Cheesy hamburger potato soup has a way of feeling like a warm hug in a bowl. I remember chilly autumn evenings when my mom would whip up a batch, and the whole house would fill with the most incredible aroma of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melting cheddar. It’s more than just a meal; it’s pure comfort. This cheesy ground beef potato soup is my interpretation of that classic, designed to be incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is cheesy hamburger potato soup?”, it’s basically your favorite hearty soup elevated with savory ground beef and a ridiculously creamy, cheesy broth that coats every spoonful. Let’s get cooking!

Glorious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Pure Comfort - Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup - main visual representation

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

It’s incredibly delicious, with a rich, savory flavor that’s pure comfort food.
This is an easy cheesy hamburger potato soup recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of ground beef and potatoes makes it a truly hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup.
It’s a fantastic budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Kids and adults alike adore this soup, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
You get a good dose of protein from the beef and carbs from the potatoes in every bowl.
It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Ingredients

Gathering these simple cheesy hamburger potato soup ingredients is the first step to making this amazing dish. You’ll find that this cheesy ground beef potato soup comes together with pantry staples and fresh produce.

2 lbs ground beef – This is the savory foundation of our soup.
2 small onions, diced – They add a subtle sweetness and depth.
6 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic punch.
8 cups diced potatoes – Russets or Yukon Golds work best for tenderness.
8 cups beef broth – This forms the rich, flavorful base of our soup.
2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
4 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient for that irresistible cheesy flavor. Shredding your own from a block prevents clumping.
1 tsp smoked paprika or pinch red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of smoky warmth or a hint of spice.
Salt & black pepper, to taste – To perfectly season everything.
Optional toppings: chopped chives or green onions – For a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Let’s get cooking! These cheesy hamburger potato soup instructions are straightforward and designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Follow these steps for the ultimate comfort meal.

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the 2 lbs ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until there’s no pink left. Carefully drain excess fat, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Add the 2 small onions, diced to the pot with the beef. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in the 6 cloves garlic, minced and cook for just 1 more minute until you can really smell that delicious garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Toss in the 8 cups diced potatoes. Pour in the 8 cups beef broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. You want those potatoes to be tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Step 4: Once the potatoes are tender, reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. It’s important not to boil the soup after this point. Slowly stir in the 2 cups whole milk. Then, gradually add the 4 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir continuously until each addition of cheese is completely melted and smooth before adding more. This gradual addition is key to achieving a wonderfully creamy texture.
Step 5: If you’re using them, now’s the time to stir in the 1 tsp smoked paprika or the pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth.
Step 6: Taste your creation! Adjust the seasoning with salt & black pepper, to taste. Serve this amazing hamburger potato cheese soup hot, garnished with extra cheese and your optional toppings like chopped chives or green onions. You’ve just learned exactly how to make cheesy hamburger potato soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and these little tricks really make a difference. Follow these tips for a truly exceptional bowl of cheesy goodness.

Always shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. Add it off the heat for the smoothest melt.
Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be tender but not mushy, so they hold their shape in the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. The broth and cheese add salt, so it’s best to perfect the flavor after everything is combined.
For an even richer flavor, you can brown the ground beef and then sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of the rendered beef fat.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?

The real secret to an incredibly creamy cheesy hamburger potato soup is adding your cheese off the heat and shredding it yourself. This prevents the cheese from breaking and keeps the broth lusciously smooth and decadent. For more tips on achieving creamy textures in cooking, you can explore resources on dairy science.

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time, like dicing the veggies and browning the beef. However, I recommend adding the milk and cheese just before serving for the best texture. The soup is best enjoyed fresh. Learn more about food preparation and storage best practices.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup?

The most common mistake is adding cheese while the soup is boiling, which can make it stringy or separated. Also, be careful not to overcook your potatoes; they should be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

This soup is a meal in itself, making it a perfect choice for Cheesy hamburger potato soup for dinner. It’s so hearty and satisfying that you often don’t need much else! However, if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crusty bread for dipping – a good sourdough or a simple baguette works wonderfully. A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. For an extra comfort food experience, pair this hamburger potato cheese soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out. You might also enjoy exploring ideas for simple side dishes.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Nutrition

This hearty soup is surprisingly balanced! Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving of this delicious cheesy hamburger potato soup. Remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 480
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

This hearty soup is fantastic for meal prep, and knowing how to properly store and reheat your leftover cheesy hamburger potato soup ensures it tastes just as good later. Once you’ve finished enjoying your delicious meal, let the soup cool down slightly at room temperature for about an hour. It’s important not to leave it out for too long, as this can affect food safety. Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. These can be glass or plastic containers, or even freezer-safe bags if you plan to freeze portions.

For refrigerator storage, your cheesy potato hamburger soup should be good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the texture of the cheese. If you want to make a big batch and freeze some, it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove. For more on safe food handling, consult guidelines on food safety.

Variations of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to switch up this beloved soup! Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your tastes. You might find yourself making a delicious cheesy hamburger potato chowder one week and a different flavorful version the next.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, amp up the spice by adding a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a vegetarian meal by omitting the ground beef and using a hearty vegetable broth. Consider adding extra vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots for more substance.
Heartier Chowder: To achieve a thicker, more chowder-like consistency, you can add a can of drained corn or some cooked bacon crumbles. This version of cheesy beef and potato soup is incredibly satisfying.
Slow Cooker Magic: For a hands-off approach, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything except the milk and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

What makes this the best cheesy hamburger potato soup?

It’s the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a lusciously smooth, cheesy broth. I’ve found that using freshly shredded cheddar cheese and adding it off the heat is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture that makes this soup so irresistible. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Can I add other vegetables to this hamburger potato soup with cheese?

Absolutely! This soup is very forgiving and a great base for adding extra veggies. Diced carrots, celery, corn, or peas can be added along with the potatoes. Just make sure they are cut to a similar size so they cook evenly.

How do I make sure the cheese doesn’t get stringy?

The trick is to remove the soup from direct heat before stirring in the cheese. Shredding your own cheese from a block also helps immensely, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can cause a grainy or stringy texture. Add it gradually, stirring until smooth after each addition.

What are good side dishes for cheesy hamburger potato soup?

This soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is perfect for dipping into that rich broth. A light, crisp green salad also offers a nice contrast. For ultimate comfort, a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes this a truly decadent dinner.