INTRODUCTION
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a warm, simple meal you can make any night. This soup mixes browned ground beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheddar into a creamy bowl. It fills the house with a rich, homey smell. You can make it with plain tools and easy steps. If you like quick dinners that comfort the family, you will like this soup.
This recipe is similar in feeling to other cozy meals like crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa, but it cooks fast on the stove. You do not need fancy skills. Just chop, brown, and simmer. The result tastes like a simple, honest dinner.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick and filling. It uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. The soup cooks in one pot, so you make less mess and clean up fast. Kids and adults often ask for seconds because the cheese and beef make the soup rich and tasty. You can change the ingredients to fit what you have, and it still turns out good.
The texture is creamy from the cheese and milk, and the potatoes give it body. You do not need special cheese blends or processed cheese. Plain cheddar melts and makes the soup smooth. The soup also reheats well, so you can eat it again the next day.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
This soup cooks on the stove in one pot. You start by browning the beef with onion. Then add potatoes and broth and let them cook until soft. Finish by stirring in the milk and cheese until the cheese melts. Taste and add salt and pepper.
Take your time while the potatoes cook. If you rush and add cheese too soon, it can become grainy. Stir slowly as the cheese melts. If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk or broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit to reduce.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if you shred your cheese)
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
A large pot helps the soup cook evenly. A heavy pot holds heat well and stops the soup from cooling too fast when you stir. If you have a pot with a tight lid, use it to keep the soup hot while the potatoes soften.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 lb ground beef, 4 cups potatoes, diced, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Optional: green onions for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until cheese has melted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Follow each step in order for the best result. Brown the beef well to build flavor. Keep the heat medium so the onions soften and the beef cooks through without burning. When the potatoes are fork-tender, you know the soup is ready for cheese. Stir the cheese in small amounts and give it time to melt fully.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Add chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and color. A spoon of sour cream also works well on top for a cool contrast. Pair the soup with warm bread or a simple side salad for a full meal.
For a family dinner, put the pot on the table and let people scoop what they want. You can set out shredded cheese, extra green onions, and hot sauce so each person can add what they like. If you serve it at a casual gathering, place small bowls of garnishes nearby.
You can also serve the soup over rice or with crackers. If you want a heartier plate, toast a sandwich and place it alongside the bowl.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To store, cool the soup to room temperature then transfer to airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep the cheese from separating.
You can freeze this soup, but cheese can change texture after freezing. To freeze, cool the soup and put it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly. If the soup seems grainy after freezing, stir in a splash of milk while warming to smooth it out.
Label containers with the date so you know when to use them. When reheating frozen soup, do not boil it hard; keep the heat low and stir to keep a creamy texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This soup goes well with simple sides. Try a green salad, steamed vegetables, or buttered toast. Garlic bread or crusty rolls make a nice match. For a lighter option, serve with a raw veggie plate like carrot sticks and cucumber slices.
If you want a filling meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a baked potato. You can also offer toppings such as crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese for guests to choose from.
For a change, spoon the soup over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. This makes a hearty bowl that is extra filling on cold nights. For a picnic or potluck, keep the soup in a slow cooker to stay warm and serve with a stack of small bowls.
Try pairing the soup with one of your favorite comfort recipes like a mild salad or a baked side dish. If you like creamy vegetable soups, you may also enjoy the flavors in a recipe for hamburger vegetable soup as a related option.
VARIATIONS
You can change this basic recipe to suit your taste. Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner soup. Add chopped carrots or celery when you cook the onion for more vegetables. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke.
If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot before adding cheese. For a lighter soup, reduce the cheese and add more broth. To add greens, stir in fresh spinach a few minutes before serving so it wilts but stays bright.
For a cheesy twist, try mixing different cheeses. A little Monterey Jack or Colby adds a smooth melt. If you want a spicy kick, add diced jalapeño while the onions cook. For a different comfort flavor, compare ideas with a creamy vegetable mix like broccoli, cauliflower and cheese soup for new twists to try.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant mashed potato flakes to thicken this soup?
A: Yes. Mix flakes into the hot soup a little at a time until you reach the thickness you like. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed.
Q: Can I make this recipe with frozen potatoes?
A: You can use frozen diced potatoes. Add them straight to the pot and cook until they are tender. They may cook faster than fresh, so watch closely.
Q: What cheese melts best for this soup?
A: Cheddar melts well and gives a classic flavor. Mild or sharp cheddar both work. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded because it has no anti-caking agents.
Q: Is this soup safe to freeze with dairy in it?
A: It is safe to freeze, but the texture may change. Milk and cheese can separate on thawing. Reheat slowly and stir in a little milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, but brown the beef and soften the onion first on the stove. Then add potatoes, broth, and cooked beef to the slow cooker. Cook on low until potatoes are tender, then add cheese and milk near the end.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
You can do some prep the day before. Chop the onion and potatoes and store them in the fridge in sealed containers. Brown the beef ahead and keep it chilled. When you are ready to cook, heat the pot, add the onions and beef, then add potatoes and broth.
If you want to finish the soup faster, pre-cook the potatoes until just tender. Store them in a container and add them to the pot with heated broth. Add milk and cheese last so the cheese stays smooth.
Another make-ahead plan is to cook the whole soup, cool it, and keep it in the fridge. Reheat slowly and add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the texture. This works well for busy weeknights.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a quick, comforting dish you can make with few ingredients and little time. For another creamy take on hamburger potato soup, you can read a tested version at Hamburger Potato Soup (Best Creamy Recipe!). If you want a simple, no-Velveeta option with similar flavors, see Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple Ingredients, No Velveeta …).
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until cheese has melted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.