Healthy Cheeseburger Soup: A Delicious Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe

Welcome to a hearty and satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out—our Healthy Cheeseburger Soup! This recipe brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting soup, packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, flavorful vegetables, and melted cheese. Designed to fit seamlessly into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, this soup is both nutritious and low in WW SmartPoints. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to making this delicious meal, including detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints values.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • Ground Lean Beef: 1 pound (450 grams) – preferably 93% lean
  • Potatoes: 3 medium (peeled and diced) – approximately 450 grams
  • Carrots: 2 medium (diced) – approximately 200 grams
  • Celery: 2 stalks (diced) – approximately 150 grams
  • Onion: 1 medium (chopped) – approximately 150 grams
  • Garlic Cloves: 3 (minced)
  • Low-Sodium Beef Broth: 4 cups (960 milliliters)
  • Milk: 1 cup (240 milliliters) – use skim or 1% for a lower point value
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (shredded) – approximately 100 grams
  • Cream Cheese: 2 ounces (60 grams) – use reduced-fat for fewer points
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters)
  • Dried Mustard Powder: 1 teaspoon (2 grams)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) – for sautéing
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped) – for garnish

Optional Garnishes:

  • Crumbled Turkey Bacon: 1/4 cup – approximately 20 grams (for added flavor and crunch)
  • Chopped Pickles: 1/4 cup – approximately 30 grams (for a tangy touch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
  2. Dice the carrots and celery. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare these vegetables and set them aside for later use.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the pot, if necessary.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

  1. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in the diced potatoes, allowing them to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add Broth and Simmer:

  1. Pour the beef broth into the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.

5. Incorporate Dairy and Cheese:

  1. Once the vegetables are tender, reduce the heat to low.
  2. Stir in the milk and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
  3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. The soup should be creamy and thick.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Add optional garnishes like crumbled turkey bacon or chopped pickles for extra flavor and texture.

7. Slow Cooker Variation:

  1. Brown the ground beef and prepare the vegetables as described above.
  2. Transfer the beef, vegetables, and beef broth to a slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (makes 6 servings):

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6 grams
  • Cholesterol: 55 milligrams
  • Sodium: 600 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 4 grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams
  • Protein: 18 grams

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

Per Serving: 6 SmartPoints (using the WW PersonalPoints™ system)

Additional Information

1. Health Benefits:

  • Ground Lean Beef: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins while keeping fat content lower with lean options.
  • Potatoes: A good source of dietary fiber and potassium, contributing to digestive health and maintaining blood pressure levels.
  • Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, enhancing overall nutritional value and contributing to a balanced diet.
  • Cheddar and Cream Cheese: Offers calcium and protein. Opting for reduced-fat versions helps manage calorie and fat intake.

2. Tips for Preparation:

  • Make-Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
  • Thickening: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

3. Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
  • Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Swiss for unique flavors. Ensure to adjust the SmartPoints accordingly.

4. Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Add Whole Grain: Pair with whole-grain bread or crackers for added fiber and satisfaction.

Thank you for exploring our Healthy Cheeseburger Soup recipe. We hope you find it a delicious and wholesome addition to your meal rotation, helping you stay on track with your Weight Watchers goals while enjoying the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Enjoy your meal!