This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Packed with savory flavors from seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this soup promises to warm you up on cold days or create lasting memories during family dinners. Its creamy texture and hearty broth make it a favorite for gatherings, while its simplicity ensures that you can whip it up quickly. Customize it with your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just one pot, saving you time on both preparation and cleanup.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and potatoes creates a deliciously comforting dish.
- Versatile Toppings: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with toppings like crispy bacon or green onions for added flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty soup, making it a hit at dinner time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together evenly without spilling.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping quicker and safer, ensuring clean cuts on your vegetables.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls with ease.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
Pour in the milk and heavy cream while stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through without letting it boil.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted, resulting in a smooth soup.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes so that flavors meld together nicely while thickening slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. For extra flavor, garnish with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is just as important as making it. This delicious soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and make mealtime special. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkling extra cheddar cheese on top adds a delightful creaminess.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon provides a savory crunch that complements the soup’s texture.
- Sliced Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Baguette Slices: Serve slices of toasted baguette for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs well with the rich soup.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Offer Toppings on the Side
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, hot sauce can spice things up.
- Chopped Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds brightness to each bowl.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To make sure your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. Each step enhances the flavor and texture of this comforting dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Avoid Boiling After Adding Dairy: Boiling can cause dairy to curdle; heat gently to keep everything smooth.
- Blend for Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before adding cheese.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before seasoning; sometimes, the broth may have enough salt already.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Complement your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup with side dishes that enhance the meal’s heartiness. These options are sure to satisfy!
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping into your bowl.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness alongside the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables offer a healthy, flavorful side option.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful pairing with savory flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the aromatics: Skipping the sautéing of onion and garlic can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take a few minutes to cook these ingredients before adding the beef.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If you let the potatoes boil too long, they may become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness after 15 minutes.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can affect the creaminess of your soup. Opt for good-quality cheddar for the best results.
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to season throughout the cooking process can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at various stages.
- Rushing the simmering phase: Allowing the soup to simmer too briefly can prevent flavors from developing fully. Give it at least 5-10 minutes after adding cream and cheese.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best taste.
Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that will still provide excellent flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings work well with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
Popular toppings include crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese for added flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, corn, or bell peppers are great additions that can enhance both texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or vegetables. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings, this creamy soup marries seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheddar cheese into a satisfying dish that warms both body and soul. With a straightforward preparation process, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Customize it with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or fresh green onions to suit everyone’s palate. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that creates lasting memories around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper; let simmer for another 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Leave a Comment