Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup – sweet dreams kitchen

Hearty and comforting, Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a dish everyone will love. This creamy and flavorful recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings. With its quick cooking time, thanks to the Instant Pot, you can serve a delicious meal in just about half an hour. The combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese creates a satisfying soup that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking Time: This recipe takes only 28 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Flavorful: The blend of cheeses and seasonings results in a rich taste that warms the soul.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or cheese types to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this soup fits right in.
Easy Cleanup: The Instant Pot means less mess, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious cheeseburger soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Instant Pot
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Instant Pot: This versatile appliance allows for quick cooking, ensuring your soup is ready in no time.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
Sharp Knife: Ensures precise cuts on vegetables, making prep work easier.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like milk and flour smoothly before adding them to the soup.

Ingredients

Hearty homestyle cheeseburger soup cooks quickly, thanks to the Instant Pot!

For the Base

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

For Seasoning and Thickening

2 medium russet potatoes, diced
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

For Creaminess

1 cup milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

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

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth

If needed, drain excess grease from the beef. Then add shredded carrots, diced celery, beef broth, and diced potatoes into the pot.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, steak seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid securely and set the vent to sealed. Select a cook time of 3 minutes at high pressure.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once the cook time is complete, allow a natural release for 5 minutes. Afterward, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure carefully.

Step 6: Create Creaminess

While waiting for pressure release, whisk together milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth with no lumps. Add sour cream and whisk until blended smoothly.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Once pressure has released completely and valve drops down safely, remove lid carefully. Pour in your milk mixture into the broth while stirring continuously.

Step 8: Melt Cheese

Finally, add shredded cheese into the soup mixture. Stir until melted and creamy. Let it thicken slightly before serving hot.

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Serving Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a complete meal experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that complement its rich, creamy texture.

Toppings

Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor.
Crumbled Crispy Bacon: For those who want an extra savory touch, crispy bacon pieces elevate the taste.
Sour Cream Dollop: A spoonful of sour cream provides creaminess and tanginess to balance the flavors.
Shredded Lettuce: Fresh lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that mimics the classic cheeseburger experience.

Bread Pairings

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up every drop.
Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for sopping up the thick broth and making your meal more filling.

Salads

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons complements the rich soup nicely.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings brightness and contrasts well with the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is easy with a few simple tips. These suggestions will help you achieve a delicious outcome every time you make it.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup vibrant and tasty.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to tweak spices like garlic powder or steak seasoning according to your preference.
Choose Quality Cheese: Opt for a good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy finish.
Thicken Wisely: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer after adding the milk mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic side is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce coated in Caesar dressing enhances the meal’s overall satisfaction.
Coleslaw: The coolness of coleslaw contrasts nicely with the hot cheeseburger soup.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are ideal for soaking up every delicious drop of soup.
Vegetable Platter: Fresh cut veggies such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a healthy crunch alongside the soup.
Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty companion dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common errors will help you create a delicious Instant Pot cheeseburger soup. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Not browning the beef properly – Failing to brown the ground beef can result in an unappetizing texture. Ensure you sauté it thoroughly until it’s browned for maximum flavor.
Skipping the natural release – Rushing the pressure release may lead to splattering and uneven cooking. Always allow a natural release for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
Using cold ingredients – Mixing in cold milk or sour cream can cause curdling. Warm them slightly before adding to ensure a smooth blend.
Ignoring ingredient measurements – Altering amounts without caution can throw off the soup’s balance. Stick closely to the measurements for best results.
Overcooking the potatoes – Leaving diced potatoes in too long can make them mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time for tender yet firm potatoes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 3-5 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup?

Instant Pot cheeseburger soup is a hearty, creamy dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all cooked quickly in an Instant Pot.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will still yield a delicious soup with lower fat content.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of cheeseburger soup, use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What toppings go well with Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup?

Toppings like chopped green onions, croutons, or extra cheese enhance flavor and texture beautifully.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot cheeseburger soup is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, so give it a try!