Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl — hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. Each spoonful blends tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese into a cozy meal that tastes like home. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up on chilly evenings and brings everyone back for seconds.
This simple recipe combines the heartiness of a classic hamburger with the rich creaminess of a loaded potato soup. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a family favorite that’s both filling and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup delivers that comforting homemade goodness you crave — all in one pot. Serve it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of warm bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food — simple, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
- 🧀 Loaded with Flavor: Melted cheddar cheese and perfectly seasoned ground beef give this soup rich, savory depth.
- 🥔 Creamy and Hearty: Tender potatoes add body and texture, making every bite filling and delicious.
- 🕒 Quick and Easy: Made in one pot with simple ingredients — no fuss, just comfort.
- 🍲 Perfect for the Whole Family: Even picky eaters will love it — it’s cheesy, cozy, and packed with flavor.
- ❄️ Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Whether you’re craving something warm after a long day or planning a weekend dinner that feels extra cozy, this soup is a guaranteed hit. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich, creamy, and satisfying soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound (450 g) | The base of the soup — hearty and full of flavor. Use lean (85%) if possible. |
| Potatoes | 4 cups, diced (about 4 medium) | Add texture and thickness. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped | Adds depth and sweetness to the broth. |
| Garlic Cloves | 3, minced | Enhances the flavor with a mild, savory aroma. |
| Carrots | 1 cup, diced | Brings subtle sweetness and color. |
| Beef Broth | 4 cups (1 liter) | Serves as the soup’s flavorful base. Use low-sodium broth for better control. |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds rich creaminess. |
| Milk | 2 cups (480 ml) | Creates a smooth, creamy texture. Whole milk gives the best results. |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Used to sauté vegetables and make the roux. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 tablespoons | Thickens the broth naturally. |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, or to taste | Brings out the natural flavors. |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | Adds gentle heat and balance. |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | Gives a warm, smoky touch and color. |
| Chives or Green Onions | 2 tablespoons, chopped | Fresh garnish for a bright finish. |
| Sour Cream (optional) | For topping | Adds a cool, creamy contrast. |
💡 Tip: You can easily double this recipe for meal prep or larger gatherings — it stores and reheats wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup comes together in one pot with just a few simple steps. Follow along to make a creamy, comforting meal every time.
1. Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
Drain excess fat if needed, then transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and fragrant.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 1 minute to coat the vegetables.
This helps thicken the soup and gives it a silky texture later.
4. Add the Broth and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to dissolve the roux.
Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese gradually, letting it melt fully.
Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring often, until the soup becomes thick, creamy, and smooth.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top with extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions.
💡 Pro Tip: For a thicker texture, mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese.
For a thinner soup, simply add more milk or broth.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is rich, filling, and perfect for cozy dinners or weekend gatherings. Serve it fresh and creamy, then enjoy the leftovers just as much the next day.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls:
Perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy broth. Try garlic bread for an extra flavor boost. - Fresh Green Salad:
A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully. - Toppings Bar:
Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, or chopped chives so everyone can customize their bowl. - In a Bread Bowl:
For a fun, hearty presentation, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf.
❄️ Storage
Let the soup cool completely before storing.
Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens after chilling.
🧊 Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cheese and milk.
Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and stir in the cheese and milk just before serving for that fresh, creamy texture.
💡 Tip: This soup actually tastes richer the next day as the flavors blend together — perfect for make-ahead lunches or cozy weeknight leftovers.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup — FAQ
Quick answers for creamy, cheesy soup success.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but it still pairs beautifully with cheese and potatoes.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup reheats wonderfully. Prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently over low heat before serving.
What type of cheese melts best in this soup?
Sharp cheddar is the top choice for flavor and smooth melting. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Mash a few of the potatoes in the pot or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Both methods create a naturally thicker consistency.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it before adding milk and cheese. When reheating, stir in the dairy at the end to keep the soup creamy and smooth.
Nutrition Information
Below is an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings). Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients you use.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
💡 Note: These values are estimates calculated using standard ingredients. For more precise results, refer to a nutrition calculator based on your specific brands.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the definition of homestyle comfort — creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. It’s the perfect way to warm up on cold evenings or treat your family to a filling, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
For more cozy and comforting soup ideas, try this delicious recipe from Happily Home Baked:
It brings warmth, flavor, and that homemade touch your kitchen deserves.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Cozy, hearty, and ultra-creamy, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup combines tender potatoes, ground beef, melted cheddar, and creamy broth — the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.
Tip: Brown the beef well for rich flavor and use sharp cheddar for depth.
Serve: Garnish with crispy bacon, green onions, or extra cheese for a finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute to coat evenly.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, cream, and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with green onions and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Reheat gently over low heat; add milk if too thick.
- Variation: Add chopped carrots or celery for extra heartiness.
- Thicker texture: Mash a few potatoes directly in the pot before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat slowly to avoid curdling.