Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cozy up quickly with rich, creamy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, a delicious blend of hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in every warm, satisfying spoonful. This easy-to-make comfort food combines simple ingredients to create a bowl full of flavor and texture that feels like a big, comforting hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving something filling after a long day or just want to treat yourself to a creamy, cheesy delight, this soup ticks every box for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food: A warm, cheesy bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have for stress-free cooking.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Hearty and filling: Packed with protein, potatoes, and cheese to keep you satisfied for hours.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak for different tastes, dietary needs, or extra veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather simple, wholesome ingredients that each contribute to the rich flavor, creamy texture, and hearty nature of the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. These essentials work together to create a perfect balance of taste and comfort.
- Ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty base that makes the soup truly satisfying.
- Potatoes: Adds body and a tender bite, making the soup hearty and filling.
- Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics to deepen the flavor profile.
- Chicken or beef broth: The flavorful liquid that helps meld the soup’s ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Milk or cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy consistency without overpowering flavors.
- Butter and flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance taste.
Variations for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Feel free to tailor this dish to your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is incredibly versatile and lends itself to creative additions or substitutions to keep it fresh and exciting every time.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming heat.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Low-carb option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for fewer carbs but similar texture.
- Cheese variety: Use pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique cheesy twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add ground beef. Cook until nicely browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat for a cleaner taste and proceed to add onions and garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Base
Add peeled and diced potatoes directly into the pot with the sautéed aromatics and beef. Pour in the broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. This step softens the potatoes and merges flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Creaminess
In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook this mixture briefly to remove the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in milk or cream until smooth. Pour the creamy base into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to thicken the broth and add luscious creaminess.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Lower the heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup for that signature cheesy richness. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs to taste, adjusting as needed for your perfect balance.
Step 5: Final Simmer and Serve
Let the soup simmer another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to harmonize. Give it a final stir, ladle into bowls, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Use sharp cheddar: It melts well and adds a vibrant, tangy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Do not overcook potatoes: Keep them tender but not mushy to maintain a great texture.
- Skim excess fat: Removing extra grease after browning keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
- Slowly add cheese: Stir cheese in off heat or on low to prevent clumping or graininess.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting, especially when using broth.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this soup to a new level—sprinkle chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple green salad to round out the meal and add freshness alongside the cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or colorful ceramic bowls with a sprinkling of extra shredded cheese on top to impress your guests and indulge yourself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room for expansion!
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and creates a leaner version while maintaining great flavor and texture in your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, and use dairy-free butter to create a creamy, allergy-friendly version.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thick but still spoonable and smooth, not too runny or overly thick like a stew.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, adding cheese near the end.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape well and add a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a warm, cheesy bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup on a cool day. It’s simple, hearty, and hits all the right notes for a comforting meal you can whip up anytime. Give this recipe a try and find your new favorite way to enjoy the cozy, creamy flavors of homemade soup.
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and hearty comfort food made with ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a smooth roux-based creamy broth. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days and can be easily customized with various ingredients to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Thickening and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs: thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare the Potato Base: Add peeled and diced potatoes to the pot with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Make the Roux and Add Creaminess: In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook briefly to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk or cream until smooth. Pour this creamy base into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to thicken the broth.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Lower the heat and slowly stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, adjusting to taste.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors. Stir well, ladle into bowls, and serve warm with optional garnishes.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a vibrant, tangy flavor and better melting.
- Do not overcook potatoes to maintain tender but firm texture.
- Skim excess fat after browning beef for a lighter soup.
- Add cheese slowly off heat or on low to prevent clumping.
- Season gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-salting, especially when using broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger potato soup, comfort food soup, creamy beef soup, easy soup recipe, hearty potato soup
