Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of soup, especially on those chilly days when all you want is something warm and satisfying. When that soup combines the richness of cheese, the heartiness of hamburger, and the comforting texture of potatoes, you know you’ve found the ultimate cold-weather meal: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This recipe is everything you crave when you need a cozy dinner, packed with flavor, and easy to make.

Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or looking for a quick meal to warm up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Every spoonful of this soup is a symphony of creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef, topped off with a delightful sprinkle of herbs. It’s an indulgent, comforting dish that’s perfect for any season, but especially when the temperature drops.

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Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of this delicious recipe and explore why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup should be on your table this week.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup 🌟

This soup is much more than just a bowl of ingredients thrown together. It’s a masterpiece of comfort food. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this soup is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal. It’s not just a side dish or appetizer—it’s a full-on dinner.
• Creamy and Rich: The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk creates an indulgent creamy base that makes this soup irresistibly smooth and velvety.
• Customizable: Want to add a little more spice or flavor? This soup is endlessly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings, add different vegetables, or even swap the cheese for something like Gouda or pepper jack.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is great for meal prep because it stores and reheats well. Make a big batch and enjoy it over several days.

Now that we’ve covered why this soup is such a winner, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so flavorful.

Ingredients Breakdown 📝

The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component works together to create a satisfying and rich soup that delivers comfort with every bite.

Main Ingredients:

1. Ground Beef (1 lb) 🍔

• The star protein of this soup, ground beef brings a meaty, savory depth to the dish. Make sure to drain the excess fat after cooking to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy. For a leaner version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.

2. Potatoes (4 cups, diced) 🥔

• Potatoes add heartiness and texture, making the soup feel substantial. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal choices because they hold their shape well during cooking while becoming perfectly tender.

3. Onion (1 small, diced) 🧅

• Onions are a foundational flavor in this soup. When sautéed, they release sweetness that balances out the savory elements.

4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) 🧄

• Garlic adds an aromatic kick, elevating the overall flavor profile of the soup. Fresh garlic works best for this recipe, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) 🧀

• Cheddar cheese is the creamy, cheesy element that makes this soup irresistibly rich. Opt for sharp cheddar for more flavor, or mild cheddar if you prefer a subtler taste.

6. Sour Cream (1/2 cup) 🥄

• Sour cream adds creaminess with a slight tang, balancing the richness of the cheese. It also helps thicken the soup.

7. Whole Milk (1 cup) 🥛

• Milk makes the soup smooth and creamy. Whole milk is recommended for a richer texture, but you can use 2% or even heavy cream for an extra indulgent touch.

8. Beef Broth (4 cups) 🍲

• Beef broth is the soup’s liquid base, infusing the dish with depth and richness. Low-sodium broth works well if you’re watching your salt intake.

9. All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp) 🌾

• Flour is used to thicken the soup, ensuring that it has a nice, creamy consistency without being too watery.

10. Butter (2 tbsp) 🧈

• Butter adds richness and is used to sauté the onion and garlic. It also helps create the roux (butter and flour mixture) that thickens the soup.

11. Garlic Powder (1 tsp) and Onion Powder (1 tsp) 🧂

• These powdered spices enhance the flavor of the soup, giving it an extra punch of savory goodness.

12. Salt and Pepper 🧂

• Season to taste. Salt enhances all the flavors, and pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice.

13. Fresh Parsley or Chives (for garnish) 🌿

• A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens up the dish and adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to put them together and create this delicious soup. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef 🍔

• Brown the ground beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
• Drain the fat: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too oily. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Pro Tip:

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef, leaving behind just a bit of fat in the pot to sauté the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic 🧅🧄

• Melt the butter: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic: Toss in 1 diced small onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The garlic should also be fragrant but not browned.

Pro Tip:

• Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning. If it cooks too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes 🥔

• Add the potatoes: Once the onion and garlic are softened, add 4 cups of diced potatoes to the pot.
• Season and add broth: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, pour in 4 cups of beef broth.
• Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Pro Tip:

• Cut the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Russet potatoes are starchier and will make the soup creamier, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better and add a slightly buttery flavor.

Step 4: Make it Cheesy 🧀

• Create a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of whole milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a smooth slurry. This will help thicken the soup without clumping.
• Add to the soup: Gradually stir the milk-flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add cheese and sour cream: After the soup begins to thicken (about 5 minutes), stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Pro Tip:

• Make sure to stir the cheese in slowly, as adding it too quickly can cause it to clump. For an even richer soup, use a combination of cheddar and another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Step 5: Add the Ground Beef Back 🍔

• Return the beef: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and stir everything together. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or additional spices if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish 🌿

• Garnish: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich, cheesy broth and makes the meal even more satisfying.

Pro Tip:

• For a fun twist, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions and Variations 🍽️

While this soup is perfect as is, you can always experiment with different toppings and variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to take this recipe to the next level:

• Add Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles make a fantastic addition to this soup. Fry up a few strips and sprinkle them on top for extra savory goodness.
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version of the soup, while ground sausage would add a spicy kick.
• Add Vegetables: For a more nutrient-dense meal, toss in some diced carrots, celery, or corn along with the potatoes. These will add color and a bit of sweetness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat. For an even more intense flavor, try using a smoked cheese like gouda instead of cheddar.

Storage and Reheating 🥣

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores and reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food 🍲

There’s no denying that Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its hearty mix of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold night. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying leftovers, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious, family-friendly meal in under an hour. So the next time you’re craving something cozy and filling, give Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup a try. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household!