There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of hot, cheesy soup on a chilly day. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy base, every spoonful is a warm and satisfying bite of pure comfort food.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, preparing a freezer-friendly batch for the week, or looking for an easy crowd-pleasing soup, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your winter recipe rotation. Best of all, it’s simple to make with common pantry and fridge ingredients!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Soup
Hearty and filling – Protein-packed with beef and potatoes.
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved – Cheesy, creamy, and flavorful.
Great for leftovers – Stays delicious even after reheating.
Budget-friendly – Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
One-pot magic – Easy cleanup and simple steps.
🛒 Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
To make this comforting soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef 🍔 – Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works great. For a lighter option, use ground turkey.
1 small onion, diced 🧅 – Adds savory depth and sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 – Boosts flavor.
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔 – Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
4 cups chicken or beef broth – Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt.
2 cups milk – Whole or 2% milk gives the soup a rich texture.
2 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the soup.
2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 – Sharp cheddar melts well and brings bold flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) – Adds color and subtle smokiness.
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
🍽️ Equipment You’ll Need
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Potato peeler
🕒 Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease, then return the beef to the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the potatoes are simmering, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Turn off heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot with the potatoes and beef. Stir to combine everything into a smooth, cheesy base. Add salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, extra shredded cheese, or even crumbled bacon on top!
🧀 Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Choose the right potatoes: Russets break down and thicken the soup, while Yukon Golds hold their shape.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
Add extra veggies: Corn, carrots, peas, or even broccoli can be stirred in for added nutrition.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Thicker soup? Use less broth or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can round it out with:
Crusty bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for dipping.
Side salad – Something light and green for balance.
Garlic toast – Adds crunch and flavor.
Grilled cheese sandwich – For the ultimate comfort food combo.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Note: The dairy may separate slightly when reheated but still tastes great. Stir well after reheating.
Reheating:
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Cheeseburger Soup: Add chopped pickles, mustard, and a dash of ketchup for a burger-flavored twist.
Loaded Baked Potato Version: Top each bowl with sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon.
Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
This soup is rich and hearty, perfect for filling you up. While not low-calorie, it offers protein from the beef, calcium from the cheese, and fiber from the potatoes. You can lighten it up with:
Ground turkey or chicken
Reduced-fat cheese
Milk alternatives (like unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk)
❤️ Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s humble, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a snowy evening, a weekend family dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead, this soup delivers that warm, comforting hug-in-a-bowl feeling we all crave.
With just a handful of pantry staples and 45 minutes, you’ll have a rich and creamy soup that feels like home—every time.
Tried this recipe?
Tag your creations with #CheesyHamburgerPotatoSoup and share your favorite toppings or mix-ins in the comments!
Print Recipe From Here ⤵️
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- – Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Potato peeler
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 🍔 – Lean ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 works great. For a lighter option, use ground turkey.
- 1 small onion diced 🧅 – Adds savory depth and sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic minced 🧄 – Boosts flavor.
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced 🥔 – Yukon Gold or Russet work well.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth – Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt.
- 2 cups milk – Whole or 2% milk gives the soup a rich texture.
- 2 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the soup.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 – Sharp cheddar melts well and brings bold flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional – Adds color and subtle smokiness.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease, then return the beef to the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- While the potatoes are simmering, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Turn off heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot with the potatoes and beef. Stir to combine everything into a smooth, cheesy base. Add salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, extra shredded cheese, or even crumbled bacon on top!
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