Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s favorite cozy meals: Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl that even my pickiest eaters gobble up! It’s packed with simple ingredients, easy to throw together, and makes a ton, which is a huge win for those chaotic weeknights. I know how hard it is to find something everyone loves, so I’m excited to share this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup sanity-saver!
I’ll never forget the first time I made Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. It was a particularly hectic week, the kind where everyone was running in different directions. I needed something quick, comforting, and preferably involving minimal dishes. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of combining hamburger, potatoes, and cheese into a soup.
The kids were instantly intrigued by the name alone! My son, who usually avoids anything with visible vegetables, actually asked for seconds. I was shocked but also secretly thrilled. What started as a desperate attempt to get dinner on the table turned into a family favorite.
The biggest nutrition win was how easily I could sneak in extra veggies. A little pureed cauliflower or some finely diced carrots disappear right into the creamy broth. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup quickly became a staple in our house because it was filling, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious. I’m so glad I found it, because it has become a family favorite and helped make our mealtimes more enjoyable.
Finding simple solutions to feeding our families is always a win! I’m so glad to have you join me as we make another round of this hearty dish! I know, as fellow busy moms, you’re looking for the same simple nutrition wins for your family that I am. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Don’t worry if you need to make a few tweaks – this recipe is super forgiving! Trust me, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 1 pound ground beef – Adds protein and hearty flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped – Adds flavor and some sneaky veggies.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything tastes better with garlic!
- 6 cups chicken broth – Low sodium is always a good choice.
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium) – I use Yukon Gold, but Russets work too!
- 1 cup diced carrots – Adds sweetness and nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For that cozy, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch!
- 1 cup milk (any kind works!) – Adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – For thickening (optional).
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, bacon bits.
You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store; I always keep them on hand. If you don’t have carrots, you can use frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrients in this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, especially when you shop smart.
For a nutrition hack, I sometimes add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans to this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. It boosts the fiber and protein without changing the flavor much. My family gets extra nutrition when I add that in!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a pot of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that your family will love. This recipe is so easy, even on the busiest weeknights. Here’s a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup nutrition hack that changed our family’s health, because everyone enjoys it!
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This ground beef potato soup is starting off right!
- Sauté the veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. The smell should start to make your kitchen feel extra cozy.
- Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Season it up: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This is where you can really customize the flavor to your family’s preferences.
- Make it cheesy: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Be careful not to let the soup boil, or the cheese might get stringy. Your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup should smell nourishing by now.
- Add the milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour (if using) until smooth. This helps to prevent lumps. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly. Don’t worry if your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup looks a little thin at first; it will thicken as it cools.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the cheddar potato soup with hamburger into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or bacon bits.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – I’d add the cheese too quickly and it would clump. Now, I add it gradually and stir constantly, which makes all the difference! While your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is so versatile! We love to serve it in different ways depending on the season and what we have on hand. I’m so happy to share how much my family loves this delicious, quick and nutritious soup!
- Classic comfort: A simple bowl of creamy hamburger soup with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onions is always a hit. The kids devour this nutritious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Side salads: Add a side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a complete and balanced meal.
- Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. We love a good sourdough or French bread. This easy hamburger potato soup recipe is perfect with crusty bread.
- Loaded baked potatoes: For a super hearty meal, top baked potatoes with the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup!
- Game day: This soup is perfect for game day gatherings or potlucks. Make a big batch and let everyone help themselves.
- Fall vibes: In the fall, we love to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they are great for lunch the next day. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! My friends are always asking for the recipe when I serve this easy hamburger potato soup recipe because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. We’ve also added a little bit of spice to it. One of my kids especially loves adding a bit of cayenne pepper!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. I hope these answers help you feel confident and prepared to make it for your family!
Q: Is this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from the ground beef, vitamins and minerals from the potatoes and carrots, and calcium from the cheese and milk. Plus, you can easily sneak in extra veggies like pureed cauliflower or spinach.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
A: Start small! Offer a tiny spoonful and don’t pressure them to eat more. You can also try serving it with something you know they love, like a grilled cheese sandwich. Sometimes, just seeing other family members enjoying it can encourage them to try it.
Q: Can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Q: Can I meal prep this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for busy weeks ahead?
A: Definitely! This soup is great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A: Of course! While cheddar is our favorite, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses.
Q: How can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it’s cooking. You can also top each bowl with a few slices of jalapeno for an extra kick.
Q: Can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef on the stovetop first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients (except the cheese and milk). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese and milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup has become a staple, it has become a great way to feed my kids good hearty food. They especially love when I add the toppings! My family says it is the best! I know, as busy moms, we all are trying to feed our kids good wholesome food, and the key to that is simplicity!
Final Thoughts:
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup has become a staple in our house because it’s easy, delicious, and packed with nutrients. I love knowing that I can whip up a batch of this soup on a busy weeknight and my family will be happy and well-fed.
My Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Nutrition Hacks:
- Sneak in extra veggies: Pureed cauliflower, spinach, or even finely diced zucchini are great additions to this soup.
- Use low-sodium broth: This helps to control the amount of sodium in the soup.
- Add beans for extra protein and fiber: Cannellini beans or kidney beans are great choices.
Here are a few family-tested healthy variations on this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- Spicy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Loaded Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Top with bacon bits, sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese.
- Veggie-Packed Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Add extra veggies like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or corn.
My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the classic creamy hamburger soup with extra cheese. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and find what your family loves best. If you are needing some sides to eat with your soup, check out this loaded hamburger soup for great ideas!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to ours. Remember, simple nutrition is the key to success! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like Sausage Sweet Potato Kale Soup for another hearty and nutritious soup option. For a creamy and comforting potato soup, don’t forget to try this Roasted Garlic Potato Soup.
Here are some helpful links, too! Hamburger Potato Soup (Best Creamy Recipe!) has a great creamy recipe! Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 5 … offers some great variations on the recipe. You can also find a delicious Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup recipe on I Am Homesteader.
Give this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup a try, and let me know what you think! I’m here to support you on your journey to simple nutrition for your family. This potato cheese soup with beef is going to be a new family favorite, for sure! 💕
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
This comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for chilly evenings. Ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce combine for a satisfying and easy-to-make soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the ground beef and potatoes. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.