Remember those chilly autumn evenings as a kid? The smell of something savory simmering on the stove, wrapping around you like a warm hug? That’s exactly what this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Made with Just a Few Ingredients evokes. It’s the ultimate comfort food – hearty, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. Growing up, my mom always whipped this up after a football game. It was a quick, satisfying meal everyone devoured. And to this day, it remains a go-to on those days when all I crave is something warm and soul-soothing.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen. This soup is the real deal – a weeknight winner! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Simple Ingredients: Seriously, this recipe has minimal ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you won’t spend more than 30 minutes making this soup. Perfect for busy families.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults love it. The cheesy goodness and savory burger flavor are just irresistible.
- Hearty & Filling: Potatoes and ground beef make this soup substantial enough to be a complete meal.
- Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Feeling extra cheesy? Pile it on! This recipe is adaptable to your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this incredibly simple soup:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 blend is great for flavor)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium is recommended)
- 4 medium Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work well), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp or mild, your preference!)
- ½ cup Milk or Half-and-Half (for richness – optional)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Let’s Get Cooking! – Step-by-Step Instructions
This soup is seriously easy. Don’t be intimidated! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl of comfort in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic! That’s a flavor disaster.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth. Add the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce a potato cube with a fork.
Step 5: Cheese and Creaminess!
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth. If you’re using milk or half-and-half, stir that in now too. This adds an extra layer of creamy deliciousness. Adding butter at this step also helps with richness.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to your liking. Want it cheesier? Stir in a little more cheese!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s take this soup to the next level! Here are some ideas to customize it:
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or even frozen peas during the simmering step.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes with a fork before adding the cheese. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
Toppings Galore: This is where you can really get creative! Consider these toppings:
* Shredded Cheese (more, because why not?)
* Crispy Bacon Bits
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Chopped Green Onions
* Crumbled Crackers or Croutons
Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also a perfect pairing with a simple salad.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Please note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Your Next Comfort Food Favorite Awaits!
That’s it! A ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Made with Just a Few Ingredients. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and get cooking. This soup is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. We’d love to hear how it turns out, so leave a comment below and let us know! Happy cooking!
