Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty delight that will warm your heart. As the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of this delicious soup. Made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich blend of cheeses, this dish is both satisfying and packed with flavor. It brings nostalgia for many, evoking memories of family dinners and cozy evenings spent around the table. In this article, we’re going to explore why this soup should be a staple in your meal rotation, share the detailed ingredients you’ll need, and guide you through the cooking process to perfection.
Why You’ll Love It
There are countless reasons to love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, and they go far beyond its delicious taste. For starters, this soup is incredibly comforting. When you take that first spoonful, you’re met with a warm embrace of cheesy goodness that fills you up and makes your taste buds dance. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Furthermore, not only does this soup please the palate, but it also nurtures the soul.
Imagine gathering around the table with family or friends, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls of this delightful soup. The rich aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is enough to draw anyone closer. Additionally, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is highly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit various dietary preferences or to incorporate seasonal ingredients.
Not to forget, this delicious soup is also excellent for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and have plenty of leftovers for those busy weeknights. As it sits in the fridge, the flavors deepen, making the dish even more inviting the next day. With these points in mind, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for this vibrant, cheesy concoction.
Ingredients
Now that you’re eager to create this delightful dish, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions
For this recipe, you’ll require a pound of ground beef as the protein base, providing not only flavor but great texture to the soup. You will also need a medium onion, finely diced to bring sweetness and richness when sautéed, along with two cloves of minced garlic for an aromatic base. Four medium-sized potatoes, diced into cubes, add heartiness, making sure every spoonful is satisfying.
To bring the soup together, use four cups of chicken broth which creates a flavorful and nutritious base. Incorporating both one cup of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream transforms this soup into a creamy, dreamy delight that you’ll crave. Then, you cannot forget two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that unmistakable cheesy flavor that enchants every bite.
For cooking, two tablespoons of olive oil will keep your aromatics from sticking and promote even cooking. Finally, you can season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You might also want to think about garnishing with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions to elevate your soup to gourmet status.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|——————–|——————-|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Potatoes | 4 medium |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Whole Milk | 1 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s embark on the journey of creating this scrumptious dish!
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1
To begin, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. As the oil warms, it’s a great time to mindfully chop your onion and mince your garlic if you haven’t done so already. Once the oil glistens, add the diced onion and let it sauté for about three to four minutes. You want the onion to soften and become translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. After the onion has softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This base will smell heavenly and set the stage for the deliciousness that’s about to come.
Step 2
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show: the ground beef. Add the beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Keep stirring to ensure it’s evenly cooked. As the beef browns, approximately seven to ten minutes should do the trick, it will release its juices and meld beautifully with the onions and garlic. Once fully cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease to keep your soup rich yet not overly greasy.
Step 3
With the beef now cooked through, it’s time to add some heartiness to our soup. Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the four cups of chicken broth. Bringing this mixture to a rolling boil is crucial; it unlocks the flavors. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes as you want them tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. This simmering step allows the potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth while creating a comforting and inviting soup.
Step 4
After the potatoes have reached the desired tenderness, it’s time for the creamy goodness to enter the scene. Pour in one cup of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow the soup to heat through and watch it transform into a creamy delight. However, ensure it doesn’t reach a boiling point as that can curdle your creamy mixture. Finally, it’s time to bring on the cheese! Gradually sprinkle in the two cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir constantly. This is where your cheese dreams come true. The soup becomes irresistibly rich and smooth as it thickens. For the grand finale, season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
Directions
To summarize, start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, and remember to drain any excess grease. Afterward, introduce the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Then pour in the milk and heavy cream, gently stirring to combine and allowing it to heat through without boiling. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, letting it simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with optional garnishes for extra flavor.
Helpful Notes
Before you dive into making this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, consider these helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience. For an extra depth of flavor, try using beef broth instead of chicken broth. You can even add in some spices like paprika or cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of spice. If you wish to pack in more vegetables, feel free to toss in corn, carrots, or any greens like spinach or kale. Simply chop them and add during the simmering stage.
Also, if you prefer a creamier texture, try using an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup once the potatoes are soft. This gives the soup a silky consistency. However, be careful not to over-blend it; you want to retain some chunky goodness.
Lastly, consider using leftover holiday ham or even turkey in place of ground beef for a unique twist. Not only will it reduce food waste, but it introduces new flavor dynamics that can be delightful.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Once you make this delightful soup, you might wonder about how to store it. Trust me; Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup makes excellent leftovers. Store any unused soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. However, for the best flavor and to avoid altering the creamy texture, it’s advisable to store any cheese or dairy products separately if you expect leftovers.
If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, consider freezing it! Portion the soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving some space at the top as it will expand when frozen. You can freeze the soup for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash or two of chicken broth or milk to revive the soup’s creamy consistency. If reheating individual portions in the microwave, cover loosely to prevent splatters and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
What can I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
You can enjoy this soup with a variety of sides—fresh crusty bread, a simple garden salad, or even cheesy garlic bread make excellent accompaniments. Their textures and flavors complement the creaminess of the soup beautifully.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply ensure all ingredients, especially the broth and any added seasonings, are labeled gluten-free. This soup naturally doesn’t contain gluten, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive individuals.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, simply substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You won’t lose out on the hearty flavors!
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to toss in vegetables such as carrots, corn, or even peas. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks through and remains tender.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup is quite mild in flavor; however, if you’d like to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot while the onions sauté.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Doubling the recipe is simple—just multiply all the ingredients accordingly. If you’re cooking in a large pot, make sure to keep an eye on cooking times. It may take additional time for the potatoes to become tender.
How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
You can safely store Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Conclusion + CTA
In conclusion, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and inviting aroma, it will undoubtedly become a beloved recipe in your home. So why not gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to help, and make this delightful soup a part of your mealtime ritual? Enjoy the warmth it brings, because there’s truly nothing like a hearty bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to warm your heart on a chilly day. Dive in, savor every spoonful, and relish these moments together!
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Pour in whole milk and heavy cream, stir to combine without boiling.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with optional garnishes.
