Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for Cold Nights (Print Version)

Warm up with our hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup! Packed with flavor and comforting potatoes, this easy recipe is a family favorite for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base Essentials

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 4 cups beef broth

→ Creamy Goodness & Flavor Layers

06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish & Serving (Optional)

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Crispy bacon bits
17 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese

→ Optional Extras

18 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for umami)
19 - 1/2 cup frozen peas or diced carrots (added with potatoes)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that ground beef into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, let it sizzle and brown nicely. This is where all the flavor starts, you know? Once it's cooked through, drain all that excess fat. Seriously, don't leave it in there unless you want a greasy soup. Then, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes until the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. I always take a deep breath here; it's the smell of good things to come.
02 - Now, push the beef and onion mixture to one side of the pot. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt. Once it's all bubbly, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste and smells a little nutty—that's your roux! This step is crucial for thickening our cheesy hamburger potato soup. Then, stir in the dried thyme and smoked paprika, letting them bloom in the heat for about 30 seconds. This really wakes up their flavors, making the soup so much more aromatic.
03 - Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Trust me, lumpy soup is a sad soup. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add your diced potatoes. Give it a good stir, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until those potatoes are fork-tender. This is where the magic happens, as the potatoes absorb all those lovely flavors. Don't rush it! You want soft, comforting potatoes in your cheesy hamburger potato soup.
04 - Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. This is where the soup starts to get its beautiful creamy texture. Then, add the cream cheese in chunks, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth. This step makes the soup so luxurious and rich. I always make sure the heat is low here; you don't want to scorch the dairy, or it might separate, and that's just a bummer.
05 - Now for the best part—the cheddar! Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it's all melted and incorporated. This is where our cheesy hamburger potato soup really lives up to its name. Taste and adjust your seasonings. You might need a little more salt or pepper; everyone's taste buds are different, right? I usually add a generous crack of black pepper here because I love that little kick.
06 - Ladle the warm cheesy hamburger potato soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some crispy bacon bits if you're feeling fancy. Honestly, a simple sprinkle of cheddar on top is also pretty amazing. The aroma alone will make your mouth water. This soup is best served immediately, piping hot, for that ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy the warmth and coziness you've created!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain the ground beef fat thoroughly; a greasy soup is a sad soup, and I learned that the hard way.
02 - Keep the heat low when adding dairy and cheese to prevent separation or scorching, which can ruin the creamy texture.
03 - For a bolder flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the beef broth; it adds a lovely depth.
04 - Serve with some warm, crusty bread for dipping; it's just the best combo for this hearty soup.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - whisk
03 - wooden spoon
04 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 25-35g

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