There’s something truly heartwarming about a big pot of soup bubbling away, isn’t there? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my go-to recipe for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This dish is like a big, cozy hug after a long day. Picture this: the rich aroma of sizzling beef, the comforting scent of onions cooking, and those hearty potatoes soaking up all the flavors. It’s a bowl of warmth and goodness that’s sure to make your kitchen feel like home.
Why you’ll love this recipe
So, why make this delightful concoction? For starters, it checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, filling, and loaded with comforting flavors that feel like a warm embrace. The combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich broth creates a satisfying experience for your taste buds. It’s the perfect dish for cool evenings, lazy weekends, or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Even if you’re just starting your culinary journey or you’re an experienced chef looking for a quick meal, this soup is your friend. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of deliciousness on the stove, ready to warm you from the inside out. And let’s not forget—leftovers taste even better the next day! It’s comfort food that keeps on giving.
Key ingredients overview
Let’s gather the stars of our show, shall we? Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that cozy, cheesy delight.
Ground Beef: One pound of quality ground beef provides the protein base. Choose leaner cuts to keep the dish rich without excess grease.
Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth. Not a fan of yellow onions? Feel free to swap with a sweet onion or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Potatoes: Three cups of diced potatoes give the soup its hearty body. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal picks, but you can experiment with red potatoes for a creamier texture.
Beef Broth: Four cups of beef broth builds the foundation of flavor. Homemade or store-bought works wonders; just keep an eye on the sodium levels!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One cup of cheddar adds that luscious cheesiness we crave. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique twist.
Heavy Cream: The magic of one cup of heavy cream transforms the broth into a rich, silky base that makes each spoonful divine!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—simple but essential for elevating flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat!
Preparing Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—the actual cooking! Here’s how to bring this lovely soup to life:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir it occasionally until it’s nicely cooked. Here’s your first insider tip: drain any excess fat to keep your soup from being too greasy.
Cook the Onion: Toss in the chopped onion and let it sweat. You want it soft and translucent, allowing all those natural sugars to emerge.
Add the Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in four cups of beef broth. Sprinkle the garlic and onion powder in, and bring it all to a boil. Can you smell that? It’s just the beginning!
Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Stir in Cream and Cheese: Now comes the good part! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and wonderfully creamy.
Final Seasoning: Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t rush this step; it can make all the difference!
Best way to enjoy it
When it comes to serving this cheesy delight, simple is often best. Pour the hot soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or even some chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread or a simple side salad to make it a full meal.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Next time, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top. It’s also great with a side of garlic bread — after all, who can resist the classic combination of cheese, bread, and soup?
Storage and reheating tips
Let’s talk leftovers! This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it in an airtight container. When it’s time to enjoy again, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
If you want to keep some for longer, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just remember that the dairy might separate slightly during freezing, but a good stir when reheating usually brings it back to life!
Pro chef tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you master this recipe:
Toast the Spices: Before adding the potatoes, consider toasting the garlic and onion powder for about a minute in the leftover beef fat. This simple step intensifies the flavors, making everything richer.
Customize with Veggies: You can easily sneak in some veggies! Carrots, corn, or even spinach can add a nutritional boost and color.
Dairy Alternatives: If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using coconut milk for a creamy texture, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Creative Twists
Feeling like you want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:
Taco Soup: Add taco seasoning and a can of black beans, and top with tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a Southwest flair.
Baked Potato Style: Stir in sour cream and top with green onions and crumbled bacon bits for that classic baked potato vibe!
Spicy Kick: Throw in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you love heat; it’ll give your soup an exciting kick.
Ingredients list
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions to follow
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Your questions answered
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative. Just remember it might be a bit leaner, so you could need a touch more oil for browning.
How long does it take to prepare? Overall, you should expect about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How do I make it spicier? Add some hot sauce or diced jalapeños when you add the onion.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? After cooling, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months.
As you embark on making this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, remember that food is not just about sustenance; it’s about love, memories, and connection. I can’t wait for you to take this recipe for a spin. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or personal twists in the comments. Your exploration in the kitchen is what makes home cooking truly special! So roll up those sleeves, let’s get cooking, and enjoy every moment of it!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Description
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy dish loaded with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich broth, perfect for cool evenings or lazy weekends.Main Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Steps
Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.Cook the Onion
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in beef broth and add garlic and onion powder. Bring to a boil.Simmer
Lower the heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.Stir in Cream and Cheese
Add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
