Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup that promises to warm even the coldest evenings.

Tender potatoes mingle with savory ground beef, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

The creamy base brings depth and warmth to every spoonful.

Melted cheese adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic soup from simple to spectacular.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of robust flavors and comforting textures.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every delicious moment.

What Makes This Hamburger Potato Soup So Cozy

  • Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal perfect for satisfying hunger and making everyone at the table happy.
  • Quick and Easy Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep and cooking skills required, allowing even novice cooks to whip up a delicious soup with straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, this soup appeals to all ages and becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at dinnertime.
  • Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customizable with optional toppings like bacon, green onions, or extra cheese, letting home cooks personalize the recipe to match their taste preferences.

Ingredients You Need for Cheesy Hamburger Soup

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base that adds rich flavor to the soup.
  • Bacon Bits: Crispy and salty topping for extra crunch.
Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that makes the soup creamy.
  • Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a silky texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich ingredient that adds luxurious thickness.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: Classic soup foundation with deep, comforting flavors.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish with a mild, zesty kick.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that brings all ingredients together.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking base for sautéing.
  • Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle The Aromatics

Grab a large pot and warm up the olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their amazing aroma, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbly pieces as it cooks.

Keep stirring until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

Drop in diced potatoes and chicken broth into the pot.

Crank up the heat until the mixture bubbles, then turn it down low.

Let everything simmer peacefully for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and soft.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Pour in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to blend everything together.

Warm the soup thoroughly but don’t let it boil – we want silky smooth, not scorched.

Step 5: Cheese Magic

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese gradually into the pot.

Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 6: Season And Develop Flavors

Shake in salt and pepper to your liking.

Let the soup continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to mingle and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

For extra pizzazz, top with additional cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh green onion slices.

Soup Tips for a Rich, Creamy Texture

  • Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which break down easily and create a thicker, creamier soup consistency.
  • Add cheese gradually off direct heat and stir constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • If soup becomes too thick, thin it with extra chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the soup's hearty character.

Best Way to Store and Warm This Hearty Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of dairy ingredients.

Satisfying Sides for This Cheesy Soup

  • Perfectly Paired Craft Brew: Select a robust amber ale that complements the hearty beef and potato flavors, cutting through the rich cheesiness with crisp carbonation and malty undertones.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with a crusty sourdough or garlic bread that provides delightful crunch and helps soak up the creamy soup, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Zesty Side Salad Balancer: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to contrast the soup's heaviness, adding fresh, bright notes that cleanse the palate between spoonfuls.
  • Crisp Wine Match: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes that harmonizes with the soup's savory profile, offering a smooth and elegant drinking experience alongside the meal.

Soup Variations to Keep It Interesting

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Bean Boost: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, creating a protein-packed meatless alternative that keeps the soup's hearty profile.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Variation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy cheese, selecting dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
  • Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic soup without compromising rich flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this soup. It provides similar texture and absorbs the soup’s flavors well.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery to boost nutritional value.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice, hearty texture to the soup.

Print
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Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending rich ground beef with creamy potatoes. Warm spices and melted cheese create a soul-satisfying bowl you’ll want to savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 4 cups (960 ml) potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, fragrant mixture.
  2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking. Continue until the meat achieves a rich, golden-brown exterior and is thoroughly cooked. Eliminate any lingering grease for a cleaner soup texture.
  3. Incorporate diced potatoes and chicken broth into the meaty foundation. Elevate the temperature to create a rapid boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the potatoes to tenderize, approximately 15-20 minutes, until they reach a soft, easily pierced consistency.
  4. Gently cascade milk and heavy cream into the simmering mixture, creating a luxurious, creamy landscape. Stir with precision to ensure thorough integration, maintaining a temperature just below boiling to preserve the dairy’s smooth character.
  5. Gradually shower shredded cheddar cheese into the pot, whisking continuously. Watch as the cheese dissolves, transforming the soup into a velvety, golden concoction with a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
  6. Calibrate the soup’s seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to intermingle during a final 5-10 minute simmer. This resting period enables the ingredients to meld, creating a more profound and cohesive taste experience.
  7. Artfully ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Enhance the presentation with optional garnishes like additional cheese, crispy bacon fragments, or delicate green onion slivers for an elevated culinary touch.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better soup thickening and creamier consistency.
  • Lower heat while adding dairy prevents curdling and maintains smooth, silky soup texture.
  • Grate cheese freshly for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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