Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Hearty and comforting, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This creamy soup combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a quick and easy format. With its rich ingredients and satisfying texture, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup in just 28 minutes.
• Flavor Packed: With ground beef, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs, each spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means minimal dishes to wash after your meal, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust vegetables or cheese types based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and familiar cheeseburger taste make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are the key items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This electric pressure cooker speeds up cooking time significantly while developing rich flavors.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting surface makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for whisking together ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, shredded (about 3/4-1 cup of shreds)
• 2 ribs of celery, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 medium russet potatoes, diced

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp steak seasoning (such as Montreal steak seasoning)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy Base

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In the insert pot of the Instant Pot, combine the ground beef and diced onions. Using the Saute function, cook the beef and onions together until the beef is browned. Make sure to break apart the beef as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

If needed, drain excess grease from the beef. Then add the shredded carrots and diced celery to the mixture in the pot.

Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes

Pour in the beef broth along with the diced potatoes. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Season Your Soup

Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, steak seasoning, and black pepper. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the lid tightly and ensure that the vent is set to sealed. Select a cook time of 3 minutes at high pressure.

Step 6: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Mixture

While waiting for pressure to release, whisk together milk and flour in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup until smooth. Add sour cream and continue whisking until no lumps remain (you may use a blender if preferred).

Step 8: Combine Mixtures

When ready, carefully remove the lid from your Instant Pot. Pour in your milk mixture into the soup base while stirring continuously to combine.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Finally, stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Let the soup thicken slightly before serving hot.

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Serving Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, here are some creative ways to serve this hearty dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve your soup alongside slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with garlic bread for a flavorful twist that complements the cheeseburger flavors.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness that balances the creamy soup.

Served in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For an impressive serving style, use hollowed-out bread bowls to hold the soup.
• Mason Jars: Present individual servings in mason jars for a rustic and fun touch at gatherings.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Creating the perfect Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup involves attention to detail and some helpful tricks. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.

• Bold Seasoning: Use high-quality seasoning blends to enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
• Proper Meat Browning: Ensure you thoroughly brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients; this develops deeper flavors.
• Creaminess Factor: Adjust the amount of milk and cheese to achieve your desired creaminess level in the soup.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to vary vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers or corn for added sweetness.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps all flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Complementing your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup with delightful side dishes can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a comforting addition that pairs well with savory flavors.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a healthy contrast to the hearty soup.
4. Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips add texture and can be a fun accompaniment for dipping into the soup.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas cut into wedges make for easy, cheesy bites alongside the soup.
6. Pickles and Olives Platter: A platter of pickles and olives introduces tangy notes that complement cheeseburgers well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the beef: If you leave the beef in the pot too long, it can become tough. Cook until just browned before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring the natural release: Skipping the natural pressure release can lead to splattering and uneven cooking. Always allow for a 5-minute natural release.
• Not whisking the milk mixture thoroughly: Lumps in the milk and flour mixture can ruin the soup’s texture. Make sure to whisk until completely smooth.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth will result in a lackluster soup. Opt for a good-quality beef broth for richer flavor.
• Adding cheese too early: If you add cheese too soon, it might clump instead of melting smoothly. Wait until after pressure cooking is complete before mixing in cheese.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup.

How do I make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, allow it to simmer longer after adding cheese or mix in additional flour or cornstarch slurry.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that can be used interchangeably with ground beef for a lighter version of Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is ideal for its melting properties and flavor; however, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup by adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy it as a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is not only quick and easy but also comforting and delicious. The recipe allows for customization based on your preferences—add more veggies or switch up the cheeses! This versatile dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today!