Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes kitchen staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimizes cleanup, making it convenient for any day.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Dairy: Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat through without boiling.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Ensure all ingredients, especially broths and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the ground beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the cheese and dairy in the last 30 minutes.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Freezing dairy-based soups can cause separation. If you plan to freeze, consider omitting the dairy and adding it fresh when reheating.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes break down for a creamier texture, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better. Choose based on your preferred consistency.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water, then simmer until thickened.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that may prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese is recommended for optimal creaminess.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Add the cheese gradually over low heat, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the soup.
What garnishes pair well with this soup?
Toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or additional shredded cheese enhance flavor and presentation.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Incorporate diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy cheese variety to add heat.
How can I reduce the calorie content?
Opt for lean ground meat, use low-fat dairy products, and limit the amount of cheese to make a lighter version of the soup.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors make it a favorite comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or serving guests, this soup is sure to please
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting dish featuring savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. This one-pot recipe is simple to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy family meal or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef, breaking it up while cooking, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add milk and heavy cream, stirring well. Heat through but avoid boiling.
- Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredients (broth, seasonings) are gluten-free.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a creamier texture, mash some potatoes in the pot before serving.
- Freshly shredded cheese ensures a smooth and creamy soup.
