There's nothing quite like a bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. The hearty combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich, cheesy broth makes this dish a comfort food classic. It's the kind of recipe that’s easy to whip up yet delivers big on flavor—a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

I first discovered this recipe on a cozy winter afternoon, searching for a way to use up some ground beef and potatoes. After a little experimentation, it became an instant hit. Now, it's a staple in my home, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite soup recipe! Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a true crowd-pleaser, and here's why:
First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. This one-pot wonder comes together in just about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, it’s incredibly filling and satisfying. Packed with protein from the ground beef, carbs from the potatoes, and the comforting creaminess of melted cheese, this soup is the definition of comfort food.
And don’t worry about breaking the bank—this recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Finally, it's a hit with picky eaters! The mild, cheesy base combined with the hearty ingredients is guaranteed to win over even the toughest critics. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced soup. Let’s break it down:
- Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup and adds a creamy bite to every spoonful.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is my top choice for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with a mild cheddar or a cheese blend for variety. Always shred your cheese fresh for the best melt.
- Broth: A combination of chicken and beef broth creates a deep, savory base. If you’re in a pinch, use one or the other, but the mix is worth it.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add a warm, savory depth to the soup. Don’t skip the salt and pepper for seasoning to taste.
You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk to create the creamy, cheesy broth. If you have a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, now’s the time to use it—it ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
How To Make This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is easier than you think! Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious, comforting meal.
- Cook the ground beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain the excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they’re translucent and fragrant. If you like garlic, this is the perfect time to toss in a couple of minced cloves.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well, cooking for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in your broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add potatoes and simmer: Toss in the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Make it cheesy: Lower the heat to avoid curdling, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot and stir until everything is combined and the cheese is melted into a luscious broth.
- Season and serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
From start to finish, this soup is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights.
Storage Options
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add veggies: Toss in diced carrots, celery, or even corn for extra nutrition and texture.
- Switch the protein: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Go spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Lighten it up: Use skim milk and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-free: Replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—this soup is a blank canvas for your culinary imagination!
With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and unbeatable flavor, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're cozying up on a winter evening or simply craving a satisfying meal, this soup hits all the right notes. Happy cooking!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
This cheesy hamburger potato soup is a comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese for a rich, satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk milk and flour until smooth. Stir into the soup to thicken.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Swap cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese blend.
- Add diced carrots or celery for more vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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