There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup to wrap you in comfort! This creamy and hearty soup is a staple in my home, especially on those chilly evenings when all you want is something to warm your soul. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen, and my family gathered around, drawn by the delicious aroma. It quickly became a favorite, and now I can’t imagine a winter without it. Trust me, once you try this cheesy hamburger potato soup, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. It’s like a hug in a bowl, filled with tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese that just melts in your mouth. So, let’s dive into making this comforting dish together!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks to get that perfect crumbly texture.
- Once the beef is browned, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Now it’s time to stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want those potatoes to be fork-tender.
- After the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is wonderfully creamy.
- Season your soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give it a taste—this is where you can adjust the seasoning to your liking!
- Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. And there you have it, a comforting bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup that’s ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time (just 45 minutes total!)
- Hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs
- A wonderful comfort food for cold days that warms you up from the inside out
- Super easy to customize with different proteins or toppings—try using ground turkey or adding crispy bacon!
- Family-friendly flavor that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy
Tips for Success
To make the best cheesy hamburger potato soup, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the ground beef; this adds incredible flavor. And when you add the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them—burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish! If you want a thicker soup, consider mashing some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot; this gives it a lovely creamy texture without needing extra ingredients.
Also, use a good quality beef broth; it really elevates the flavor of the soup. And remember, cheese is your friend! Don’t skimp on it—go for a sharp cheddar for that extra punch. Lastly, taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning can make all the difference. Trust me, these little insights will take your soup from good to absolutely fantastic!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious cheesy hamburger potato soup:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—this soup is a hearty and satisfying meal!
FAQ About Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I make the soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, I recommend mashing some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot with a fork or potato masher. This will give your soup a creamy texture without needing extra ingredients. You can also let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
What toppings can I add?
The possibilities are endless! You can sprinkle some crispy bacon bits, add a dollop of sour cream, or even toss in some extra shredded cheese on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a lovely garnish too!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It should last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
How long does it last in the fridge?
If you have leftovers, they’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to making this cheesy hamburger potato soup, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs! If you’re not a fan of ground beef, feel free to swap it out for ground turkey or even ground chicken. Both options keep it lean while still delivering that meaty goodness.
If you want to go vegetarian, you can use plant-based ground meat or simply add more vegetables like carrots, corn, or even some black beans for extra protein and texture. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic!
Now, let’s talk about cheese! While I love using shredded cheddar cheese for its rich flavor, you could easily mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, a blend of cheeses can add depth and creaminess.
As for the potatoes, I typically use russet potatoes because they’re starchy and help thicken the soup beautifully. However, you can also try Yukon golds for a buttery flavor or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed!
Finally, don’t forget about the seasonings! You can play around with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. The key is to make this soup your own—get creative and enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cheesy hamburger potato soup is super simple! Once it’s cooled down, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep all that creamy goodness fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal it well—nobody wants a soup that’s lost its flavor!
If you want to enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. I usually recommend labeling them with the date so you’ll know when to use them up. It should last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, it’s best to do so on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. If the soup seems a bit thick after freezing, just add a splash of milk or broth to get that creamy consistency back. And if you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave—just be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
With these tips, you’ll always have a comforting bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup ready to warm you up whenever the craving strikes!
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the milk and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes.
- You can substitute turkey for ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger potato soup
