Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
- 1 cup milk (any kind – dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use dairy-free cheese if needed)
- Toppings: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, pickles, chopped bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off excess grease.
- Add the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. Stir in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer with broth and cauliflower: Add the beef broth and chopped cauliflower florets to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the cauliflower: Using an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches), carefully blend about half of the soup to create a slightly thickened texture.
- Add nutritional yeast and milk (optional): If using nutritional yeast, stir it into the soup. Then, stir in the milk of your choice. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until completely melted and smooth after each addition.
- Adjust and serve: Taste and add salt or pepper as needed. Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like green onions, tomatoes, pickles, and bacon.
Tips
- Customize it: Feel free to add other vegetables to your liking, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternatives) to each bowl for extra richness.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Enjoy your hearty and healthy cheeseburger soup!
