There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup on a chilly evening. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
I first discovered this recipe while trying to use up pantry staples, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Get ready to fall in love with a soup that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. This cheesy hamburger potato soup checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and minimal prep, you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still crave something comforting.
The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes this soup wonderfully filling. It’s a meal in itself, saving you the hassle of preparing multiple dishes. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got dinner covered.
This soup is also wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re adding extra vegetables or swapping the cheese for a different variety, it’s easy to customize to your taste preferences.
And let’s not forget the creamy, cheesy factor. The richness of melted cheddar cheese blended with the savory flavors of beef and potatoes is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this cheesy hamburger potato soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.
Ground Beef is the heart of this soup. Its savory richness forms the perfect base, and using lean ground beef keeps the soup flavorful without being greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
Potatoes give the soup its hearty texture. Russet potatoes are my go-to for their creamy consistency when cooked, but Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully as well. Be sure to peel and dice them into even chunks for uniform cooking.
Cheddar Cheese is the star of the show, adding that irresistible cheesy flavor. Sharp cheddar provides a bold taste, but mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses will also work. Grate it fresh for the best melt.
Vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery create a flavorful foundation. These aromatics are sautéed to enhance their natural sweetness and lend depth to the soup.
Milk and Chicken Broth create the soup’s creamy base. Use whole milk for a richer soup or substitute half-and-half for an extra indulgent version. The chicken broth adds a savory balance that complements the beef.
A large pot or Dutch oven is all you’ll need to bring this soup together, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Making this soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting pot of cheesy hamburger potato soup.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup, so don’t rush it.
Next, add the diced potatoes, along with chicken broth and seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the cooked ground beef and milk. Let the soup simmer gently to meld the flavors. For the creamy base, mix a bit of flour with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup to thicken it.
Finally, reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the soup at this stage to prevent the cheese from separating.
Serve immediately with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese on top for garnish.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this soup are just as delicious as the first serving. To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
If you’d like to freeze the soup, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon reheating due to the dairy content, but it’s still delicious. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Variations and Substitutions
This cheesy hamburger potato soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add extra veggies like corn, green beans, or bell peppers for a boost of color and nutrition.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a smoked cheese for added depth.
- For a spicy kick, stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.
This soup is a fantastic canvas for creativity, so don’t hesitate to try new combinations to suit your taste.
Cozy, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying, this cheesy hamburger potato soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy nights. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, green onions, or sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken or beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the milk, ground beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese or mix in a blend of cheeses.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the milk and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
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