If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that will warm you from the inside out, then look no further than cheesy hamburger potato soup! This creamy and cheesy comfort food is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a filling dish to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this soup is sure to be a hit. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, this cheesy hamburger potato soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
As the chilly months roll in, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm soup. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also versatile and filling. It combines familiar ingredients, making it a perfect meal for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a cozy, satisfying dish. The addition of cheese takes it up a notch, creating a rich and creamy texture that everyone will love.
In this article, we’ll take you through every step of making cheesy hamburger potato soup, from selecting the right ingredients to cooking tips that make this dish even better. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy hamburger potato soup is a must-try recipe for several reasons. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this dish:
- Comforting and Hearty
This cheesy hamburger potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. With hearty potatoes and savory ground beef, it provides that satisfying feeling of warmth and fullness. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in cozy flavors after a long day. - Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this cheesy hamburger potato soup. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients, and most of them are kitchen staples. The best part? It comes together in under an hour! - Customizable
You can tweak this soup based on your preferences. Add extra vegetables, swap the type of cheese, or even use turkey instead of beef. This dish is highly adaptable to your taste, making it perfect for various dietary needs. - Kid-Friendly
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, cheesy hamburger potato soup is a great option. The creamy, cheesy base and tender potatoes make it an easy sell for even the most finicky kids. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is easy!
History or Fun Facts About Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy hamburger potato soup has a humble and comforting history. It’s a popular dish in American households, particularly in the Midwest. Many home cooks have their own variations, but the basic ingredients remain the same—potatoes, ground beef, and cheese. Here are a few fun facts about this soup:
- Origins of Comfort Food
Cheesy hamburger potato soup likely stems from the broader tradition of hearty, budget-friendly dishes. In post-war America, dishes like this were created to feed families affordably, using simple, pantry-staple ingredients. - Versatility in Ingredients
While the classic version calls for ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, the soup has been adapted over the years to include different meats, vegetables, and flavorings. It’s a dish that lends itself to creativity in the kitchen. - A Popular Winter Dish
This soup is particularly popular during the colder months because of its warm, comforting nature. It’s the kind of meal you want after coming in from the cold, with rich, cheesy flavors and hearty ingredients that fill you up.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
For this cheesy hamburger potato soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients will provide you with a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for your soup. You can adjust the quantity of cheese, meat, or vegetables to suit your preferences!
Method: How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the method for making cheesy hamburger potato soup.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
Add the flour to the onions and garlic, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the broth is incorporated, add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Seasonings
Once the potatoes are tender, pour in the milk, and stir well. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Sour Cream
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix it in.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while it’s still warm, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Cooking Tips and Variations: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Tips and Twists
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make your cheesy hamburger potato soup even better:
Tips:
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They’re creamy and hold their shape well, making them perfect for soups.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crumbled bacon on top before serving.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup a bolder, richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and beef.
- Low and Slow: Let your soup simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.
- Thicken It: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few potatoes in the soup or use an immersion blender to blend part of it.
Variations:
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavors will still shine through!
- Add Vegetables: Mix in some frozen peas, corn, or carrots to add color and extra nutrients to your soup.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist on your cheesy hamburger potato soup.
FAQ About Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef, sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the soup to add some heat.
3. Can I freeze cheesy hamburger potato soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
4. What cheese works best in this soup?
Cheddar cheese is the most commonly used, but you can also experiment with other types like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
5. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, milk, and sour cream substitutes. There are many great options available that can still give you a creamy texture and flavor.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the remaining butter. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken the soup base.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 18g
Final Thoughts: Why Our Soup is a Must-Try
Cheesy hamburger potato soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own personal twist, this soup will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a bowl of cheesy goodness!
Explore More Recipes on Our Blog
If you enjoyed this soup, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering recipes from our blog:
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
- Crown Roast of Lamb: A Showstopping Recipe for Any Occasion
- Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
These dishes bring similar flavors and hearty satisfaction to your table!
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