Cheesy Beefy Bliss: Quick Cheeseburger Chowder Recipe 🧀🍔

Introduction

In the world of comfort foods, few dishes evoke the cozy, satisfying sensation quite like hearty chowders and cheesy soups. The Quick Cheeseburger Chowder, a beloved recipe passed down through generations and featured in classic cookbooks such as Better Homes & Gardens Hamburger and Ground Meats collection, perfectly combines the savory flavors of a beloved American classic— the cheeseburger— with the warm, velvety richness of a wholesome chowder. This dish is designed to be both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, weekend family dinners, or whenever you crave something hearty yet effortless.

Love With Recipes, your trusted source for delicious and accessible home-cooked meals, brings you this detailed, comprehensive guide to crafting the ultimate Cheeseburger Chowder. Every step, ingredient, and tip has been meticulously curated to ensure you can create a dish that is flavorful, nutritious, and perfectly tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned culinary enthusiast, this recipe will guide you seamlessly from start to finish, resulting in a bowl of comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning meat, simmering vegetables, and combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of liquids, seasonings, and other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For dicing potatoes, onions, peppers, and other vegetables.
• Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Whisk: To thoroughly mix the flour and milk for smooth thickening.
• Stirring Spoon or Wooden Spoon: To stir ingredients during cooking and ensure even heat distribution.
• Grater or Cheese Shredder: To shred the cheddar cheese freshly for optimal flavor and texture.
• Measuring Jug or Small Bowl: For whisking the flour and milk mixture separately.
• Serving Bowls and Utensils: To serve the chowder hot and enjoy the meal comfortably.
• Optional: Food Processor or Blender: For pureeing some vegetables if desired for a smoother texture.

Tags

• Hearty
• Comfort Food
• Quick Dinner
• Cheeseburger
• Chowder
• Family-Friendly
• Easy Recipes
• Weeknight Meal

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Each serving is approximately 1.5 cups of hearty cheeseburger chowder, packed with flavor and protein.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as Easy. It involves straightforward techniques such as browning ground beef, simmering vegetables, and creating a simple thickening agent. Suitable for cooks of all skill levels, especially those looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

Allergen Information

Note: For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, consider substituting dairy cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and using lactose-free milk options.

Dietary Preference

• Kid-Friendly
• Contains Meat
• Contains Dairy
• Can be adapted for Gluten-Free by substituting flour with gluten-free thickening agents

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

American, Comfort Food, Homestyle

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities and Details

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing to Brown the Beef

Begin by placing a large saucepan or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart into smaller pieces, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is evenly browned, roughly 7-10 minutes. The goal is to render out excess fat and achieve a rich, browned exterior that imparts flavor to the dish. This process not only develops the savory taste but also ensures that the beef is cooked through, eliminating any rawness.

As the beef cooks, you might notice a layer of rendered fat accumulating at the bottom of the pan. Use a slotted spoon or carefully tilt the pan to drain off excess fat, unless you prefer a slightly fattier chowder. For a healthier version, drain thoroughly; for richer flavor, you can leave a small amount of fat.

Step 2: Incorporating Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers

Once the beef reaches a perfect brown color and excess fat has been drained, add the diced onions and celery. These aromatics will begin to soften and release their flavors, generally taking about 3-5 minutes. Use your spoon to stir frequently, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the beef juices. The onions should become translucent, and the celery will start to soften.

Next, add the diced green bell peppers. They provide a subtle sweetness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the chowder. Stir to combine all vegetables. If you wish to intensify the flavor further, crumble the beef bouillon cube into the mixture, stirring until it dissolves completely. This step gives the chowder a richer, more savory backbone akin to homemade broth.

Pour in the water—about 1.5 cups—and add the salt. Stir to incorporate all ingredients and help dissolve the bouillon cube. Cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will soften, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Preparing the Thickening Agent

While the vegetables and beef are simmering, prepare the thickening mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2.5 cups of milk. Whisk vigorously to eliminate lumps and create a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it ensures that when added to the hot chowder, the flour will thicken the soup smoothly without forming clumps.

For an even silkier texture, you might warm the milk slightly before adding it to the flour, but this is optional. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and set aside.

Step 4: Thickening the Chowder

Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded, it’s time to add the thickening agent. Carefully pour the flour-milk mixture into the simmering pot, stirring constantly with your stirring spoon or wooden spoon. Continuous stirring ensures that the flour doesn’t settle at the bottom and burn, and it promotes even thickening.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil; you will notice the chowder starting to thicken and become creamy. Keep stirring and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chowder reaches your desired consistency. The bubbling and slight thickening indicate that the flour has cooked through and the flavors are well incorporated.

Step 5: Adding the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it evenly over the surface of the chowder. Use your spoon or a spatula to stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats the vegetables and beef thoroughly. The cheese adds richness, depth, and that irresistible cheeseburger flavor.

Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might add a pinch more salt or pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a more intense cheese flavor, consider stirring in some grated parmesan or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Step 6: Serving and Garnishing

Ladle the hot cheeseburger chowder into individual bowls. For presentation and added flavor, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Serve immediately while steaming hot for the best experience.

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a side of crispy bacon strips for extra indulgence. The chowder can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings, making it very versatile.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing the right beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce greasiness, but a little fat adds flavor. If you prefer a leaner dish, drain excess fat thoroughly after browning.
• Vegetable prep: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Finely chop celery and onion for a balanced texture and flavor distribution.
• Cheese selection: Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for optimal meltability and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may inhibit smooth melting.
• Thickening techniques: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch slurry or gluten-free thickening agents available in stores.
• Flavor enhancements: Add a dash of Worcestershire or hot sauce for an extra layer of depth.

Nutritional Information

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tips and Tricks

• Layer flavors: Sear the beef until deeply browned for maximum flavor. Don’t rush this step.
• Perfect consistency: If the chowder becomes too thick, thin with a little more milk or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
• Cheese melt: Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add corn, diced carrots, or peas for extra color and sweetness.
• Make ahead: Prepare the base (meat and vegetables) and reheat with cheese just before serving for optimal freshness.

Add-ons

• Crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
• Diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for freshness.
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.

Side Dishes

• Crusty French bread or sourdough baguette.
• Garlic bread or cheese bread.
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables or a veggie platter.
• Classic potato chips or crispy onion rings.

Improvements

• Vegetable enhancements: Roast potatoes and peppers beforehand for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese variations: Incorporate different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyère for unique flavors.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne for spiciness.
• Texture options: Blend part of the chowder for a thicker, creamier consistency or leave it chunky for more bite.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute ground beef with lentils, textured vegetable protein, or plant-based ground meat.

Save and Store

Leftover cheeseburger chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

For best results, reheat the chowder slowly, and consider adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens during storage. Do not reheat multiple times to maintain optimal flavor and safety.

FAQ

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch slurry or a store-bought gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check all ingredients for gluten content.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, corn, peas, or even spinach can be added during simmering for added nutrients and flavors. Adjust cooking times as needed for different vegetables.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra vegetables for texture.

Is it spicy?

This recipe is mild by default. To spice it up, add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during cooking.

Conclusion

The Quick Cheeseburger Chowder is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Its rich, cheesy, and savory profile makes it a family favorite and a go-to meal for busy evenings. The flexibility to customize toppings, vegetables, and spice levels ensures that it can be adapted to suit personal tastes and dietary needs. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can craft a delicious, comforting bowl of homemade goodness that embodies the essence of hearty American comfort food.

Remember, Love With Recipes is dedicated to helping you elevate your home cooking with practical, flavorful, and approachable recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this irresistible cheeseburger chowder!

References

• Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, Hamburger and Ground Meats Section
• FoodData Central, USDA, for nutritional analysis