Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Warm up with creamy, comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s easy to make and packed with savory, cheesy goodness. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal to impress family and friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl: This soup delivers that warm, cozy feeling everyone craves on a chilly day.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce, it’s easy to pull together anytime.
- Flavor-packed: The savory hamburger blends beautifully with creamy potatoes and cheese for a rich taste.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily tweak it to fit dietary preferences or what’s on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. From the tender potatoes to the rich cheese and the savory hamburger, these components come together beautifully to make a standout dish.
- Ground hamburger: Choose lean ground beef for a hearty, protein-packed base.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes add tender, fluffy texture that absorbs flavors well.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly, giving the soup its irresistible creamy richness.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth and warmth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Beef broth: Homemade or store-bought, this gives the soup a savory liquid foundation.
- Milk or cream: Adds smoothness and creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika enhance the savory layers without stealing the spotlight.
Variations for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Feel free to tailor this soup to your taste buds or dietary needs. Swapping ingredients or adding extras can make the recipe your own and keep things exciting in the kitchen.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace hamburger with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a meatless option.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring some heat.
- Extra veggies: Incorporate carrots, celery, or corn to boost nutrition and color.
- Cheese variety: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different cheesy flavors.
- Low-carb version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for fewer carbs and a lighter soup.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Hamburger
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Cube the potatoes and add them to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Milk and Seasonings
Once potatoes are soft, stir in the milk or cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat gently, making sure it doesn’t boil, to avoid curdling the dairy.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until it melts completely and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Use sharp cheddar: It melts smoothly and provides a bold cheesy flavor that stands out.
- Don’t overcook potatoes: Keep them tender but intact to avoid a mushy soup texture.
- Simmer gently after adding cheese: High heat can cause the cheese to separate.
- Add bacon bits: For extra smokiness and crunch, toss in cooked and crumbled bacon before serving.
- Fresh herbs boost flavor: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for brightness and color.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Garnishes
Top this soup with sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy bacon bits to add vibrant color and contrasting textures that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal perfectly, providing balance between creamy comfort and crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls or mini dutch ovens at gatherings to impress guests and keep portions cozy and charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, offering a leaner option that still pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes and cheese.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your broth and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until potatoes are tender.
What kind of cheese melts best in this soup?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal—it melts smoothly and offers a tangy, rich flavor that enhances the soup’s creamy texture.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken, mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot or stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and cold water before adding the cheese.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that perfectly combines simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy comfort meal, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy every gooey, flavorful spoonful!
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Warm up with creamy, comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s easy to make and packed with savory, cheesy goodness. This hearty soup blends tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned lean ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, nourishing, and flavorful meal ideal for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 lb lean ground hamburger (ground beef)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups diced Russet or Yukon gold potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup milk or cream
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Hamburger: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Cube the potatoes and add them to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in Milk and Seasonings: Once potatoes are soft, stir in the milk or cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat gently without boiling to avoid curdling the dairy.
- Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the soup while stirring until it melts completely and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth melt and bold flavor.
- Do not overcook potatoes; keep them tender yet intact to prevent mushiness.
- Simmer gently after adding cheese to avoid cheese separation.
- For extra smokiness and crunch, add cooked and crumbled bacon bits before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for added brightness and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheesy soup, ground beef soup, potato soup, gluten-free soup
