Mastering The Art Of Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta Fusion

Bite into a cheeseburger. Now, imagine it as a soup. A fusion of flavors dances in your mouth, teasing the senses. The cheese melts seamlessly into the rich broth. A classic Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta experience transformed. No buns, just delicious slurps.

Every spoonful brings joy, evoking backyard barbecues and sunlit picnics. Perfect for winter warmth or summer delight. Modern meets traditional in a symphony of taste.

Cheeseburger soup with pasta isn’t just a dish. It’s an adventure. Dive in and let your taste buds celebrate. 

What Is Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta? 

Cheeseburger Soup with Pasta is a delightful fusion of the beloved cheeseburger and hearty soup. It combines ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful broth, matching a classic burger’s rich taste with the comforting warmth of soup. Pasta adds an extra layer of texture and heartiness, making each spoonful a satisfying meal. 

History Of Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta

Cheeseburger Soup with Pasta has a few centuries-old roots like many traditional dishes. Instead, it’s a product of modern culinary innovation, emerging from the love of burgers and the comfort of soups. 

As global cuisines intersected in the late 20th century, chefs began experimenting, seeking to create a dish that captured America’s iconic cheeseburger in a spoonable form. 

Interesting Facts About Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta

• Modern Melting Pot: It’s a blend of Italian and American culinary traditions, reflecting a merging of cultures in a single dish.
• Flexibility: The soup can easily be tweaked to suit different dietary preferences, from using gluten-free pasta to introducing plant-based meat alternatives.
• Versatility: While typically served hot, some chefs have even created chilled versions for summer months.
• Pairing Power: It’s a perfect partner for crusty bread or a fresh salad, marrying comfort food with freshness.
• Innovation Origin: It showcases how popular dishes can inspire new culinary creations, turning a handheld food item into a bowl of comfort.

What Makes Cheeseburger Soup With Pasta Special? 

• Fusion Cuisine: Combines the best of American and Italian culinary traditions.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Melds a burger’s heartiness with the soup’s warmth.
• Texture Variety: Offers a mix of creamy, meaty, and al dente elements.
• Adaptable: Easily customizable to different dietary needs and preferences.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Can be tweaked to range from spicy to savory to cheesy.

Ingredient List 

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Chopped onion	1/2 cup
Water	3 cups
Condensed cheddar cheese soup (diluted)	1 can (10.75 ounce)
Condensed tomato soup (undiluted)	1 can (10.75 ounce)
Dill pickle relish	3 tablespoons
Small pasta shells (uncooked)	1 cup
Ketchup (for flavoring, as needed)	Optional
Mustard (for flavoring, as needed)	Optional

Ingredient Tips

Ground Beef

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
• For a richer flavor, consider a mix of beef and pork.

Chopped Onion

• Yellow onions offer a more mellow, sweet flavor, while white onions are crisper.
• Make sure to dice the onions uniformly for even cooking.

Water

• Consider substituting with chicken or beef broth for added depth in flavor.

Condensed Soups

• For a homemade touch, make your cheddar cheese and tomato soup from scratch.
• Ensure you mix the cheddar cheese soup well when diluting.

Dill Pickle Relish

• Opt for a quality brand to avoid overpowering the soup with vinegar.
• You can also dice regular dill pickles if relish is unavailable.

Can You Vary Cheeseburger Soup with Pasta With Other Ingredients?

Keto

• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
• Use full-fat cheese and cream to boost fat content.
• Omit or reduce starchy vegetables.

Paleo

• Substitute pasta with spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or sweet potato noodles.
• Use fresh tomato puree in place of canned soups.
• Choose grass-fed beef.

Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free pasta varieties, such as those made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
• Ensure that any store-bought ingredients, like condiments and soups, are labeled gluten-free.

Whole30

• Use fresh tomato puree and homemade bone broth to replace canned soups.
• Opt for compliant pickles without added sugars.
• Replace pasta with vegetable spirals or chunks.

Vegetarian

• Omit the ground beef and add hearty vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add legumes like lentils for protein.
• Make sure the cheddar cheese soup base is vegetarian (some might have rennet derived from animals).

Vegan

• Omit beef and use plant-based ground meat alternatives.
• Choose vegan cheese and make a vegan cheese soup base.
• Use vegan-friendly tomato soup or fresh tomato puree.

Recipe Directions 

• In a large saucepan, heat over medium.
• Add beef and onion. Cook until beef browns and is no longer pink.
• Drain excess fat.
• Stir in water, both soups, and dill pickle relish.
• Bring mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat.
• Add in the pasta shells.
• Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Ensure pasta becomes tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once done, ladle into bowls.
• Drizzle ketchup and mustard over each serving.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Protein Variations: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor.
• Broth Variations: Switch water with beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for added depth.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan ground meat and vegan cheese soup with vegan pasta.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Beans: Kidney or black beans can add heartiness and protein.
• Spices: Experiment with paprika, cayenne, or a touch of smoked chipotle for some smokiness and heat.

Toppings

• Crunch: Add croutons, crispy onion straws, or even crushed potato chips.
• Freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro.
• Spice: Drizzle spicy mayo or sprinkle red chili flakes or jalapeños for a kick.

Scaling The Recipe 

Determine the Multiplier or Divider

• If you want to double the recipe, multiply each ingredient quantity by 2.
• If you want to make only half, divide each ingredient’s quantity by 2.

Cookware Size

• Ensure that your pot or saucepan is large enough to accommodate the increased volume or small enough for decreased volume so that the ingredients cook evenly.

Cooking Time

• If scaling up, it might take longer for the mixture to come to a boil, but once the pasta is added, the cooking time might remain fairly consistent.
• If scaling down, the mixture might boil more quickly, so monitor closely.

Temperature Settings

• Even if you’re making more, you wouldn’t necessarily increase the stove’s heat. Always cook at the recommended temperature. Too high, and the soup might burn or ingredients might not meld properly.

Ingredient Consistency

• When scaling, ingredients like water or broth might not need to be doubled or halved precisely. Always adjust based on the desired consistency of the soup.

What Is Used For Garnishing?

Fresh Herbs

• Examples: Parsley, cilantro, chives, mint, basil, dill, rosemary.

Citrus Zest or Slices

• Examples: Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit.

Edible Flowers

• Examples: Pansies, violets, nasturtiums.

Grated Cheese

• Examples: Parmesan, cheddar, pecorino.

Seeds and Nuts

• Examples: Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, crushed peanuts.

Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup with Pasta In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker Method

• Browning: Start by browning the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain the excess fat.
• Transferring Ingredients: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add water, diluted cheddar cheese soup, undiluted tomato soup, and dill pickle relish. Stir well.
• Cooking: Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Adding Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to high (if it was on low) and stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Let them cook until tender.
• Serving: Serve the soup in bowls and drizzle each serving with ketchup and mustard.

Instant Pot Method

• Sauté Mode: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add the ground beef and onions. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Adding Ingredients: Add water, diluted cheddar cheese soup, undiluted tomato soup, and dill pickle relish. Mix well, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom to prevent the burn notice.
• Pressure Cooking: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook mode on high for 10 minutes.
• Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
• Pasta: Turn the sauté mode back on. Add the uncooked pasta shells to the pot and cook until they are tender, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t stick. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: It’s ready to use and perfect for those times when you need a quick solution.
• Consistency: Commercial broths generally have a consistent flavor.
• Variety: Available in different flavors (beef, chicken, vegetable, etc.) and variations like low-sodium, organic, or bone broth.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor: Homemade broth can be richer in flavor, especially if you roast the bones or vegetables beforehand.
• Customization: You have control over the ingredients, so you can adjust the flavors to your preference.
• No Additives: Free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and high levels of sodium.

Can I Use Different Types Of Meat/Fish/Pasta/Vegetables For The Soup?

Meat/Fish

• Chicken: Ground chicken can be a leaner substitute for beef. If you’re using chicken, consider a chicken broth to complement the flavors.
• Turkey: Ground turkey is another lean alternative that pairs well with the soup’s other ingredients.
• Pork: Ground pork can add a different richness and depth of flavor.
• Fish: While less common in a “cheeseburger” style soup, you can use flaked cooked fish like salmon or cod if you’re going for a lighter variation.

Pasta

• Shapes: You can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand—macaroni, fusilli, bow-ties, penne, etc.
• Gluten-Free: If you have gluten sensitivities or preferences, opt for gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
• Whole Grain: For a more nutritious twist, choose whole grain or whole wheat pasta.

Vegetables

• Bell Peppers: Add color and a mild sweet flavor.
• Mushrooms: Provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
• Zucchini or Squash: Adds bulk and nutrients without overwhelming the flavor.
• Corn: Can give a slight sweetness and texture to the soup.

Success Tips-Tips And Tricks For Making The Recipe

Making soup is an art, but with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can consistently achieve soups that are flavorful, rich, and satisfying. Here are some general guidelines for prepping and cooking:

Prepping Tips

• Mise en Place: This French term means “everything in its place.” Before you start, gather all your ingredients, wash, chop, and measure them out. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
• Quality Stock/Broth: A good soup starts with a quality base. Whether it’s vegetable, chicken, beef, or fish, always go for the best quality you can find or make.
• Season in Layers: Don’t wait until the end to season your soup. Season ingredients as you add them, building layers of flavor.
• Uniform Cutting: Chop vegetables in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. The cut’s size can affect the soup’s texture and appearance.
• Blanching: For soups that require greens (like spinach or kale), blanching them separately and adding them just before serving retains their vibrant color.

Cooking Time Tips

• Low and Slow: Some soups benefit from a longer, slower cooking time to meld flavors, especially those with meats or dense vegetables.
• Skimming: Fat and impurities may rise to the surface as the soup simmers. Use a ladle to skim them off for a clearer soup.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta/Rice: If your soup contains pasta or rice, avoid overcooking them. You can cook them separately and add them in just before serving to avoid a mushy texture.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste the soup at various stages of cooking to adjust seasoning. Remember, you can always add more salt, but correcting an overly salty soup is hard.
• Blending: If making a pureed soup, remember to cool the soup slightly before blending to avoid splatters. Also, if using a blender, never fill it more than half full, and allow steam to escape by removing the centerpiece of the blender lid.

Nutritional Values 

The nutritional profile of Cheeseburger Soup offers a balanced blend of protein, fats, and carbs, derived primarily from beef, cheese, and tomato components.

Dive into this comprehensive breakdown to understand the healthful offerings and dietary implications of each bowlful.

What Are Total Calories In The Soup?

A rough estimate, considering the mentioned ingredients and their typical quantities, might range from 350-400 calories per serving.inputting the exact amount of each ingredient.

Dietary Restrictions For The Cheeseburger Soup

• Gluten: The pasta shells typically contain gluten; some processed soups or condiments might have gluten as a thickener or additive.
• Dairy: The cheddar cheese soup indicates dairy content. Some people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies may react to it.
• Meat: The soup contains ground beef, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
• Processed Foods: The condensed soups might contain additives, preservatives, or high levels of sodium, which may not be suitable for those on whole-food or low-sodium diets.

Health Benefits Of The Cheeseburger Soup

• Protein: The ground beef provides essential amino acids that are vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
• Iron: Beef is a good source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plant sources.
• Onions: Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and reduce cholesterol levels. They also have antibacterial properties.
• Tomatoes are found in the tomato soup and are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant. They also offer vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
• Bone Health: Cheese, found in the cheddar cheese soup, provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Nutrition Table 

How Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup Lower In Sodium?

• Homemade Broth/Stock: Instead of store-bought, which is often high in sodium, make your own broth or stock. When making it from scratch, you control the salt content.
• No-Salt-Added Products: Look for “no-salt-added” or “reduced-sodium” versions of canned goods, like tomato soup or cheddar cheese soup.
• Rinse Canned Goods: If you’re using canned ingredients, rinsing them in cold water can remove some of the sodium. This is especially effective for items like canned beans but might be less practical for soups.
• Limit or Skip Added Salt: Hold off on adding salt until the very end of the cooking process. Sometimes, the natural flavors of the ingredients, when combined, reduce the need for extra salt.

How Can I Make Cheeseburger Soup Lower In Sugar?

• Check Canned Soups: Processed foods, including canned soups, often contain added sugars. Opt for brands that don’t add sugar or make a homemade version.
• Limit or Modify Condiments: Both ketchup and relish can have considerable sugar content.
• Ketchup: Choose a reduced-sugar or sugar-free version. Alternatively, use fresh tomatoes or a simple tomato sauce as a base.
• Relish: Make your own dill pickle relish without sugar, or buy a sugar-free version.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: As mentioned, processed foods often have added sugars. Opting for fresh ingredients over canned or processed ones can automatically reduce sugar levels.

How To Serve Cheeseburger Soup In The Best Way?

• Bowl Choice: Use a deep bowl to maintain the soup’s warmth. A white or light-colored bowl can highlight the soup’s colors and textures.
• Garnish: Drizzle the suggested ketchup and mustard artistically on top, perhaps in a zigzag or swirl pattern. Sprinkle fresh, chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks. They can be great for dipping and soaking up the delicious soup base.
• Cheese Topping: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a slice of American cheese. As it melts, it enhances the “cheeseburger” feel of the soup.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement The Cheeseburger Soup

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread or baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the soup. Alternatively, garlic bread or cheese-stuffed breadsticks can add a delightful savory touch.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispy texture can be a delicious accompaniment. Serve with a side of aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Pickle Spears: Since the soup has dill pickle relish, offering some crunchy pickle spears on the side can enhance that flavor profile.

How Long Can We Store The Soup? 

Cheeseburger Soup with Pasta can be stored safely and still maintain its flavor and texture with proper storage methods. The soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it. Before freezing, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

Label with the date and contents. The soup can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. 

Can I Make Soup In Advance?

• Prepare the Soup: Follow your recipe and make the soup as directed.
• Cool Quickly: Once cooked, it’s essential to cool the soup quickly to prevent bacterial growth. Spread it out in a shallow container or place the pot in an ice bath, stirring occasionally.
• Storage: Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove. Make sure it reaches a boil and is heated thoroughly.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Pasta Bake: Mix the soup with some extra cheese, place in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
• Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill with the soup mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Taco Filling: Use the meaty soup mixture as a filling for tacos or burritos.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Use the soup as a base layer in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake.

Special Tools And Equipment Needed 

• Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup. A Dutch oven is excellent for even heat distribution.
• Skimmer or Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing and draining the browned beef and onions, ensuring that excess fat isn’t incorporated into the soup.
• Sturdy Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To stir the ingredients together, ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Sharp Knife: To finely chop onions and any other additional veggies you might want to incorporate.
• Cutting Board: To prep and chop ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements, especially if you’re following the recipe closely.
• Can Opener: To open any canned ingredients, like the cheddar cheese and tomato soups.
• Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup texture, you can blend a portion of it.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.
• Airtight Containers: Useful for storing any leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Type Of Ground Beef Is Best Suited For Cheeseburger Soup?

It’s advisable to utilize lean ground beef, typically around 85-90% lean. This minimizes excess fat, ensuring a balanced and flavorful soup without it becoming overly greasy.

Can I Use Other Types Of Cheese Besides Cheddar In The Soup?

Certainly. While cheddar imparts a distinct flavor, you might consider alternatives such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses. Each variety will provide its unique flavor profile, allowing for a personalized touch to the dish.

Is It Possible To Substitute Fresh Tomatoes For The Canned Tomato Soup?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute. Blend or puree approximately 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes and adjust seasonings to taste. This might slightly alter the texture and flavor but can offer a fresher approach to the dish.

What Steps Can I Undertake If The Soup Becomes Overly Thick?

If the consistency of the soup is too thick, it can be adjusted by gradually adding broth or water until the desired thickness is achieved. Ensure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

How Can I Enhance The Depth Of Flavor In My Cheeseburger Soup?

Enhancing depth can be achieved by incorporating ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, or even a dash of red wine. These additions can infuse the soup with rich undertones and add a gourmet touch to the traditional recipe.