When the weather cools down, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of soup. One of the ultimate comfort foods, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chunks of potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy broth that’s bound to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend meals, or any time you’re craving a filling, soul-warming dish.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or looking to feed your family with a recipe that everyone will love, this cheesy hamburger potato soup is ideal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious soup, from the detailed recipe to helpful tips and tricks, storage suggestions, and more. We’ll also cover several recipe variations so you can make it your own, and an FAQ section to address any questions you might have. Ready to get cooking?
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Hearty and filling: This soup is packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, making it a complete meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and savory, this soup is perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and comforting.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to pull off this delicious dish.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly: Children love the cheesy goodness of this soup, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and enjoys hearty, flavorful soups. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight meal or someone who wants to warm up with a filling bowl of soup, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the answer. It’s also a great option for those who love to cook in batches or prep meals ahead of time, as this soup freezes and reheats well.
If you’re a fan of dishes like cheeseburgers, mashed potatoes, or creamy casseroles, you’re going to love this soup. It combines all those flavors into one bowl, and the best part is that it’s made in just one pot!
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this rich and satisfying Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef provides a savory base for the soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but any starchy potato will do. The potatoes add bulk and texture to the soup.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and flavor to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the overall flavor with a bit of aromatic sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth – Chicken broth adds richness to the soup. You can use beef broth for a deeper, heartier flavor or a combination of both.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy flavor. You can also use a mix of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – Milk adds creaminess to the soup. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or a lighter option like 2% or even unsweetened almond milk.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Sour cream adds a tangy richness and helps thicken the soup.
- 2 tbsp flour – Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
- 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme – Enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
- Green onions: For a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Bacon crumbles: If you eat bacon, it adds a delicious salty crunch on top (though it’s optional and we’re omitting pork in this version).
- Extra shredded cheese: You can never have too much cheese! Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.
Substitutions and Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or another ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk and replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are also dairy-free sour creams available at most grocery stores.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Make sure your broth is gluten-free as well (most are, but it’s always good to check the label).
- Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few basic tools will do:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll need a big pot to cook the soup in since this recipe makes a hearty amount.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
- Sharp knife: To chop the potatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Ladle: For serving the soup once it’s ready.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
1️⃣ In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth
1️⃣ Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the cooked ground beef.
2️⃣ Pour in the chicken or beef broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid.
3️⃣ Stir in the paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Make the Creamy Base
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. This will act as the thickening agent for the soup.
2️⃣ Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3️⃣ Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up.
5. Stir in the Cheese and Sour Cream
1️⃣ Once the soup has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
2️⃣ Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
1️⃣ Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as extra shredded cheese, green onions, or hot sauce.
2️⃣ Serve with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup!
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and filling dish all on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your soup:
- Crusty bread or rolls: A warm piece of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy broth.
- Garlic bread: For an extra flavorful side, serve the soup with slices of garlic bread or garlic knots.
- Salad: Balance out the richness of the soup with a simple green salad. A spinach salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the creamy flavors of the soup.
- Crackers: If you prefer a crunchy topping, serve the soup with some salted crackers or oyster crackers on the side.
- Pickles: A side of crunchy dill pickles adds a tangy contrast to the cheesy richness of the soup.
Helpful Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Use starchy potatoes: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold. They break down slightly as they cook, helping to thicken the soup while still retaining their shape.
- Don’t skip the cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish, so use a high-quality cheddar for the best flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for added creaminess.
- Thicken the soup gradually: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour or cornstarch to the milk mixture. Start with 1-2 additional tablespoons and adjust from there.
- Add toppings: Toppings like green onions, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream add a fun finishing touch and extra flavor to the soup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is that it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
Storing Leftovers
- In the refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: This soup also freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating the Soup
- On the stovetop: Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out as it may thicken after being refrigerated.
- In the microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Again, add a bit of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
There are plenty of ways to switch up this recipe to suit your tastes or make it more personalized. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Bacon cheeseburger soup: Add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the soup for a bacon cheeseburger twist (omit if avoiding pork).
- Spicy hamburger soup: If you like a little heat, stir in some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Loaded potato soup: Top the soup with all the fixings you’d find on a loaded baked potato—extra cheese, sour cream, green onions, and even crumbled bacon.
- Vegetable-packed soup: For a more veggie-packed version, stir in some frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots along with the potatoes. You can even add spinach or kale for a bit of extra nutrition.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though this recipe is simple, here are a few common issues you might run into and how to fix them:
- Soup is too thick: If the soup turns out too thick for your liking, simply add more broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer until it thickens.
- Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: If the cheese isn’t melting smoothly, it could be because the soup is too hot. Remove the soup from the heat before stirring in the cheese to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Potatoes aren’t softening: If your potatoes aren’t getting tender, try cutting them into smaller pieces. The smaller the potatoes, the quicker they’ll cook.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (based on a 1-cup serving):
- Calories: 370
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef on the stovetop first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk mixture, cheese, and sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version of the soup. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and season the meat well to ensure it’s flavorful.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
4. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
The best way to reheat this soup is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little broth or milk to thin it out.
5. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! While cheddar is the classic choice for this soup, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of your favorites. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly.
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Enjoy your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup! 🍲🧀