There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This rich and creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something indulgent. This simple, one-pot dish is quick to prepare and sure to please the entire family!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
✔ Hearty and Filling – The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese makes this soup wonderfully filling.
✔ Creamy and Cheesy – The rich, creamy broth with melted cheese takes this soup to the next level.
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup with just one pot to wash after making this delicious soup.
✔ Kid-Friendly – The flavors are simple and comforting, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
✔ Comfort Food – Perfect for cold weather or when you’re in the mood for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary, and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or a fork to mash a few of the potatoes in the soup to thicken the broth slightly. This will give the soup a creamy texture without needing to add flour or cornstarch.
- Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy. For an extra creamy texture, stir in the sour cream at this point.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness of your hamburger potato soup!
Cook Notes
- Potato Variety – Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture. Yukon Golds are creamy, while Russets create a slightly thicker soup.
- Meat Options – You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Creamier Soup – For an extra creamy soup, consider adding a bit of cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese.
- Freezer-Friendly – This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Recipe Variations
✔ Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup – Add crumbled bacon to the soup for an added smoky flavor. You can also top the soup with crispy bacon bits for a delicious crunch.
✔ Spicy Cheeseburger Potato Soup – For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Vegetarian Version – Swap out the ground beef for vegetarian crumbles or lentils to make this soup a meatless option.
✔ Loaded Cheeseburger Potato Soup – Add chopped pickles, mustard, and ketchup to the soup for a more traditional “cheeseburger” taste.
Keto Version
This Keto Cheeseburger Potato Soup version replaces regular potatoes with cauliflower. Cauliflower has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it an excellent low-carb substitute. Follow the same instructions but substitute the 4 medium potatoes with 4 cups of cauliflower florets. This will keep the soup creamy while lowering the carb count. You can also opt for a full-fat cream cheese and use a lower-carb cheese, like cheddar, to maintain the richness of the soup while staying in line with a ketogenic diet
Low-Carb Version
To make this soup low-carb, reduce the amount of potatoes and swap for zucchini or turnips. These vegetables have fewer carbs and will blend well into the soup. Alternatively, you can use a cauliflower base to reduce the carb content without compromising the texture and flavor.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the soup?
Yes! While cheddar is the most popular cheese choice, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will melt beautifully and create a creamy texture in the soup.
2. How can I thicken the soup without mashing potatoes?
If you prefer a thicker soup without mashing potatoes, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water or use heavy cream for a richer, thicker consistency.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and store individual portions for later.
4. Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can easily add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to enhance the flavor and texture. Simply dice them and add them in with the potatoes to cook through.