Hearty Cheeseburger Chowder

Can’t decide between a burger and soup? Cheeseburger Chowder is a delicious fusion of two comfort food classics. This chowder recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef, tender red potatoes and creamy cheddar cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and brimming with classic cheeseburger taste, this chowder recipe is a creative way to enjoy a timeless flavor combination.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Chowder

• Ground beef: Ground beef makes an affordable, protein-rich base for this soup. Use any fat content you prefer, but know that you don’t have to go super lean since it’s cooking in a soup. A good 80/20 blend, meaning 80% lean meat to 20% fat content, is a good middle-ground ground beef for this soup.
• Onion: Chopped onions add savory flavor and complement the earthy potatoes.
• Red potatoes: Like other waxy types of potatoes, red potatoes’ starchy texture helps thicken the soup, adding to its creamy consistency. Cube them so that they cook evenly.
• Water: The seasoned water the potatoes boil in becomes the chowder’s base. 
• Celery: Fresh celery adds crunch and a hint of anise flavor. Get the most from your ingredient by using the leaves too.
• Beef bouillon granules: The bouillon adds an extra layer of rich, concentrated beef flavor to the soup. 
• Salt: A dash of salt brings out the best in the flavors of this cheeseburger chowder.
  
• Flour: All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent, giving the chowder its creamy, hearty texture.
• Milk: The choice of milk impacts the soup’s richness. While this recipe calls for 2% milk, you can opt for whole milk or even half-and-half for a more indulgent texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: If you want a strong cheese flavor, splurge on a high-quality aged sharp cheddar. For the best texture, grate your cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses typically contain anti-caking additives that prevent them from melting smoothly. 

Directions    

Step 1: Cook the beef and onions

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In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat for six to eight minutes or until the meat is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain.

Editor’s Tip: To ensure you get the best meat texture, learn how to cook ground beef the right way. 

Step 2: Boil the potatoes

Nicole Perry for Taste of Home

Add the potatoes, water, celery, bouillon and salt to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Finish the soup

Nicole Perry for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, mix the flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Stir this into the beef mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for one to two minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the remaining milk; heat through. Add the shredded cheese; cook and stir until melted.

Nicole Perry for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations 

• Upgrade with bacon: Sprinkle in some crispy, crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor, just as in this bacon cheeseburger chowder. 
• Switch up the meats: For a leaner, lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef, or switch up the flavor with ground pork.
• Have a beer: Replace part of the water with beer for a unique depth of flavor that complements the cheese and beef.
• Ketofy it: Swap out the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content while maintaining a creamy texture.

How to Store Cheeseburger Chowder 

Allow the chowder to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the chowder has thickened too much, simply add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy consistency.

Can you freeze cheeseburger chowder?   

Due to the dairy in this cheeseburger chowder, we do not recommend freezing it. The dairy typically separates from the rest of the soup in the freezer and creates an unpleasant texture when thawed and reheated. If you’re looking for soups that freeze well, pick a brothy soup recipe with stock or tomato bases.

Cheeseburger Chowder Tips   

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How do you keep cheeseburger chowder from getting gummy?

To prevent cheeseburger chowder from becoming gummy, use waxy potatoes such as red or Yukon gold varieties and simmer them just until tender to avoid excessive starch release. Then, mix the flour thoroughly with a small amount of milk to create a smooth thickening agent, and stir the chowder gently to prevent the potatoes from breaking down. Finally, add the cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming stringy or gummy.

What do you serve with cheeseburger chowder?

Chowder recipes such as this one don’t need a hearty side since the soup is already pretty filling. You can complete the burger fantasy by serving a crusty baguette or fresh homemade rolls as a dipping tool. A side salad also works well if you’d like to add some greens.

What’s the difference between chowder and soup?

The primary differences between chowder and soup lie in their ingredients, consistency and texture. Chowder typically contains chunky ingredients such as potatoes, seafood or meat, combined with cream or milk, resulting in a rich and hearty dish with a stew-like consistency. It is known for its thick and creamy texture, often enhanced with the addition of a roux. In contrast, soup can vary widely, encompassing everything from thin, brothy variations to smooth, pureed options. Soups may be made with a base of water, stock or cream and generally have a lighter consistency than chowder.