Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this rich and satisfying Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef provides a savory base for the soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but any starchy potato will do. The potatoes add bulk and texture to the soup.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and flavor to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the overall flavor with a bit of aromatic sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth – Chicken broth adds richness to the soup. You can use beef broth for a deeper, heartier flavor or a combination of both.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy flavor. You can also use a mix of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
- 1 1/2 cups milk – Milk adds creaminess to the soup. You can use whole milk for a richer texture or a lighter option like 2% or even unsweetened almond milk.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Sour cream adds a tangy richness and helps thicken the soup.
- 2 tbsp flour – Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
- 1 tbsp butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the soup.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme – Enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
- Green onions: For a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Bacon crumbles: If you eat bacon, it adds a delicious salty crunch on top (though it’s optional and we’re omitting pork in this version).
- Extra shredded cheese: You can never have too much cheese! Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.
Substitutions and Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or another ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk and replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are also dairy-free sour creams available at most grocery stores.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Make sure your broth is gluten-free as well (most are, but it’s always good to check the label).
- Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few basic tools will do:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll need a big pot to cook the soup in since this recipe makes a hearty amount.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
- Sharp knife: To chop the potatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Ladle: For serving the soup once it’s ready.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the cooked ground beef.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid.
Stir in the paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Make the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. This will act as the thickening agent for the soup.
Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up.
5. Stir in the Cheese and Sour Cream
Once the soup has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as extra shredded cheese, green onions, or hot sauce.
Serve with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup!
