Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy soup to soothe the soul on a chilly day, and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty and indulgent dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, the creaminess of potatoes, and the melty goodness of cheese for a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and indulgence!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a true fan favorite for several reasons. First and foremost, the combination of tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The contrasting textures of the creamy soup and the slightly crispy bacon topping add an extra layer of indulgence with every bite.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly accessible, as the ingredients are often pantry or freezer staples. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, as the flavors only improve when the soup has had time to meld together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is sure to become a new family favorite.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled bacon, for serving (optional)
The beauty of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and a blend of seasonings creates the comforting, homestyle flavor profile that has made potato soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Stir in the broth, cubed potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the soup has thickened.
• Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional potato soup recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 798mg
These hearty servings of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for a portion of the potatoes to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete, well-balanced meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli.
• For a hearty lunch, serve the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Create an inviting charcuterie platter with the soup, crackers, sliced meats, and additional cheese options.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not fully cooking the flour: Ensure the flour is thoroughly cooked after being added to the milk mixture to prevent a raw, starchy flavor.
• Letting the cheese curdle: Adding the cheese directly to the hot soup can cause it to seize up and become stringy. Instead, remove the pot from heat before stirring in the cheese.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
• Not adjusting consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cheese.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The cheese may need to be re-melted after reheating.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even diced cooked chicken. Each substitution will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall dish will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the new protein.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Instead of regular milk, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. For the cheese, opt for a dairy-free cheddar-style shredded cheese alternative, which can be found in most grocery stores. These simple substitutions will allow you to enjoy this comforting soup without the dairy.
What can I do if my soup turns out too thick or too thin?
If your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is too thick, simply add a bit more broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flour to fully thicken the mixture. You can also make a small roux with butter and flour, then stir it into the soup to help it reach the perfect texture.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is very versatile, and you can easily add extra vegetables to boost the nutrition and flavor. Some great options include diced carrots, celery, spinach, or even diced bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal for a crowd, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and indulgent, cheesy appeal. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these hearty soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup a try? Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
