Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – Easy, Creamy & Delicious

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is that warm hug in a bowl you never knew you needed until the temperatures drop, your to-do list triples, and your patience with picky eaters hits an all-time low. With the primary keyword baked right into the name, this soup is a one-pot wonder that delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with zero fuss. We’re talking hearty ground beef, tender chunks of potato, and melty cheddar swirled into a dreamy broth—yep, it’s dinner magic.

Even better? It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you need a break from the dinner struggle. If you love comforting, stick-to-your-ribs recipes like Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup, then this cheesy hamburger potato soup is your next cozy favorite. Let’s dive in—no soup pun intended (okay, maybe just a little one).

Table of Contents

What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a creamy, rich soup that combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and diced potatoes simmered in a savory broth. Think of it as the ultimate comfort mash-up between a loaded baked potato and a cheeseburger—but in spoonable form. It’s not fussy or fancy, and that’s exactly the point.

This soup doesn’t require specialty ingredients or a culinary degree to pull off, which makes it ideal for home cooks who just want something hearty and satisfying. And since it’s all cooked in one pot, cleanup is blissfully minimal. You can also tweak it with extras like crispy bacon, a dash of hot sauce, or your favorite herbs. It’s the kind of meal that warms your hands, your belly, and—let’s be honest—your mood.

Reasons to Try Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Let’s be real—weeknights are chaotic. Between meetings, carpools, and that pile of laundry that seems to regenerate overnight, you need a meal that won’t test your sanity. That’s where cheesy hamburger potato soup swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s filling enough to satisfy the hungriest teen (or adult) and easy enough to whip up without a second thought.

Kids love the cheesiness, adults love the flavor, and everyone loves that there’s just one pot to wash. It also reheats like a dream, which means lunch tomorrow is officially handled. Need more motivation? It’s pantry-friendly and budget-wise. We’re talking basic ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and broth—no rare spices or $12 cheeses here. It’s comforting, practical, and ridiculously tasty. Plus, if you enjoyed our Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup, this one’s right in your wheelhouse.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is easier than you might think. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready in no time, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Each stage is explained in detail so even beginner cooks can follow along confidently. If you’ve ever made a One Pot Creamy Soup, this will feel like second nature. Let’s dive into the step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic for a Flavorful Base

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (not smoking), toss in 1 small diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

This step lays the groundwork for the entire soup. That subtle sweetness from the caramelized onions and the bold punch from garlic? It’s where the magic starts. For best results, avoid high heat—burned garlic can turn bitter. If you need help with prep, check out our kitchen prep tips to make chopping and mincing faster.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Once your aromatics are soft and fragrant, add 1 pound of ground beef straight into the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Stir often so it browns evenly. You’re aiming for a nice sear on the meat to boost the umami in your soup. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Drain excess grease if needed (you don’t want it swimming in oil), but if your beef is lean, you may not need to drain at all. If you prefer a leaner option, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken—just add a bit more seasoning to punch up the flavor. Check out our guide on ingredient substitutions for more smart swaps.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Chicken Broth

Now it’s time to make it feel like soup. Stir in 4 cups of peeled and diced potatoes—russet or Yukon golds work beautifully—and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them without them falling apart. Keep the pot partially covered to help it cook faster while retaining moisture. This step is essential for thickening later, as those tender potatoes will help create that creamy, cozy texture.

Need help choosing the right potato? Our hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup dives into the best types for soups like this.

Step 4: Stir in Milk and Heavy Cream

Once the potatoes are cooked through, pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Be sure not to bring the soup back to a full boil—dairy doesn’t love high heat, and it can curdle if things get too hot.

This is the part where your soup starts to turn rich and luscious. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of cream, or even evaporated milk. You can find more info on lighter dairy alternatives in our healthy chicken wild rice casserole.

Step 5: Melt the Cheddar Cheese Slowly

Now for the best part: cheese. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly. Add it in small handfuls to allow it to melt evenly and avoid clumping.

If your soup looks too thick, add a splash more broth or milk to smooth it out. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if possible—it’s often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating your own from a block gives you that velvety finish. Want to mix up the flavor? Try adding a bit of sharp white cheddar or smoked gouda for a delicious twist.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Once the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and thick, season to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Let everything simmer gently for another 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This is a great time to do a taste test and tweak to your liking. A pinch of paprika or cayenne adds a little kick, or stir in a few chopped green onions for brightness. For extra richness, you can even blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in—just like we suggest in our creamy chicken mushroom spinach skillet.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your hot, cheesy hamburger potato soup into bowls. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or fresh green onions. Want to turn this into a full-blown meal? Serve it with a hunk of sweet potato cornbread or a side of glazed carrots.

And there you have it—a complete, satisfying meal made with everyday ingredients, all in one pot. This step-by-step method makes it easy to get delicious results every time.

What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd (or just have a carb craving), consider pairing it with something simple and comforting. A thick slice of crusty bread or Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread makes a perfect dipping companion. A crisp green salad adds a fresh contrast to the creamy richness of the soup, and roasted veggies like Glazed Carrots are a colorful, wholesome side. Want to keep it low-effort? Crackers or garlic toast work just fine too. This soup plays well with just about anything that’s warm, cozy, and easy.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Use starchy potatoes like russets—they break down slightly and help thicken the soup naturally. Browning the beef properly adds depth, so don’t rush it. And when it comes to cheese, grate your own if you can—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. To avoid curdling, add the milk and cream after the boil, and keep it to a gentle simmer. If you like your soup thicker, mash a few potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese. Finally, feel free to add extras—like a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some Homemade Tuscan Chicken Soup inspiration with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup stores like a champ. Let it cool completely, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, just splash in a bit of broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid boiling when reheating to keep the dairy from separating. For longer storage, freeze it—though note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s comfort on demand.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just season it a bit more aggressively since turkey is milder.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yep. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes—as long as your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Sure. Brown the beef first, then add everything (except cheese and dairy) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in cream, milk, and cheese at the end.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup isn’t just another dinner—it’s your cold-weather ride-or-die, the dish that brings everyone to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The primary keyword, cheesy hamburger potato soup, isn’t just for search engines—it’s a little promise that what’s inside is as good as it sounds. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a single pot, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

So go ahead—bookmark this one, pin it, or print it out and tape it to the fridge. You’ll come back to it again and again. Hungry for more cozy soups? Don’t miss Italian White Bean Soup or Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup—your bowl (and your belly) will thank you.

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