There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that just wraps you in comfort, don’t you think? When the temperatures drop and the world outside turns chilly, my go-to is always this delicious cheesy hamburger potato soup. It’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-cheesy! I remember the first time I made it on a cold winter evening; the aroma filled my kitchen and brought everyone running to the table. Each spoonful is like a cozy hug, filled with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a melty cheese goodness that makes you feel all warm inside. Perfect for family dinners or just a relaxing night in, this soup has quickly become a staple in my home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again on those chilly nights!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful cheesy hamburger potato soup! I promise you, it’s easier than it sounds and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of comfort simmering on your stove in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef along with the diced onion. You want to brown them together for about 5–7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. This is where the magic starts! The aroma of beef and onion sizzling together is just heavenly. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks for that perfect texture.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Once your beef and onions are beautifully browned, it’s time to add the diced carrots and cubed potatoes. Stir them in and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This quick sautéing helps to bring out their flavors and makes the soup even heartier. You’ll start to smell those veggies mingling with the beef, and trust me, it’ll make your mouth water!
Step 3: Incorporate Broth
Now, it’s time to pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—just let it bubble away for a bit, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This simmering phase is essential; you want those potatoes to become tender and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
While that’s simmering, grab a separate bowl and mix your flour with the milk until it’s nice and smooth. This will help thicken our soup to that perfect creamy consistency. After your soup has simmered and the potatoes have softened, stir in this flour mixture. Keep cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring gently until the soup thickens up. You’ll see it transform into a luscious, hearty blend that you can’t resist!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Season
Finally, it’s time for the best part—adding the cheese! Stir in that shredded cheddar until it’s melted and gooey. Oh, the smell is just irresistible! Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. I love to add a little extra cheese on top when serving for that gooey goodness. Serve hot, and watch everyone come back for seconds (or thirds!).
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s ensure your cheesy hamburger potato soup turns out perfectly every single time! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the beef and onions. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your soup. If you rush it, you might miss out on that delicious caramelization!
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh veggies make all the difference! Opt for firm potatoes and vibrant carrots for the best texture and flavor. Trust me, you can taste the freshness!
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little more flour mixed with milk. Just sprinkle a bit in and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Easy peasy!
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Cheese lovers unite!
- Season Gradually: Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, and adjust as needed. It’s always easier to add more than to try and fix an overly salty soup!
- Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t hesitate to prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cozy pot of cheesy hamburger potato soup that everyone will rave about. Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
So, let’s chat about the ingredients in this cheesy hamburger potato soup and some swaps you can make if you need to! I love that this recipe is pretty flexible, which makes it easier to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meat. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative!
- Onion: Yellow onion is my go-to because it adds a nice sweetness, but you can easily swap in shallots or even leeks for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of onion, feel free to leave it out entirely.
- Carrots and Potatoes: I love the sweetness of carrots paired with the heartiness of potatoes, but you can use any root vegetables you have on hand! Sweet potatoes or parsnips work wonderfully too. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Beef Broth: If you need a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium beef broth, or you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Homemade broth is always a winner if you have the time!
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses! Gouda, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a fun kick. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Milk: Whole milk makes for a creamy soup, but you can substitute with skim milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options might alter the flavor slightly.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour for thickening, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend can work beautifully. Just remember to mix it with cold water before adding it to avoid clumps!
With these substitutions in mind, you can customize this cheesy hamburger potato soup to fit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s all about making it your own while still keeping that warm, comforting vibe. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick look at the nutritional goodness packed into each comforting bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and actual amounts can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s the breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty soup not only warms your soul but also gives you a good balance of nutrients to keep you satisfied. So, dig in and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it gets even better as the flavors meld together. Just make it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I freeze cheesy hamburger potato soup?
Yes, you can! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.
What can I serve with this soup?
I love serving this cheesy hamburger potato soup with some crusty bread or a simple side salad. It’s also fantastic with grilled cheese sandwiches—talk about a comforting combo! You can never go wrong with a little crunch on the side.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Sure thing! Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the broth and veggies. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the flour mixture and cheese, and let it finish cooking. Easy peasy!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries at all! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. If you have some homemade broth lying around, that’s even better! Just remember, the broth adds a lot of flavor, so choose one that you enjoy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious cheesy hamburger potato soup, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This soup stores beautifully and can be enjoyed later, which is one of the many reasons I love it.
To store, simply let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight containers. I like to portion mine out into smaller containers so it’s super easy to grab and reheat when I’m ready for a quick meal. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to maintain its yummy flavors!
If you’re looking to save it for even longer, this soup freezes like a dream! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. It should keep well for about 2–3 months. Just label your containers with the date so you know when to enjoy it!
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, I recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. Then, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little thick. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it, but be sure to heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure it warms evenly.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be all set to savor your cheesy hamburger potato soup anytime you crave that comforting goodness! Enjoy every last spoonful!
Z nadrukami
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A hearty and comforting cheesy hamburger potato soup.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour with milk until smooth.
- Stir the flour mixture into the pot.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- For a thicker soup, add more flour.
- Top with extra cheese before serving.
- This soup freezes well.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheesy hamburger potato soup