Name: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cups diced potatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper to tast

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There's nothing like a bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly evening. With its creamy texture, chunks of tender potatoes, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this soup is a hug in a bowl. The gooey melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this recipe on a whim when I was craving comfort food but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it’s my go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ready to see what makes this soup so special? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this hearty, comforting soup. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

First and foremost, this soup is incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory hamburger, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese hits all the right notes, making it the ultimate comfort food.

It’s also quick and easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes of prep and simmer time, you can have a steaming pot of soup ready to serve – no need to spend hours in the kitchen.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s budget-friendly. Using simple, everyday ingredients, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen without breaking the bank.

Finally, this soup is versatile and customizable. Whether you want to swap out ingredients for a lighter version or make it vegetarian, the options are endless. Keep reading for tips on how to tailor it to your taste!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its humble yet flavorful ingredients. Here's a closer look at what makes this recipe so delicious:

Ground Beef: I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. It cooks up juicy and adds a hearty base to the soup.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my top choice because they become tender and creamy when cooked. Dice them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Cheese: A generous helping of shredded sharp cheddar is the star of the show, giving the soup its cheesy goodness. You can mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions form a classic mirepoix, adding depth and sweetness to the soup.
Broth and Cream: A mix of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety base. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of cream.

Don’t forget a large Dutch oven or stockpot – it’s essential for cooking the soup evenly and efficiently.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making this soup is a breeze! Here’s how to bring it all together:

Cook the Ground Beef: Start by browning ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Once it’s fully cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in the leftover drippings until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Simmer the Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Add the Beef and Cream: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup heat through without boiling, ensuring the cream doesn’t curdle.
Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted. This step gives the soup its signature cheesy texture.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flair.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Freezer: While the soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly due to the cream and potatoes. If you plan to freeze it, omit the cream and cheese during cooking, then add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup if it has thickened in the fridge. Warm it gently to avoid curdling.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian soup.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables for a spicy twist.
Loaded Potato Soup: Stir in crumbled bacon and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded baked potato vibe.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding spinach, kale, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

No matter how you customize it, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect bowl of comfort!

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a comfort food recipe. Give it a try this week – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!