Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of melting cheese with hearty ground beef and tender potatoes, all in one luscious bowl. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving a crowd at a winter gathering, this soul-warming soup is sure to be a hit.
Rich in texture and flavor, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The blending of creamy dairy with savory beef and fresh aromatic ingredients creates a delightful symphony of taste that can satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. This soup can serve as a main dish and is perfect for those nights when you need something simple yet indulgent to enjoy with family and friends.
Why make this recipe
Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a fantastic way to bring together familiar ingredients for a meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction. On cold days, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of soup that comforts the soul and fills the belly. The combination of cheese, beef, and potatoes provides not only flavor but also nourishment, hitting all the right notes—creamy, hearty, and savory. This simple recipe allows for customization, making it easy to adapt to individual palates or dietary requirements. It’s family-friendly, requiring only basic preparation, and can be whipped up in no time, leaving you with plenty of moments to spend with loved ones.
In addition to its comforting appeal, this soup is a perfect solution for using up those pantry staples and leftover ingredients you’ve got lying around. Ground beef is a versatile protein, and when combined with the creamy texture of cheese and the fulfilling nature of potatoes, it becomes an irresistibly delicious dish. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you after enjoying a sumptuous dinner. You can’t go wrong with a meal that ticks all the boxes for convenience and satisfaction.
How to make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup does not require extensive cooking skills, just a few basic techniques that anyone can master. Start by gathering your ingredients to ensure the process runs seamlessly. The aromatic base of onion and garlic is sautéed to build a flavor foundation, then the ground beef is added, giving the soup its hearty character. Once the beef is cooked, diced potatoes and chicken broth are introduced, creating the bulk of this dish. Simmering the soup allows the potatoes to soften, absorbing all the delicious flavors infused through the aromatics and meat.
Next, dairy products like milk and heavy cream come together to create a luscious texture that makes each spoonful comforting and satisfying. Gradually stirring in shredded cheddar cheese not only enriches the flavor profile but also gives the soup its creamy signature characteristic. With just a few seasons of salt and pepper, you round out the taste to ensure perfect seasoning. A little additional simmering time allows all the components to meld beautifully together into a harmonious blend of rich taste, making your finished product not just a meal, but a culinary experience.
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
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add milk and cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, but avoid letting it boil.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season and simmer: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, garnish with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
How to serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup can be as casual or as formal as you wish, making it a versatile choice for many occasions. For a traditional approach, ladle the soup into warmed bowls, letting the velvety creamy consistency shine as the centerpiece of your meal. Garnishing is a wonderful opportunity to elevate each serving; consider a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top, a few crispy bacon pieces for a savory crunch, or fresh sliced green onions for a refreshing touch.
Pairing the soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls provides a satisfying contrast and allows for every last drop of soup to be enjoyed. Fancy a little kick? Adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can enhance the flavor profile nicely. This soup also works wonderfully alongside a light salad, making it a complete meal that covers all your bases while still being enjoyable and comforting.
How to store Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, store them properly to keep the original flavor and texture. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in portions. Freezing allows you to enjoy it later while still maintaining its creamy texture. Just ensure you leave a little space in the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
When ready to enjoy again, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to help restore its luscious consistency. If the soup appears thick after freezing, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.
Tips to make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To enhance your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup experience, consider a few tips that can take this dish to the next level. First, use high-quality ingredients—different beef varieties, cheeses, or broths can impart unique flavors, making your soup even more satisfying. If you’re looking for an extra depth of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. These can infuse the soup with aromatic qualities that elevate the overall dish while still complementing the main ingredients.
Adjusting the thickness of the soup is also a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy a creamier texture, feel free to add more heavy cream or cheese. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter soup, you can decrease the quantity of heavy cream or opt for half and half instead. Experimenting with toppings can also bring variety to each serving; try croutons for crunch, sautéed mushrooms for earthiness, or even a dollop of sour cream for a tangy note.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat in the soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
Q: Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to maintain a hearty texture.
Q: Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheating is easy; just warm it up on the stovetop before serving.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese For a creamy and cheesy flavor
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Fats and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, but avoid letting it boil.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, garnish with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired.
