There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup filling your kitchen on a chilly day. This hearty, creamy soup is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese – all coming together in one delicious pot.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for a quick dinner that could warm my family up after a day of sledding. It’s now a household staple, requested on repeat during the colder months. Let me show you how to make it your new favorite too!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup! Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a breeze to prepare and will keep everyone in the family satisfied.

First, this soup is a one-pot wonder. Fewer dishes to wash after dinner mean more time to relax or spend with loved ones.

Second, it's incredibly budget-friendly. Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you can whip up a big batch without breaking the bank.

Third, the flavor is unmatched. The creamy broth, seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese meld together to create pure comfort in every bite.

Lastly, it’s perfectly customizable. Whether you want to sneak in extra veggies, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasoning, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this soup’s deliciousness lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each plays an important role in making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ground beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) to keep the soup rich without being greasy. Ground turkey or sausage are great alternatives if you prefer.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup, creating a creamy consistency. Yukon Golds work well too for a slightly buttery flavor.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, tangy richness to the soup. Make sure to grate your own cheese for the best melting texture – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy.
Broth and cream: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the perfect creamy base. For a lighter version, you can substitute milk or half-and-half.
Veggies and seasonings: Diced onions, garlic, and a pinch of smoked paprika add depth and warmth. Feel free to add carrots, celery, or even spinach if you'd like more veggies.

Special equipment: You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook this soup, and a potato masher if you like your soup extra creamy.

How To Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to do it:

Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. This step adds incredible depth to the soup’s flavor.
Cook the potatoes: Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Mash for texture: Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This helps thicken the soup while leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and mix everything together.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch.

This soup comes together in just about 40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to thin it out if needed.
Freeze: For longer storage, ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note: The texture may change slightly due to the cream and cheese, but it’s still delicious.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent curdling.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Protein swap: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Extra veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
Low-carb option: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to make a keto-friendly version of this soup.

No matter how you tweak it, this soup is sure to warm your heart and your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly yours!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to guests on a cozy evening, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why not make a big batch today and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings? Your family will thank you!