This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or gatherings with friends, this soup combines the goodness of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in a creamy broth. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and one pot required, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, cheese, and potatoes creates a savory experience that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personalized touch that suits everyone’s preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This soup works well as a filling meal on chilly days or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
- Hearty Comfort Food: This recipe provides warmth and satisfaction, making it ideal for family dinners or quiet nights at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together while allowing enough space for stirring.
- Sharp knife: Makes dicing onions and potatoes quick and safe.
- Wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Creaminess and Flavor
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
Pour in the milk and heavy cream while stirring to combine everything well. Allow it to heat through but avoid letting it boil.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted, resulting in a smooth soup.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes so that flavors meld together nicely.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot. For added flavor, consider garnishing with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup can be a delightful experience. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, making it easy to customize. Here are some great ways to elevate your soup experience.
Garnish Ideas
- Shredded Cheese: Top your soup with extra shredded cheddar for a cheesy finish.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon for a salty crunch.
- Sliced Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Garlic breadsticks add a flavorful twist and are perfect for sopping up the soup.
- Salad: A side salad can balance the richness of the soup with fresh vegetables.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, hot sauce can give your soup an extra kick.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To ensure that your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, onions, and garlic will enhance the flavors of your soup.
- Brown the Beef Well: Taking the time to brown the ground beef properly adds depth to the overall taste.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Gradually adding cheese prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup is too thick, stir in additional milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add herbs or spices like thyme or paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement this comforting dish well.
- Garlic Bread: This classic pairs perfectly with the creamy soup and is great for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that balances out savory flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and bright color to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges echo the potato theme while adding crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables offers earthy flavors that complement the soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas are easy to prepare and provide a cheesy bite alongside the soup.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse your palate after each hearty spoonful of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup can be simple, but some mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth or cream can make the soup too watery. Stick to the given measurements for a creamy consistency.
- Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the ground beef well can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until fully browned before adding other ingredients.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can result in a bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long makes them mushy. Check for tenderness after 15 minutes of simmering to ensure they hold their shape.
- Adding cheese too quickly: If cheese is added too fast, it can clump instead of melt smoothly. Gradually stir in cheese while maintaining low heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in a covered oven-safe dish and heat for about 30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
How do I make my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, let it simmer longer without a lid or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until thickened.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for different flavors.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup healthier?
Yes! You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when ready to serve.
What are some good toppings for this soup?
Consider adding crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its warmth on chilly days!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. This creamy, hearty soup features seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and an abundance of melted cheddar cheese, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable according to your preferences. Add toppings like crispy bacon or fresh green onions for an extra touch! Enjoy this delightful dish on chilly days or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mix in milk and heavy cream; heat through without boiling.
- Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for another 5–10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
