Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Warm up with rich, creamy, and hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, a comforting meal combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a luscious cheesy broth. This one-pot dish is perfect for cozy dinners, customizable to your taste, and family-friendly with layers of flavor and satisfying textures in every spoonful.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly grated recommended)
Thickening and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or thyme (optional)
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, building a savory flavor base.
- Prepare the Roux: Push beef and veggies to one side. Melt butter in the pot, then sprinkle flour in and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out raw flour taste and form a thickening base.
- Add Broth, Potatoes, and Seasonings: Gradually stir in chicken broth to avoid lumps, add diced potatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender and soup thickens.
- Stir in Milk and Cheese: Pour in milk or cream, slowly add shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep warm on low heat before serving.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for natural creaminess.
- Don’t skip the roux: the butter and flour mixture ensures a thick, silky texture.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Season gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-seasoning.
- Simmer low and slow to meld flavors and keep potatoes intact.
- Optional garnishes include crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra sharp cheddar.
- Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: cheesy soup, hamburger soup, potato soup, comfort food, one-pot meal, family-friendly soup, creamy soup, hearty soup