There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. For many, comfort food is synonymous with warmth, heartiness, and flavors that bring a sense of home. Enter the ultimate comfort dish: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This rich and creamy soup, with its velvety potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, is perfect for those cold nights when you need something both filling and soul-satisfying.
Brief Description
Cheesy hamburger potato soup is a delightful, indulgent dish that brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese into one hearty bowl. The creamy broth, combined with the savory beef and soft potatoes, creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The sharp, melted cheese adds a richness that ties all the flavors together, making each spoonful an irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love It
This soup is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, the recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have. It’s a one-pot wonder, ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or cozy nights by the fire. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—swap out the cheese, vegetables, or toppings to fit your personal tastes, making it a versatile meal that can adapt to whatever you’re craving.
Nutritional Benefits
While it’s a comforting indulgence, this soup also has some nutritional value. Ground beef provides protein, potatoes offer satisfying carbs, and the cheese is a good source of calcium, making this dish a balanced and hearty option for any meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Ground Beef: The flavor of the soup depends on the type of ground beef you choose. Lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) offers a great balance of flavor without excess fat. For a heartier soup, use beef with a higher fat content—but be sure to drain the excess fat. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes break down easily, creating a creamier soup, while Yukon Gold potatoes maintain their shape and provide a buttery flavor. Dice them evenly for uniform cooking, and remember that smaller pieces cook faster.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, giving the soup a sharp, tangy flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder taste or Gouda for a smoky twist. Freshly shredded cheese is key for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Broth: Both chicken and beef broths work well, but chicken broth offers a lighter flavor, while beef broth deepens the meaty profile.
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery add extra flavor and texture, though they are optional.
- Seasonings: Essential seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper are key, and you can enhance the flavor with herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Dairy: Cream or milk makes the soup rich and creamy, while balancing the savory flavors.
- Optional Toppings: For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon, sour cream, or fresh green onions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles for even cooking, and drain off any excess fat once browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic (and any other vegetables like carrots or celery) in the remaining fat for 3-4 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Add the broth and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Simmer the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the flavors meld together while the potatoes cook.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat and stir in the milk and cream. Then add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For extra richness, sprinkle in more cheese or top with bacon, chives, or sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Soup
- Texture: For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup while leaving some potato chunks intact. An immersion blender works great for this.
- Avoiding Curdling: To prevent curdling, always lower the heat before adding dairy, and avoid boiling the soup after the cheese is added.
- Checking Potato Doneness: Ensure the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Pierce them with a fork—if it slides through easily, they’re ready.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the soup at various stages and adjust seasonings as needed. Herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of cream or milk if the soup thickens.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly option. You can also add zucchini or turnips for added bulk without the carbs.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for a hearty, meatless option that still absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Version: Add crispy bacon bits and extra cheddar cheese for a bacon cheeseburger-inspired soup.
- Healthy Tweaks: Opt for lean ground turkey and boost the nutritional value with extra veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Leftovers: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a bit of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well if you skip adding the dairy (milk or cream) before freezing. Once reheated, stir in the dairy to maintain the creamy texture. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat over low heat to avoid curdling. Add extra liquid if needed to return the soup to its original creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairings: This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread, garlic toast, or a simple salad to balance the richness. For a more indulgent meal, serve with cornbread or buttered rolls.
- Toppings: Elevate your soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or green onions. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Soup Bar: For gatherings, create a soup bar where guests can customize their bowls with toppings like croutons, bacon, jalapeños, and fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make cheesy hamburger potato soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and potatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes to avoid curdling.
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with Gouda for a smoky flavor, mozzarella for a milder taste, or a cheese blend for variety. Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting results.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, with a few adjustments. Use gluten-free broth and opt for gluten-free thickening agents like cornstarch or arrowroot if needed.
How do I thicken my soup? If your soup isn’t thick enough, blend a portion of it or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it up.
How do I reheat cheesy soup without separating the cheese? Reheat over low heat and stir frequently to prevent curdling. If the soup thickens too much, add a little milk or broth to restore its creaminess.
In Summary
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food, with a creamy, savory base that’s easy to make and easy to customize. Whether you prefer it with extra veggies, a spicy kick, or topped with bacon and cheese, this dish is sure to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy it on a chilly evening or as part of a cozy gathering—you can’t go wrong with this comforting classic!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
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 the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. - Add Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. - Add Milk and Cream:
Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat through, but avoid boiling. - Melt the Cheese:
Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is smooth. - Season and Simmer:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. - Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, garnish with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions.
Enjoy your cozy, creamy, and cheesy soup!