Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food

When the temperatures drop or you’re simply craving a rich, hearty, and satisfying meal, nothing hits the spot quite like Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This creamy, cheesy, and beefy soup is packed with flavor and texture, making it the ultimate one-pot comfort food. Made with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a flavorful broth, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or cold-weather gatherings.

Why This Soup Is a Comfort Classic

This soup brings together all the components of a beloved comfort dish: cheese, potatoes, and seasoned ground beef. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger and loaded baked potato got together in soup form. The result? A dish that’s rich, warming, and completely satisfying.

According to The Pioneer Woman, creamy soups with hearty ingredients like potatoes and beef are staples in colder months because they’re filling, flavorful, and nostalgic. Likewise, AllRecipes explains that soups made with ground beef are easy, economical, and a big hit with the entire family.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, yet delivers big flavor with each bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, and fresh parsley for garnish

Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor and Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for the best texture.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a bit of butter (optional) and sauté the onions until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese.
Simmer gently over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream for added richness.
Garnish with parsley or extra shredded cheese before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

There’s a reason this soup has become a favorite in so many households:

One-pot convenience – Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
Hearty and filling – Packed with meat, potatoes, and cheese.
Kid-friendly – A flavor profile even picky eaters love.
Freezer-friendly – Perfect for make-ahead meals.

Variations and Additions

This soup is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, corn, or peas.
Spicy kick: Stir in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños.
Creamier texture: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
Taco twist: Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend and add taco seasoning to the beef.
Low-carb version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a great option for meal prep or leftovers:

To Store:

Let the soup cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Cool and transfer to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Note: Dairy-based soups may slightly separate upon reheating, so stir well.

To Reheat:

Warm gently on the stove over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or broth to thin if needed.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins.

What to Serve With Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Round out your meal with these cozy sides:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Crackers or buttered rolls for dipping

Tips for the Best Results

Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded varieties may contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the potatoes – Stop simmering once they’re tender to avoid mushiness.
Season gradually – Taste after adding the cheese and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Add milk slowly – To avoid curdling, stir in milk over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option.

Q: Can I use evaporated milk or cream?
A: Absolutely. Evaporated milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream all create a richer soup.

Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
A: This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except milk and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in milk and cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal: simple, rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s a go-to recipe for busy nights, meal prep Sundays, or those days when all you want is a bowl of something warm and hearty. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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