There's something magical about a warm bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup on a chilly evening. This rich and hearty soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce that’s impossible to resist. With every spoonful, you'll savor a cozy, comforting meal that's as satisfying as it is delicious.
I first made this soup during a snowy weekend when I needed something quick, easy, and filling for my family. What started as a simple pantry meal quickly became a household favorite. Trust me—this recipe will warm both your heart and your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s destined to become a regular on your dinner table. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup hits all the right notes, offering flavor, comfort, and convenience.
First, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and about 30 minutes of cooking time, you'll have a hearty meal ready to serve in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The flavors are unbeatable! From the rich creaminess of the cheese to the savory notes of the ground beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Even better, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple, affordable ingredients, you can whip up a batch large enough to feed a family—and maybe even have leftovers!
And let's not forget its versatility. This soup welcomes additions like veggies, bacon, or even a hint of spice, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Ready to dive in? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so special.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its simple ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Ground beef: The foundation of this soup, ground beef brings a savory, meaty richness. Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup from becoming overly greasy, or drain any excess fat after cooking.
- Potatoes: Choose Russet potatoes for their starchy, creamy texture, which helps thicken the soup. Dice them into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar cheese is key to achieving that bold, cheesy flavor. Shred your cheese fresh for the best melting consistency.
- Broth: A combination of chicken broth and beef broth enhances the depth of flavor while maintaining a smooth, hearty base.
- Heavy cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be slightly less rich.
- Vegetables: A base of onions, carrots, and celery adds a hint of sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Seasonings: Simple staples like garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of black pepper bring warmth and complexity.
For equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring.
How to Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Making this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a pot of creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Cook the ground beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, melt a tablespoon of butter and add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, along with chicken and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the potatoes cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Create the cheesy base: In a separate small saucepan, make a simple roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture is thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and melted.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot of potatoes and vegetables. Gradually stir in the cheese sauce, mixing until fully combined. Season the soup with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer and serve: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Total prep and cook time? About 40 minutes from start to finish—a perfect one-pot wonder!
Storage Options
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While the potatoes may lose some of their texture after freezing, the soup can still be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for creativity! Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Vegetable-packed: Add chopped broccoli, corn, or peas for an extra dose of veggies.
- Bacon upgrade: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for whole milk or use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour.
No matter how you customize it, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
Warm, cheesy, and packed with comfort, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect solution to cold nights or a craving for something hearty and satisfying. Whip up a batch today, and watch it disappear in no time!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato soup combines creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting and hearty meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm bowl of deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, bacon bits, extra cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove beef and set aside, draining excess fat.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like green onions or bacon bits.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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