This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender potatoes, ground beef, and lots of gooey cheese that melts into every spoonful.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a soup that’s cheesy and hearty? I like to top mine with crispy bacon bits for that extra crunch—so good! 🥓
It’s super easy to whip up too. Just cook, stir, and let it simmer while your house fills with yummy smells. Perfect for cozy nights in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup its hearty base. You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Potatoes: I love using Russets for their fluffy texture, but you could use Yukon Gold or red potatoes too. If you’re low-carb, cauliflower works great as a substitute!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds delicious flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, try medium cheddar or even mozzarella. Vegan cheese can also work if you’re dairy-free.
Half-and-Half or Milk: This makes the soup creamy! Low-fat milk can replace half-and-half for a lighter version, or you can use almond milk for a dairy-free blend.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken My Soup Without Clumps?
To get that creamy, smooth texture, creating a roux is essential. It might sound fancy, but it’s pretty simple. Just follow these steps:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until it forms a paste, cooking it for a couple of minutes. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add your milk or half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens up before adding it to the soup!
Taking your time with the roux makes all the difference, trust me!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced (optional, for a bit of sweetness and color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, enhances beef flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. Totaling roughly 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your soup doesn’t get greasy!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This adds a wonderful flavor base to your soup.
3. Add Potatoes & Seasoning:
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and carrots (if you’re using them), along with the paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together to get the flavors combined.
4. Cook the Soup:
Pour in the beef broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Roux:
While your soup is simmering, melt the butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which helps thicken your soup.
6. Create the Creamy Base:
Gradually whisk in the half-and-half or milk to your roux until it thickens into a creamy sauce. This will give your soup a rich, velvety texture.
7. Combine and Cheese It Up:
Pour the creamy mixture into your soup pot and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is perfectly melted and the soup is nice and smooth.
8. Final Seasoning:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Serve:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of freshness. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is now ready to warm you up on chilly days! Dive in and savor the cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great, lighter alternatives. Just be aware that they can cook faster than beef, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Alternatively, you could make it with water, but for more flavor, broth is recommended!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.