Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish to warm you up on chilly days, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is just what you need. Packed with flavor and without the heavy cream, this soup provides all the creamy goodness you crave in a more wholesome way. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, it quickly becomes a staple for any soup lover.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Directions
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the beef and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and crumbled bacon on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 750mg
Enjoy this delightful bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your dining table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Be sure to break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to prevent the soup from being greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients and Seasoning
Stir in the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Incorporate Milk and Cheese
After the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely and the soup has reached a creamy consistency.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and crumbled cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
Notes
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for unique flavor profiles.
Potato Tips
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe, providing a creamy texture when cooked.
Cook techniques
browning ground beef
Browning ground beef enhances the flavor of the meat and adds depth to the soup. Cook the beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, making sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
sautéing onions
Sautéing onions until they’re translucent releases their natural sugars, creating a sweeter, more robust base for the soup. This step is essential for building flavor.
simmering potatoes
Simmering diced potatoes in chicken broth allows them to absorb the flavors of the soup while cooking them until tender. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
melting cheese
Adding shredded cheddar to the soup and stirring until melted creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. Ensure that the heat is low to avoid curdling the milk.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef, but it may result in a different, milder flavor.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they become tender and creamy when cooked, contributing a great texture to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the milk with almond milk or another non-dairy milk option, and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this soup.
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato Soup with a Twist
For a twist on this recipe, consider adding diced carrots or celery for extra veggies.
Toppings Variations
Try different toppings like green onions or jalapeños to add a kick to your soup.
Slow Cooker Method
You can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by browning the meat and onions first, then adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Leftover Ideas
Use leftovers to create a creamy potato and cheese casserole by layering the soup with bread crumbs and baking until golden.
