Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

A steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening is a true comfort for many. When you crave warmth and hearty flavors, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup. With its creamy base, tender potatoes, and savory ground beef, this dish has all the elements of ultimate comfort food. It’s a perfect go-to meal for cozy nights, satisfying your hunger and warming your soul.

Quick Overview:

Cheesy hamburger potato soup is a rich and indulgent dish that combines ground beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheese in one savory bowl. Each spoonful delivers a mouthwatering mix of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and the savory goodness of ground beef. The cheese creates a smooth richness, pulling everything together into a filling and comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Soup:

This soup is as versatile as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re a kitchen beginner or a seasoned pro, the recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have at home. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night. The best part? You can customize it by adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or toppings, so it suits whatever cravings you’re having!

Nutritional Benefits (Optional):

Aside from being a go-to comfort food, cheesy hamburger potato soup is surprisingly nutritious. Ground beef offers a solid source of protein, while potatoes provide hearty carbs, and the cheese adds calcium, making this a filling, well-balanced dish.

Ingredient Breakdown:

Ground Beef: For optimal flavor, choose lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to cut down on excess fat. This ensures a rich meaty taste without making the soup greasy. For a leaner alternative, you could use ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier, lighter option.
Potatoes: The type of potato you choose affects both the texture and the creaminess of the soup. Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes maintain their shape and add a rich, buttery flavor. Either works, but remember to dice the potatoes evenly for even cooking.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this soup, offering a sharp and tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or Gouda for a smoky twist. Freshly shredded cheese is key to a smooth, creamy texture, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that hinder smooth melting.
Other Key Ingredients:
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth both work well. Chicken broth keeps it lighter, while beef broth deepens the meaty flavor.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery can add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
- Seasonings: Garlic, salt, and pepper are essential for a well-rounded flavor. Herbs like thyme or parsley also add a fresh element.
- Dairy: Adding cream or milk makes the soup rich and smooth.
- Optional Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can top the soup with crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh green onions.

Cooking Instructions:

Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. This step adds a savory depth of flavor. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté diced onions, garlic, and any optional vegetables like carrots or celery in the residual fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Once the vegetables are tender, add your chosen broth and diced potatoes. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook through. Check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in cream or milk, followed by the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Be sure to avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy to prevent curdling.
Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, sprinkle in more cheese or add toppings like bacon, chives, or a drizzle of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:

Texture: For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup to make it creamier while leaving some potato chunks intact. You can use an immersion blender or blend part of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
Avoid Curdling: To prevent dairy from curdling, always lower the heat before adding cream or cheese. Stir gently and avoid boiling the soup after adding these ingredients.
Potato Doneness: Check the potatoes by piercing them with a fork. They should be tender but not falling apart.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this soup in advance. When reheating, add a little cream or milk to restore the creamy texture, as it may thicken in the fridge.

Variations, Storage, and Serving Ideas:

Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly, low-carb version. You can also add other low-carb veggies like zucchini or turnips for extra texture.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based alternatives or lentils for a hearty, meatless soup that’s still satisfying.
Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a spicy version that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
Bacon Cheeseburger Version: Add crispy bacon bits and more cheddar cheese for a rich, bacon cheeseburger-inspired soup.
Healthier Tweaks: Use lean ground turkey or add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to make the soup lighter and more nutritious.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating:

Storing Leftovers: After the soup cools, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little broth or milk to restore the soup’s original consistency.
Freezing Tips: This soup freezes well, but avoid freezing it with cream or cheese already added. Instead, freeze the soup without these ingredients and add them during reheating. To thaw, place the soup in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add broth, milk, or cream to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave on a lower setting.

Serving Suggestions:

Ideal Pairings: Serve your cheesy hamburger potato soup with a crusty loaf of bread, garlic toast, or a simple salad. For a heartier meal, try cornbread or buttered rolls.
Topping Ideas: Elevate the soup with sour cream, extra shredded cheese, bacon bits, or green onions. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce adds extra flavor.
Soup Bar Setup: Set up a soup bar for parties where guests can choose their toppings, such as croutons, extra cheese, jalapeños, or fresh herbs. Serve alongside breads and crackers for a complete meal.

FAQs:

Can I make cheesy hamburger potato soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the dairy and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with Gouda, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for different flavors. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best results.
Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free broth and substitute any thickening agents with cornstarch or arrowroot.
How do I thicken the soup? If needed, use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) or blend a portion of the soup to thicken it.
What’s the best way to reheat cheesy soups? Reheat gently over low heat and stir frequently to prevent dairy separation. Add more liquid if it becomes too thick.

Enjoy your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup and let it bring comfort and warmth to any meal!

This rich and indulgent soup combines seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese in a hearty broth. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy night, this one-pot dish is comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef:
Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef and cook until fully done. Drain excess grease.
Add Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Add Milk and Cream:
Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat through, but do not allow to boil.
Melt the Cheese:
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
Season and Simmer:
Season the soup with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnishes include extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions.

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy hamburger potato soup!