Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

This comforting Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup transforms simple ingredients into a rich creamy bowl of warmth that is perfect for busy days. Slow cooking lets the flavors come together overnight while the potatoes turn meltingly tender and the cheesy broth delivers a delicious finish with hardly any hands-on time. The result is a one-pot meal that is always met with big smiles at the dinner table.

I discovered this recipe in one of my busiest weeks and it quickly became my staple for days when I want homemade comfort without hovering over the stove. The aroma feels like a hug and my family constantly requests it for chilly nights.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose good quality eighty twenty for the best balance of meat and flavor or leaner if needed at your store
• Russet potatoes: The starch in these potatoes thickens the soup without needing flour
• Velveeta or real cheddar: Both will work but Velveeta melts so smoothly and keeps the base creamy
• Heavy cream: This ingredient adds body and helps make every spoonful rich
• Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is worth seeking out for its depth and robust savor
• Low sodium broth: Always taste and use good quality broth since it forms the foundation of your soup flavor

Instructions

Cook Beef:

Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat for eight to ten minutes. The beef should be deeply browned for flavor and onions should be translucent. Drain off all grease for a cleaner soup base.

Add Garlic:

Stir minced fresh garlic into the hot beef and cook for thirty seconds. This quick step will bloom the garlic flavor throughout the dish.

Combine in Slow Cooker:

Transfer your beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth potatoes diced medium size peas and carrots if using cheddar cheese soup from the can and black pepper. Stir until everything is well distributed but do not over mix.

Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for seven to eight hours or high for three to four hours. The time can vary based on your slow cooker model. Resist lifting the lid often so heat stays even.

Add Dairy:

About one hour before you are ready to serve pour in the heavy cream and add the Velveeta cubes. Only add these ingredients after potatoes are tender. Cover and let the cheese melt undisturbed.

Stir and Check:

Once cheese has melted stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more pepper or a pinch of salt. Let soup rest for ten minutes so the starches settle and soup thickens naturally.

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I always look forward to sprinkling extra cheddar and a handful of green onions over my bowl. This little touch reminds me of childhood soups my grandmother made especially for me during snow days. The smell alone guarantees the whole family gathers in the kitchen before serving time.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping bring out the creamy cheese broth. A tossed green salad adds brightness and crunch next to the rich soup. Cornbread is another classic comfort food side. Crispy bacon bits scattered over the top add a savory crunch.

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days. This soup reheats gently on the stove or in the microwave and tastes just as good if not better the next day. If the soup thickens too much after chilling add a splash of broth to loosen it. You can also freeze leftovers for up to two months but omit the heavy cream until you plan to reheat for the freshest flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken turkey or even cooked lentils can replace beef for different tastes. Yukon gold potatoes make a slightly creamier soup if russets are not available. Both real cheddar and Colby Jack work in place of Velveeta although they may separate slightly when melted. You can use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle big spoonfuls into deep bowls and top with shredded cheese bacon bits and fresh chopped parsley. Serve with a platter of warm rolls or chunks of sourdough for dunking. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce adds a little kick for those who love bolder flavors.

A Bit of Soup History

Hamburger stew and rich potato chowders are American dinner classics going back generations. The combination of ground beef and potatoes showed up often in farmhouse kitchens as a practical hearty meal that filled everyone up without fancy ingredients. The modern cheesy twist makes this feel even more indulgent and family comforting.

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This Hamburger Potato Soup truly proves that the most comforting meals often come from the simplest steps and basic grocery finds. It is always a welcome sight on the dinner table and makes great memories around every bowl.