There’s something truly magical about a bowl of soup that not only warms your body but also your soul. For me, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is one of those dishes that takes me back to the coziest moments of my childhood. Imagine coming in from the crisp autumn air, cheeks flushed from the chill, and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of this hearty soup simmering on the stove. It’s a meal that wraps you in a blanket of flavor and nostalgia.
This recipe brings together the creamy richness of a cheesy base, the satisfying texture of tender potatoes, and the savory goodness of ground beef. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to the table, from picky eaters to soup enthusiasts. Whether you’re making it for a quiet family dinner, a potluck with friends, or simply because you need a little extra warmth in your day, this soup is guaranteed to deliver comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. A single pot and a handful of pantry staples are all it takes.
- Incredibly Versatile: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Switch up the cheese, add more vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy base is a hit with kids, while the savory beef and potatoes make it hearty enough for adults.
- Perfect for Any Season: While it’s ideal for chilly days, this soup is so delicious you’ll find yourself making it year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crispy turkey bacon bits, additional shredded cheese
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step is where the soup gets its hearty, savory base. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Pro Tip: Using lean ground beef reduces the need for draining and keeps the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its irresistible aroma. This is where the magic starts to happen as the base of your soup comes to life.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Toss in the diced potatoes, stirring to coat them in the savory mixture of beef, onions, and garlic. The potatoes will soften as they cook, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the soup. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully add the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to make the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then remove it from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Pro Tip: For a more robust cheese flavor, use sharp cheddar. You can also mix in a little Monterey Jack or Gouda for added depth.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the beef and potato mixture. Stir everything together until the soup is velvety and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your favorite garnishes. Whether it’s a sprinkle of green onions, crispy turkey bacon bits, or an extra handful of shredded cheese, these finishing touches take the soup to the next level.
Helpful Tips
- Customize Your Soup: Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, experiment with different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile. Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyere are all great options.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Notes
This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop for a quick, ready-to-go meal.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the cheese sauce and adding it fresh when reheating.
Q: How can I make a lighter version of this soup?
Use ground turkey instead of beef, opt for low-fat cheese, and substitute whole milk with a lower-fat option or unsweetened almond milk.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, here are a few other recipes to try:
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors that make it an instant classic. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make extra—you’ll want seconds!
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Description
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of soup that not only warms your body but also your soul. For me, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is one of those dishes that takes me back to the coziest moments of my childhood. Imagine coming in from the crisp autumn air, cheeks flushed from the chill, and being greeted by the rich, savory aroma of this hearty soup simmering on the stove. It’s a meal that wraps you in a blanket of flavor and nostalgia.
This recipe brings together the creamy richness of a cheesy base, the satisfying texture of tender potatoes, and the savory goodness of ground beef. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to the table, from picky eaters to soup enthusiasts. Whether you’re making it for a quiet family dinner, a potluck with friends, or simply because you need a little extra warmth in your day, this soup is guaranteed to deliver comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crispy turkey bacon bits, additional shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step is where the soup gets its hearty, savory base. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Pro Tip: Using lean ground beef reduces the need for draining and keeps the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its irresistible aroma. This is where the magic starts to happen as the base of your soup comes to life.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Toss in the diced potatoes, stirring to coat them in the savory mixture of beef, onions, and garlic. The potatoes will soften as they cook, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the soup. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully add the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the soup is simmering, it’s time to make the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then remove it from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Pro Tip: For a more robust cheese flavor, use sharp cheddar. You can also mix in a little Monterey Jack or Gouda for added depth.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the beef and potato mixture. Stir everything together until the soup is velvety and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your favorite garnishes. Whether it’s a sprinkle of green onions, crispy turkey bacon bits, or an extra handful of shredded cheese, these finishing touches take the soup to the next level.
Notes
This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.