Description
Hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl for hungry families. Creamy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese combine into a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully browned, then drain excess fat and set aside.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions with olive oil until translucent, then quickly add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant essence.
- Potato and Broth Integration: Add diced potatoes and broth, seasoning with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender.
- Creamy Transformation: Whisk milk and flour into a smooth mixture, then gradually blend into the simmering soup along with heavy cream, stirring consistently to create a luxurious texture.
- Cheese Melding: Reduce heat and fold in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and integrated into the soup’s creamy landscape.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce cooked ground beef, stirring to distribute evenly and reheat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with green onions, crispy bacon bits, and an optional cheese sprinkle. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is completely browned with no pink to develop deep, rich flavor and eliminate raw meat texture.
- Potato Cooking Precision: Cut potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation, creating a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
- Dietary Adaptation Tips: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter version; use lactose-free milk and cheese for dairy-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg