When cold winds are howling outside and you're craving somthing warm, cheesy hamburger potato soup hits the spot. It bring together ground beef, melty cheese, and soft potatoes in a creamy broth thats easy to make. One spoonful and you feel right at home, like being wrapped in a blanket.
Lots of family has been passing down this recipe for years. Its a simple dish but its full of flavour, and even kids loves it. You can serve it at a casual dinner or a big family potluck and it never dissapoints.
In this post you'll find all the details you need: what ingredients to buy, how to cook it step-by-step, and some fun twists you can try. So grab your apron and lets get cooking!
What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
Cheesy hamburger potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup that mixes ground beef, chunks of potatoes, and loads of cheese. Its like a big hug in a bowl. You start with cooked beef, then add potatoes, broth, and let it all simmer till the potatoes are tender. Finally you stir in the cheese till it melts into the soup.
This soup come from old comfort food traditions, but everyone adds their own twist. Some people use different cheeses, or toss in carrots or corn for extra color. Thats why you might only find one recipe online but a dozen ways to cook it at home.
Its perfect for chilly nights, game days, or anytime you need a filling meal without fuss. Big or small, the soup brings people together, making it a fav at family meals.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
While this soup tastes rich, it also gives you good stuff. Potatoes are full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber. Ground beef add protein and iron wich your body needs to stay strong. And the cheese gives calcium so your bones stay healthy.
If you have special diets, you can still enjoy it. Use gluten-free broth and cornstarch to thicken, or swap beef for lentils to make it vegetarian. There's always a way to adapt it so you dont miss out.
Essential Ingredients in Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To whip up this soup you just need a handful of staples:
- Ground beef: The main protein. It gives the soup a meaty base.
- Potatoes: They make the soup creamy and thick when they break down.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese brings the creaminess.
- Broth: Beef or chicken broth works. It adds flavor depth.
- Milk or cream: Makes the texture smooth and velvety.
- Seasonings: Onion, garlic, salt, and pepper are all you need, but feel free to add others.
You can also swap beef for turkey or chicken, or use veggie broth to keep it meat-free. Try different cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a new flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, cook the beef over medium heat till its brown. Drain off extra fat if needed.
- Add onions and garlic: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns clear and smells good.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the potatoes, then pour the broth. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer till the potatoes are soft.
- Mix in milk and cheese: Pour in the milk or cream and add the cheddar. Stir till the cheese is all melted into the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Serve hot, with toppings if you want.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Here are some tricks to make it even beter:
- Use a slowcooker: Let it cook all day so the flavors blend really well.
- Adjust thickness: Mash some of the potatoes right in the pot, or mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir in if you want it thicker.
- Top it off: Add crumbled bacon, chopped chives, or extra cheese for more flavor.
Creative Variations of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
You can switch it up so fast it stays exciting:
- Southwest-style: Throw in corn, black beans, cumin, and paprika.
- Vegetarian: Use lentils, beans, or chopped mushrooms instead of beef.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like heat.
- Seasonal veggies: Stir in carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for color and extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Want to make a full meal? Try these:
- Great sides: Warm bread, rolls, or a simple salad go perfect with it.
- Drink pairing: A cold soda, iced tea, or even a light beer match well.
- Best occasions: Family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers: Let the soup cool, then move to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the right way: Warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring every now and then. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
FAQs
Can I freeze cheesy hamburger potato soup? Yes, you can. Just cool it down, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze up to 3 months. To use it, thaw in the fridge overnight then warm up.
How do I make it thicker if it’s too runny? Mash some potatoes in the pot or add a mix of cornstarch and water while you heat it.
What cheese is best? Cheddar is classic, but you can try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Can it be made ahead? For sure. Making it a day early helps the flavors meld together.
Is this good for meal prep? Definitely. It reheats well and still tastes great after a few days.
Conclusion
Cheesy hamburger potato soup is a crowd-pleaser thats easy to make and full of flavour. It bring people together and warms you from the inside out. Give it a go, share it with your family, and watch everyone dig in. Enjoy!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 potato peeler
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced About 1.5 lbs.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the milk, shredded Cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese if desired.
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