Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal in a Flash

If you love cheeseburgers and soups, then Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect combination of both! This hearty, creamy soup is packed with ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a savory broth, bringing all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a cozy, comforting bowl. Best of all, it’s made in an Instant Pot, which means it’s quick, easy, and ready to enjoy in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or a family gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup from scratch, why it’s a favorite in many households, and share tips to make it even better. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

  • Quick and Easy: This soup is a one-pot wonder, made in the Instant Pot in under an hour with minimal prep time.
  • Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and plenty of cheese, this soup is sure to fill you up and keep you satisfied.
  • Comforting and Savory: The creamy, cheesy broth, paired with the savory flavor of the beef and vegetables, makes for a comforting, cozy meal.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

Key Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
  • 4 cups beef broth (chicken broth is also fine for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Seasoning and Extras:

  • 1 tsp dried mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (adds that classic cheeseburger flavor)
  • Chopped pickles or pickle relish (optional for garnish)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish

How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

1. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once it’s heated, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess grease from the pot.

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. This step adds extra flavor to the base of your soup.

2. Add the Potatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard powder, paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

The potatoes will cook perfectly in the pressure cooker, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth and beef. This adds heartiness to the soup, while giving it a creamy texture once everything is blended.

3. Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function, and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure.

It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the timer starts. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the potatoes will cook to a soft and creamy texture.

4. Release Pressure and Add Dairy

When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting” to release the steam. Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid.

Stir in the milk (or half-and-half), sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. The cheese adds that delicious cheeseburger flavor and richness that everyone loves.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon to create a heartier texture.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped pickles or relish for that extra cheeseburger touch.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

  • Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they break down and create a creamy texture as they cook. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they won’t soften as much.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
  • Brown the Meat Well: Take your time to brown the beef properly. This adds extra flavor to the soup and ensures you get the full cheeseburger experience.
  • Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or use less broth. You can also add more cheese for an extra creamy texture.
  • Garnish Generously: Toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, and pickles really make the dish shine and give it that classic cheeseburger feel.

Variations and Add-Ins

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Veggie-Packed: Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a more nutritious soup.
  • Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the potatoes and substitute with cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative to traditional potato-based soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze it before adding the dairy. Let the soup cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and stir in the dairy once it’s heated.
  • Reheat: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating.

Perfect Pairings

  • Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for dipping in the creamy soup.
  • Side Salad: A tangy vinaigrette salad balances out the richness of the soup.
  • Crispy Bacon: Top the soup with crumbled bacon or serve it on the side for an extra crunchy element.
  • Pickles: Serve the soup with pickle chips or homemade pickles for that iconic cheeseburger contrast.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty, creamy soup. With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can make this filling soup in no time, perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

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