Name: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: chopped green onions, bacon bits

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There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup on a chilly day. This hearty dish combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese in a rich, creamy broth that will make you want to savor every spoonful.

I discovered this recipe one winter evening when I was looking for a way to turn simple pantry staples into a satisfying dinner. It quickly became a favorite in our home, gracing our table whenever we crave something cozy and filling. Let's dive in and see why this soup is bound to become your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this cozy, cheesy soup! Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves comfort food, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks. With minimal prep and just one pot, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Who can resist a bowl of creamy potato soup loaded with savory ground beef and melted cheese? It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week.

Not to mention, this recipe is budget-friendly. Using simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, you can create a dish that’s as economical as it is delicious.

Finally, this soup is endlessly customizable. From adding your favorite vegetables to swapping out the protein, there are countless ways to make this dish your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a key role in creating the soup’s creamy, flavorful base and hearty texture.

Ground Beef: Opt for a lean ground beef (85/15 works well) to keep the soup rich without being overly greasy. For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for this recipe. They hold their shape while cooking and lend a natural creaminess to the soup. Russets are a great alternative if you prefer a slightly starchier texture.

Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is the star of the show. Its bold flavor pairs perfectly with the savory beef and creamy broth. Feel free to mix in a little Monterey Jack for an extra melty touch.

Broth: Chicken broth provides a lighter, more balanced base than beef broth, which can be overpowering. If you want a richer flavor, a 50/50 mix of the two works beautifully.

Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of thyme adds depth to the soup. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper!

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy. You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk if you’re watching calories, but the richness of heavy cream truly elevates the dish.

Special Equipment: A large soup pot or Dutch oven is all you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal!

How To Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Creating Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Start with the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and drain any excess grease. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This forms the base of the soup’s rich flavor.
Cook the potatoes: Add peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot, along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half the soup to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
Add the cheese: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream for that luxurious, creamy finish.
Bring it all together: Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot, and let everything simmer for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

This entire process takes about 40 minutes, and the results are well worth it!

Storage Options

Leftovers of this soup are a gift for future meals! Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating.
Freezing: While the soup is freezer-friendly, it’s best to freeze it before adding the cheese and cream. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in the cheese and cream.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup makes it a dream recipe for customizing to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding carrots, celery, or spinach. Stir them in during the potato cooking stage for a heartier soup.
Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage make excellent alternatives to ground beef.
Spice It Up: For a little heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Make It Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for milk and use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten.

Experiment freely and make this soup your own! The possibilities are endless.

There you have it – a cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Once you’ve tried it, don’t forget to share your creative variations and serve it up with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Happy cooking!