There’s something absolutely soul-warming about a bowl of rich, creamy soup that combines all your favorite comfort food elements into one perfect spoonful, and this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup does exactly that with spectacular results. This recipe was born from one of those chilly autumn evenings when I wanted to create something that would satisfy everyone in my family—from my meat-loving teenagers to my cheese-obsessed husband to my comfort-food-craving self. After experimenting with different combinations of vegetables, seasonings, and cheese blends, I discovered that the magic happens when you build layers of flavor starting with perfectly seasoned ground beef and ending with a gloriously creamy, cheese-laden broth that makes every ingredient shine. What started as a way to use up leftover potatoes has become our most requested soup recipe, the kind that fills the house with incredible aromas and brings everyone running to the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Ultimate comfort food satisfaction – Rich, creamy, and loaded with hearty ingredients that fill you up completely
- One-pot convenience perfection – Everything cooks in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly family meal – Uses affordable ingredients to feed a crowd without breaking the bank
- Customizable heat and flavor – Easily adjust spices and cheese to match your family’s preferences
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser – Appeals to kids and adults with its familiar, cozy flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and richness
- 4 large potatoes, diced – Russet or Yukon Gold work perfectly
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweet, aromatic foundation
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Provides fresh crunch and classic soup flavor
- 2 medium carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and beautiful color
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential aromatic depth
For the Liquid Base:
- 4 cups beef broth – Rich, savory foundation that ties everything together
- 2 cups whole milk – Creates creamy texture without being too heavy
- ½ cup heavy cream – Adds luxurious richness and smooth mouthfeel
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the soup to perfect consistency
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For making the roux and added richness
For the Cheese Blend:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Bold flavor that stands up to other ingredients
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – Melts smoothly and adds creamy mildness
For Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential flavor enhancers
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and subtle smokiness
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Reinforces the garlic flavor throughout
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy herb that complements all ingredients
For Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheese – Because more cheese is always welcome
- Sliced green onions – Fresh color and mild onion flavor
- Sour cream – Cool, tangy contrast to the rich soup
- Crispy bacon bits (optional) – Extra indulgence and texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
Build the Flavor Foundation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika while cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Remove beef and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot with the beef drippings, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Soup Base:
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth Add diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Return the Beef Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and broth.
Make the Creamy Base:
Step 5: Create the Roux In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
Step 6: Add Dairy Gradually Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Combine and Finish:
Step 7: Combine Everything Pour the cream mixture into the soup pot, stirring well to combine. Add garlic powder and thyme, then simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 8: Add the Cheese Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
Step 9: Ladle and Garnish Serve hot in bowls, topped with extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and bacon bits if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Complete the Comfort Food Experience Transform this soup into a full, satisfying meal with these perfect additions:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy goodness
- Simple side salad – Fresh greens provide nice contrast to the rich soup
- Cornbread or biscuits – Classic comfort food pairing that everyone loves
- Crispy crackers – Adds textural contrast and makes it feel more substantial
Presentation Ideas Serve in warmed bowls with a variety of toppings on the side, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl of comfort.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for Meal Planning This soup is incredibly make-ahead friendly and actually improves in flavor:
Day-Ahead Cooking Make the entire soup and refrigerate overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and it reheats perfectly on the stovetop.
Component Prep Brown the beef and chop all vegetables up to 24 hours ahead, storing separately until ready to cook.
Freezer Success The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the perfect consistency.
Storage and Leftovers
Keeping It Fresh Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The soup may thicken as it cools—simply add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Reheating Instructions Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.
Portion Control This recipe makes 6-8 generous servings, perfect for families or for portioning into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Loaded Baked Potato Style Add crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, and serve with baked potato toppings on the side.
2. Spicy Version Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who like heat with their comfort food.
3. Vegetable Boost Stir in frozen corn, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Different Cheese Combinations Try pepper jack for heat, Swiss for nuttiness, or a three-cheese blend for extra complexity.
5. Herb Enhancement Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill just before serving for bright, fresh flavor.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~485
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, though the flavor will be milder. You might want to add extra seasoning to compensate for the leaner meat.
What if my soup is too thick or too thin? For thick soup, gradually stir in warm milk or broth until desired consistency. For thin soup, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the simmering soup.
Can I make this dairy-free? You can substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy, and use dairy-free cheese, though the flavor and texture will be different.
Why did my cheese get clumpy? Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese, and add it gradually while stirring. High heat can cause cheese to seize and become grainy.
Can I use different types of potatoes? Russet potatoes break down slightly and help thicken the soup, while Yukon Gold holds its shape better. Both work well depending on your texture preference.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings families together and creates the kind of memories that last a lifetime. It takes simple, affordable ingredients and transforms them into something truly special through the magic of careful layering, proper seasoning, and that perfect blend of creamy cheese that makes everything better. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers after school, warming up cold adults after work, or simply treating yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience, this soup delivers satisfaction, nutrition, and pure happiness in every rich, creamy spoonful. Get ready for empty bowls, satisfied smiles, and requests to make this incredible soup again and again!
