Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Sometimes, you just need a little comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is here for you, ready to fill your belly and soothe your soul. It’s hearty, it’s cheesy, and let’s be honest, it’s pretty darn easy to whip up. Get ready to impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Alright, let’s be real. Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of soup that practically hugs you from the inside? This recipe is super simple—it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to pull this off. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want your delicious fix without sacrificing an hour of your evening. Plus, it’s like a warm hug on a cold day. The combination of cheesy goodness, tender potatoes, and savory beef makes this soup a towering champion in the comfort food ring. You know you want to make it now, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the gooey goodness, let’s gather our little cast of characters. You’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: The star of the show, obviously. Because what’s a hamburger soup without beef?
1 small onion, diced: Adds that tasty bite. Note: crying is optional.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced: The secret to making it a solid meal and not just a bowl of broth.
4 cups chicken broth: Liquid gold for flavor town!
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese gods rejoice. Trust me, the more, the merrier.
1 cup milk: Because we like our soups creamy and dreamy.
1 cup heavy cream: For that extra luxe touch that says, “Hello, I’m fancy.”
1 tbsp olive oil: To sauté all the deliciousness together.
Salt and pepper to taste: You know the drill. Don’t skimp on the flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to channel your inner chef? Let’s do this! Follow these seven super easy steps, and you’ll be swimming in cheesy goodness in no time.

Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in those diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Seriously, your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s all browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease. Unless you want your soup to swim in it—totally your call.
Add potatoes and broth: Mix in those diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Go ahead, bring that mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like it’s having a hot tub party, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is when you can do a little dance in the kitchen.
Add milk and cream: Time for the magic touch! Pour in the milk and heavy cream, giving it a good stir to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, but remember—no boiling here. We’re not cooking pasta.
Melt the cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the soup is smooth. Yep, it’s cheesy bliss time!
Season and simmer: Here’s where you sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a few more minutes on the heat to let everything meld together. Remember, the longer it simmers, the more legendary it becomes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Want to kick it up a notch? Top it with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions. Go wild, my friend!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now here’s the lowdown on some rookie moves to avoid while making this glorious soup:

Thinking you can skip the sauté step: Nope, don’t do that. Cooking those aromatics is key to a flavorful base. Plus, the smell will make your neighbors jealous.
Overcrowding the pot with potatoes: You want enough room for everything to cook nicely. If it looks cramped, it’s probably time to let some spuds go.
Allowing the soup to boil after adding milk: Letting it bubble away is a one-way ticket to curdled dairy land. No one wants that.
Not tasting as you go: Seriously, how will you know if it needs more salt? A chef is only as good as their ability to taste.

Alternatives & Substitutions

So what if you’re missing an ingredient or two? Fear not! Here are some simple alternatives that won’t ruin your soup experience:

Ground beef: Feel free to swap it out for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking to keep it plant-friendly.
Potatoes: If you’re feeling adventurous, try sweet potatoes instead for a slightly different flavor. Just watch out—they’ll sweeten the deal for sure!
Chicken broth: If you’ve got vegetable broth lying around, use that instead. Your soup will still be tasty, just less beefy.
Heavy cream: You can totally skip it or use half-and-half if you’re watching those calories. But let’s be real, live a little.
Cheddar cheese: Mix it up with Monterey Jack or a crazy blend. Cheese is cheese—just make sure it melts well.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I freeze this soup?

Yep! Just let it cool completely, pop it in an airtight container, and off to the freezer it goes! Just don’t forget to label it like a responsible adult.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter brings flavor to the party—don’t skip it.

How long does it last in the fridge?

If you can keep your hands off it, this beauty will last about three to four days in the fridge. But, come on, who are we kidding? It’s probably gone by tomorrow.

Can I skip the cream and keep it lighter?

Absolutely! Just use more milk or a splash of water. The consistency might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I add veggies?

Why yes! Go ahead and toss in some carrots, celery, or even spinach. Your soup can handle the extra company.

What if my soup is too thick?

Easy fix! Just add a bit more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Think of this as a soup spa day.

How can I make this soup spicy?

If you’re feeling a little wild, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Turn that comfort food into a flavor fiesta!

Final Thoughts

Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. Seriously, you just whipped up a delicious cheesy hamburger potato soup that’s bound to win hearts (and stomachs). So grab a spoon, cozy up on the couch, and dive into that heavenly bowl of goodness. You’ve earned it! Enjoy every cheesy, potato-packed bite. Happy cooking!