In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious soup, from the detailed recipe to helpful tips and tricks, storage suggestions, and more. We’ll also cover several recipe variations so you can make it your own, and an FAQ section to address any questions you might have. Ready to get cooking?
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Hearty and filling: This soup is packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, making it a complete meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and savory, this soup is perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and comforting.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to pull off this delicious dish.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly: Children love the cheesy goodness of this soup, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and enjoys hearty, flavorful soups. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight meal or someone who wants to warm up with a filling bowl of soup, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the answer. It’s also a great option for those who love to cook in batches or prep meals ahead of time, as this soup freezes and reheats well
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this rich and satisfying Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef provides a savory base for the soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but any starchy potato will do. The potatoes add bulk and texture to the soup.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and flavor to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the overall flavor with a bit of aromatic sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth – Chicken broth adds richness to the soup. You can use beef broth for a deeper, heartier flavor or a combination of both.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy flavor. You can also use a mix of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – Milk adds creaminess to the soup. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or a lighter option like 2% or even unsweetened almond milk.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Sour cream adds a tangy richness and helps thicken the soup.
- 2 tbsp flour – Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
- 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme – Enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
- Green onions: For a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Bacon crumbles: If you eat bacon, it adds a delicious salty crunch on top (though it’s optional and we’re omitting pork in this version).
- Extra shredded cheese: You can never have too much cheese! Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.
Substitutions and Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or another ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk and replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are also dairy-free sour creams available at most grocery stores.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Make sure your broth is gluten-free as well (most are, but it’s always good to check the label).
- Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few basic tools will do: