Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and downright comforting, you have to try this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. It’s a creamy, savory bowl of goodness that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you want something filling without a lot of fuss. This recipe blends tender potatoes, rich cheese, and flavorful ground beef into one satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Comfort Food Classic: The creamy, cheesy texture paired with hearty ground beef and potatoes hits all the comfort food cravings.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this soup for its familiar flavors and gentle spice.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required because everything cooks in one pot or Dutch oven.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies or cheese varieties to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that work perfectly together to build layers of flavor. Each element plays a key role in delivering that creamy, rich, and satisfying taste that makes this recipe a go-to.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the soup flavorful without too much grease.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best; they break down nicely while still holding some texture.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and a velvety melt.
- Onion: Fresh yellow onion brings subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic touch to elevate the overall taste.
- Chicken Broth: A savory base that keeps the soup rich and well-balanced.
- Milk or Cream: For that creamy texture that makes every spoonful luscious.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Flour: Used as a thickener to give the soup a hearty consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Variations for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
This recipe is a great foundation that you can easily adjust to suit your mood, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Let your imagination run wild with these delicious variations!
- Swap Proteins: Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different twist on flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn to increase the vegetable content and texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and a vegan cheddar alternative for a creamy yet dairy-free option.
- Extra Spice: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: Cook everything in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal that’s just as tasty.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add butter and then the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour and Make Roux
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step helps thicken the soup later on while developing a subtle nutty flavor.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Potatoes
Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes, ensuring everything is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Milk and Cheese
Once the potatoes are tender, lower the heat and add milk or cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency, then serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds provide the perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: It’s the secret to achieving that thick, luscious soup body.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve Some Cheese: Sprinkle extra cheese on top when serving for an irresistible garnish.
- Keep Stirring: Stir continuously when adding cheese to prevent it from clumping or separating.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls or inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an eye-catching presentation at parties or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen nicely after resting.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, but consider leaving out the cheese before freezing and adding it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the soup from separating. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick after warming.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What cheese works best for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but you can also experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The recipe includes flour for thickening, so to make it gluten-free, swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, carrots, celery, corn, or peas make great additions and add texture and nutrients without changing the flavor profile drastically.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming watery?
Make sure to cook the roux properly and use the right amount of flour; also, adding cheese towards the end helps thicken the soup nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, speed, and incredible comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving something cozy after a long day, this soup delivers delicious, cheesy warmth that feels like home. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Description
A warm, hearty, and creamy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that combines tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful ground beef for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups russet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter and then the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Flour and Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. This step helps thicken the soup later on while developing a subtle nutty flavor.
- Pour in Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes, ensuring everything is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in Milk and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, lower the heat and add milk or cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a splash more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency, then serve hot.
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds provide the perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: It’s the secret to achieving that thick, luscious soup body.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve Some Cheese: Sprinkle extra cheese on top when serving for an irresistible garnish.
- Keep Stirring: Stir continuously when adding cheese to prevent it from clumping or separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger potato soup, comfort food, quick soup, easy dinner, creamy soup, ground beef soup, cheesy soup, weeknight meals
