Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something filling fast.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything cooks in one pot or Dutch oven for convenience.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have—great for family meals on a budget.
• Cheesy & Comforting: Packed with cheddar cheese and sour cream for a rich, creamy texture that satisfies every craving.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein, potatoes, and dairy, this is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for meal prep recipes or leftover lunches.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every ingredient in this hamburger potato soup plays a role in creating its signature flavor and creamy consistency. Let’s break it down:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the dish. Provides savory flavor and satisfying protein. You can use lean beef for a lighter version or swap for ground turkey for healthy weeknight meals.
• Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): Add body, creaminess, and a natural thickness to the soup. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Enhances the beef’s flavor and builds a savory base.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth and aroma—essential in healthy cooking at home.
• Broth (4 cups, chicken or beef): Creates the soup’s flavorful base. Beef broth gives richness, while chicken broth keeps it lighter.
• Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded): The star ingredient that makes this recipe irresistibly creamy. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and the best cheese pull.
• Milk (1½ cups): Combines with flour to form a smooth, rich sauce. Whole milk gives a creamy consistency, but you can use low-fat or dairy-free milk too.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the broth for that perfect velvety soup texture. For gluten-free recipes, replace it with cornstarch.
• Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the flavor, and helps sauté the aromatics.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Adds color and a subtle smoky warmth.
• Dried Thyme (½ tsp): Provides earthy, herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.

Each ingredient plays a simple yet powerful role, creating a homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook them just until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different twist.
• Top It Off: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra shredded cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

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