off excess fats

Add box of chicken or vegetable broth – about 3 cups (you can use beef broth but the final soup may be brownish)

Simmer a few minutes until the veggies soften a little then add about 3 to 4 cups small diced potatoes. Simmer for about 10 minutes more for potatoes to soften but not too much because they will continue to cook as you finish the soup.

Make a roux with 3 tbl melted butter, blend in ¼ cup flour and cook a minute or so until thick.  Salt and Pepper to taste, slowly add 1 ½ cup milk and blend well, return to a boil stirring until it thickens.

 Blend in 3 cups cheese of your choice (I use Cooper. Clearfield or Kraft Deli Deluxe American because they melt nicely but any cheese will work – most recipes call for Velveeta if you prefer) and add to soup. Return to a simmer and it is ready to serve.

Add optional toppings like steamed broccoli, cauliflower, crumbled bacon, bacon bits, chopped tomatoes, sour cream – whatever you like.

Quickie version – the bulk food stores have bacon cheeseburger soup mix. Super easy just follow the directions on the package.  You can make it with or without the ground beef, add extra potatoes, broccoli or whatever you like.   I usually make it thinner by adding a little more liquid if I am adding beef, turkey or chicken, potatoes, broccoli etc.  Locally you can find it at Zimmerman’s or Village Pantry.  It is very good for a quick dinner.

Serve with a nice salad, some fresh fruits, homemade croutons, garlic bread or even in a bread bowl. Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting,

Bonnie