As the colder months set in, nothing beats a hearty bowl of warm, creamy soup. This Creamy Potato Cheeseburger Soup takes classic comfort food to the next level by combining the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the smooth texture of potato soup. Packed with ground beef, cheese, and tender potatoes, this soup delivers a rich, comforting taste that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re a busy parent, a soup enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good cheeseburger, this recipe is for you.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this delectable soup, along with tips, variations, and helpful cooking notes. Let’s dive into creating a bowl of goodness that’s sure to warm you up!
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This Creamy Potato Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for:
- Busy families: It’s a one-pot meal that can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Comfort food lovers: If you adore cheesy, hearty dishes that bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, this soup is for you.
- Soup enthusiasts: It offers a unique twist on traditional potato or cheeseburger soups, blending the best of both worlds.
- Anyone craving a cozy, filling dish: The combination of potatoes, cheese, and beef makes this soup satisfyingly rich and creamy.
Why You’ll Love It
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cheeseburger-inspired dish.
- Rich and creamy: Packed with cheese and cream, it’s indulgently delicious.
- Customizable: Easily modify the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delicious Creamy Potato Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for a cheeseburger flavor)
- Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
- Crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Pickles: Diced pickles can be added to give that true cheeseburger flavor.
- Hot sauce or ketchup: For a tangy kick.
- Crushed crackers or croutons: For added crunch.
Equipment Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if grating cheese from a block)
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, and set the beef aside. This step helps keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Prepare the Soup Base
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the pot. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly.
5. Make It Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and the browned ground beef. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or additional shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
1. Use the Right Potatoes
- Russet potatoes work well because they break down and help thicken the soup. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which hold their shape better during cooking.
2. Make It Lighter
- To lighten up the soup, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use low-fat milk. For a lower-calorie option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
3. Cheese Matters
- For the best flavor, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
4. Add Some Veggies
- You can boost the nutritional value by adding carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup. Sauté the carrots and celery along with the onions, or stir in chopped spinach at the end of cooking.
5. Thicken as Needed
- If the soup is too thin for your taste, mix a little extra flour with water to create a slurry and add it gradually while stirring. If it’s too thick, thin it out with extra broth or milk.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a bit of extra milk or broth to thin it out.
For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
Variations to Try
1. Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
- Add all the classic toppings of a loaded burger: crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, pickles, and even a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
- Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños and a few dashes of hot sauce. Pepper Jack cheese can replace cheddar for an extra kick.
3. Vegetarian Version
- Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute, or replace it with more vegetables like mushrooms or extra potatoes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
4. Gluten-Free Option
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, or thicken the soup with cornstarch mixed with water.
Food and Drink Pairings
This hearty Creamy Potato Cheeseburger Soup pairs well with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Cold beer or sparkling water: A crisp beverage can refresh your palate between spoonfuls of this indulgent dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
- Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. Add them directly to the pot, but adjust the cooking time since frozen potatoes will cook faster.
2. How can I make the soup thicker?
- If the soup is not thick enough, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot or add a bit more flour mixed with water. Cornstarch can also be used as a thickener.
3. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
- Pre-cooked ground beef can be used. Simply add it to the soup during the step when you incorporate the heavy cream and cheese.
4. Is this soup kid-friendly?
- Absolutely! The flavors are similar to a cheeseburger, making it appealing to kids. You can adjust the seasoning to suit their taste preferences.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions beforehand. Then, add all ingredients except the cheese, milk, and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese, milk, and cream about 30 minutes before serving.
This Creamy Potato Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a family favorite, especially during the cold months. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting—everything you want in a bowl of soup. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of cheeseburgers and hearty potato soup.
Sounds great, definitely on my fall weather cooking list!