There's nothing quite like a bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. The rich, velvety broth, loaded with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, is the ultimate comfort food.

I first tried this recipe on a snowy weekend, looking for a way to satisfy my family’s love for hearty soups. Little did I know it would become a regular request, especially when the weather calls for something cozy and filling. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Get ready to add a new favorite to your soup rotation. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup isn’t just delicious – it’s a weeknight lifesaver.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this soup ready in under an hour. Perfect for those busy evenings when you’re short on time but crave a homemade meal.

It’s also wonderfully hearty. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this soup delivers a complete, stick-to-your-ribs meal in every spoonful. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a dinner everyone will love.

The cheesy goodness is another reason to fall in love with this recipe. The combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy texture that’s impossible to resist. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Lastly, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this soup is sure to impress. It’s rich, flavorful, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its humble ingredients, which come together to create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so irresistible.

Ground beef forms the base of this recipe, providing a rich, savory flavor that complements the creamy broth. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Potatoes are the star of this soup, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Russet potatoes work best because they break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the soup. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative for a buttery flavor.

The cheese is where the magic happens. Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold, tangy notes, while cream cheese brings a silky smoothness. For the best results, shred your cheddar cheese fresh – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well due to added anti-caking agents.

To build flavor, onions and garlic are sautéed alongside the beef. These aromatics create a savory foundation that makes the soup irresistible.

You’ll also need chicken broth to form the base of the soup. It provides a light, flavorful contrast to the richness of the cheese and beef. If you want a deeper flavor, opt for beef broth instead.

Lastly, keep some flour and milk on hand. These ingredients create the roux, a simple thickening agent that gives the soup its creamy consistency.

Special equipment is minimal – just a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in. A whisk is helpful for incorporating the cheese into the broth without clumping.

How To Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a comforting bowl of soup that’s ready to impress.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same pot, sauté the diced onion in a bit of butter until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the soup’s rich flavor.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the onions and garlic. This step creates a roux, which thickens the soup. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add the diced potatoes and cooked ground beef to the pot. Let everything simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to add the cheese. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly to prevent clumps. The soup will become rich and creamy, with a smooth, cheesy texture.

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra kick, you can sprinkle in some paprika or a pinch of cayenne.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley, green onions, or additional shredded cheese if desired.

Storage Options

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

If you’d like to freeze the soup, be aware that the potatoes and cheese may change texture slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze the soup before adding the cheese. Once reheated, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a fresh, creamy finish.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also swap the cream cheese for a lighter option like Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider tossing in some diced carrots, celery, or corn. They add a touch of sweetness and extra texture to the soup.

For a heartier version, mix in some cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage. These ingredients add a smoky, savory depth that takes the soup to the next level.

Prefer a spicier kick? Stir in some diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce for a bold flavor twist.

Finally, feel free to play around with the cheese. While sharp cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of your favorite cheeses work wonderfully too.

Experiment and make this recipe your own – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this cheesy, comforting soup!