When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a rich, satisfying bowl of comfort, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup hits the spot. It combines all your favorite flavors—ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar—into one creamy, soul-warming bowl.
It’s the perfect cozy meal that comes together in under an hour and uses simple ingredients you likely already have. Great for family dinners, leftover lunches, or feeding a crowd, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Optional toppings: extra cheese, green onions, bacon bits
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Make a Roux
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly. This helps thicken the soup later.
Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes
- Gradually pour in the broth, stirring well to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Stir in Beef and Dairy
- Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and smooth. Do not boil once the dairy is added.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired.
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in corn, peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Extra Creamy: Use heavy cream instead of milk for an even richer base.
- Low-Carb Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
COOKING Note:
Use a starchy potato like russet for the creamiest texture. Yukon golds work too and hold their shape a bit better if you prefer chunkier bites.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or biscuits for dipping.
- As a Main Dish: This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
- With Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to lighten up the meal.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker for parties or potlucks.
Tips:
- Don’t let the soup boil after adding cheese or sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Mash a few potatoes in the pot before adding cheese for a thicker consistency.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat gently over low heat.
- Freeze portions without dairy, then stir in milk and cheese when reheating.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~490
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~710mg
Nutrition will vary depending on substitutions and toppings.
❓FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything except the cheese, sour cream, and milk. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, stir in the dairy 30 minutes before serving.
Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
- Absolutely! Just toss them in frozen—no need to thaw. They may cook a little faster, so check early.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Yes, ground turkey or even ground sausage works well for a lighter or different flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
- As written, no. But you can thicken it with cornstarch instead of flour and use gluten-free broth to make it safe.
Can I freeze it?
- Yes—just omit the dairy before freezing. Add cheese and cream when reheating for best texture.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the definition of comfort food—hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, family-approved, and totally customizable. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night or want a filling dish that feeds a crowd, this recipe delivers in every spoonful.
Save this for cozy nights and make it your new favorite one-pot meal.