There’s something magical about a warm bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup. It’s rich, savory, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor that make it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for cozy weeknight dinners, this soup deserves a top spot in your meal rotation.
What makes this recipe irresistible is the perfect blend of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. It captures all the goodness of a cheeseburger and transforms it into a soul-soothing, one-pot meal.
Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. And if you’re into other cozy meals, don’t miss this creamy cowboy butter chicken linguine that’s equally indulgent.
This isn’t just another soup—it’s a meal in itself.
🍲 What is Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?
At its core, cheesy hamburger potato soup is a thick, cheesy soup made with:
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream or milk
- Broth
- Aromatics like onion and garlic
It combines elements from classic potato soup and cheeseburger soup, making it richer and heartier than either. The best part? It’s entirely customizable to suit your taste.
Need help with the soup’s creamy consistency? Learn how to make a perfect roux for thickening to get that velvety texture every time.
🥔 Why Potatoes Matter in This Soup
Potatoes aren’t just filler in this recipe—they’re the glue that holds it all together. They help soak up flavor and contribute to the soup’s body and texture.
Choosing the right potato makes all the difference. According to The Kitchn, Yukon Gold potatoes are the best of both worlds: creamy and structured. They don’t fall apart but still give you that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a full breakdown of ingredients with their roles:
- 1 lb ground beef – The hearty base of the soup
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Adds body and structure
- 1 small onion, diced – Brings sweetness and balance
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Deepens flavor
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth – The liquid backbone
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk – Adds richness and smoothness
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show
- Butter & flour – For thickening (roux)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional but highly recommended:
- Sour cream – Adds a tangy kick
- Bacon bits or green onions – For garnish and extra flavor
- Dry ranch packet or taco seasoning – For a flavor twist
Want another hearty, potato-filled dish? Check out these cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage—a perfect complement to this soup.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make your soup restaurant-worthy:
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease and set meat aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add a bit of butter.
- Sauté diced onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes & Broth
- Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (10–15 minutes).
4. Prepare a Roux
- In a separate skillet, melt butter.
- Add flour and whisk continuously until the mixture bubbles and turns light brown.
- Slowly whisk in some soup liquid until smooth, then pour the roux back into the soup.
5. Add the Cream & Cheese
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese.
- Let simmer on low until the cheese is melted and everything is fully incorporated.
6. Final Touches
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
🧠 Expert Tips for Best Results
To make your cheesy hamburger potato soup truly unforgettable, follow these expert tips for the best flavor and texture:
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheddar ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal. Yukon Golds hold their shape and provide creaminess, while Russets break down a bit to naturally thicken the soup.
- Brown the beef properly: Don’t rush this step. Let the beef get nicely browned for a richer, meatier flavor.
- Create a proper roux: Whisk equal parts butter and flour together until it’s golden and bubbly—this is essential for a silky, thick soup base.
- Add dairy slowly over low heat: This prevents curdling and keeps the texture creamy. Remove the soup from direct heat when adding sour cream or cream cheese.
- Layer your seasoning: Salt the beef as it cooks and taste the soup before serving. A dash of garlic powder, paprika, or even dry ranch seasoning can elevate the flavor.
- Customize wisely: Add veggies like corn or carrots at the right stage—after the broth but before the dairy—for balanced texture.
These small adjustments can take your soup from good to exceptional.
🌀 Variations You’ll Love
Looking to shake things up? Try these crowd-pleasers:
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Style: Top with crispy bacon bits.
- Veggie Packed: Mix in corn, carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or radish.
- Different Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatballs work great.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Love creative potato dishes? You’ll also enjoy these mashed potato cheese puffs as a side or appetizer.
🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
⚠️ Note: This soup doesn’t freeze well. The cream and cheese can separate when thawed, leaving a grainy texture.
To reheat:
- Use the stovetop on low heat.
- Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth to restore consistency.
🥖 What to Serve With It?
This rich soup pairs beautifully with lighter or crunchy sides:
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Garlic toast
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Dill pickles
- Onion rings or seasoned croutons for texture
Or try these garlic butter bacon cheeseburger rollups as a cheesy companion dish.
🧮 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
A hearty serving of cheesy hamburger potato soup (about 1½ cups) offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients, perfect for a filling meal:
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~22g (10g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Sodium: ~780mg
To lighten it up, consider using ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and milk instead of cream. For a low-carb version, swap the potatoes with cauliflower. Keep in mind that toppings like bacon, sour cream, and extra cheese will increase fat and calorie content. Always adjust portions based on your dietary goals.
Tip: For a lighter version, use ground turkey and substitute milk for heavy cream.
📦 Make-Ahead Tips
Meal prepping this soup is easy:
- Chop vegetables and store in containers up to 2 days in advance.
- Pre-cook ground beef and freeze in portions.
- Assemble ingredients in a slow cooker for a “set-it-and-forget-it” meal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze cheesy hamburger potato soup?
Not recommended. The dairy separates during freezing, affecting the texture.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Yukon Gold for the best texture. Russets work but may break apart.
How can I thicken the soup more?
Add more roux or mash some potatoes into the broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except dairy and cheese to the slow cooker. Add those in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely. Stir them in to thicken and add extra potato flavor.
Can I add extra protein?
Absolutely. Try adding diced sausage or using ground turkey for a leaner version. Or, pair it with something meaty like these French onion meatloaf slices.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux.
How can I make this healthier?
- Use ground turkey
- Swap cream for milk or plant-based cream
- Add more veggies and reduce cheese quantity
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s your go-to dinner solution when you want something:
- Hearty
- Comforting
- Customizable
- One-pot easy
- Family-approved
Whether it’s snowing outside or you just need something warm and nostalgic, cheesy hamburger potato soup hits the spot every time.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Make It Tonight!
There’s a reason this cheesy hamburger potato soup has stood the test of time in kitchens across the country—it’s the perfect blend of cozy and craveable. From its creamy texture to the satisfying bite of savory ground beef and melty cheddar, this soup brings together everything you love about classic comfort food in a single bowl.
It’s also:
- Incredibly flexible
- Ideal for picky eaters
- Budget-friendly
- Easily doubled for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Craving even more comfort meals? You might also love:
Add this soup to your go-to recipe list and enjoy it all year round!
Whether you’re curled up on the couch during a snowstorm, feeding your hungry family after a long day, or making dinner for a potluck or holiday gathering—this recipe has you covered.
📣 Ready to Try It?
👉 If you’re new to making soups, don’t stress—this one’s nearly foolproof.
Just remember:
- Use high-quality cheese for best meltability
- Brown your meat well for deeper flavor
- Don’t skip the roux—it’s key to creamy soup success
Once you make it, this recipe will become a regular rotation item—and don’t be surprised if it earns repeat requests.
📌 Bonus Tip: Turn It Into a Casserole!
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can:
- Pour the soup into a casserole dish
- Top with shredded cheese and crushed crackers
- Bake until golden for a second-day cheeseburger potato bake