Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

The Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings the best of classic American comfort food straight to your kitchen. With tender chunks of potato, savory ground beef, and a velvety cheddar cheese base, this soup is the kind of cozy bowl that soothes from the inside out. It’s ideal for chilly evenings or any time you need a hearty, fuss-free meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

What makes this soup extra special is the balance between its creamy texture and rich flavors. The simplicity of everyday ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and onion combined with the indulgence of melted cheese and a touch of sour cream creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether served with crusty bread or on its own, this soup is destined to become a staple in your winter recipe collection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the potatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the milk and cooked ground beef. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and incorporated.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl

When the temperatures start to drop and you find yourself craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, there’s nothing more satisfying than a big, hearty bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This classic comfort food combines the richness of ground beef, the heartiness of potatoes, and the creamy indulgence of melted cheese into one satisfying soup that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a quick, delicious one-pot dinner, this soup checks all the boxes.

This dish bridges the gap between two beloved meals, hearty beef stew and creamy cheese soup which results in something unique, flavorful, and incredibly filling. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly brings a sense of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up on mom’s home-cooked meals, featuring meat-and-potato classics that never went out of style. But what really takes it to the next level is the cheesy goodness it is thick, velvety cheddar stirred into the soup base to create a creamy texture that coats every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

There are many reasons why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup has become a staple in kitchens across the country. First and foremost, it’s easy to make. With a handful of pantry and fridge staples like ground beef, potatoes, onions, broth, and shredded cheese where you can whip this up on a weeknight without much effort.

Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Prefer turkey instead of beef? No problem. Want to sneak in some chopped carrots or bell peppers? Go for it.

And finally, this soup is family-friendly and budget-friendly. The ingredients are affordable, and one batch makes enough to feed a crowd or provide leftovers for days. It reheats well, freezes even better, and can easily be stretched with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Flavor Profile

What makes this soup such a standout is its layered flavor profile. It starts with ground beef, which gives it a hearty, savory base. When browned, the beef releases flavorful drippings that get soaked up by the onions and garlic, intensifying the richness of the soup.

The potatoes add body and bulk, acting like natural sponges that soak in the broth and seasoning. They break down slightly during simmering, helping to thicken the soup and give it a velvety mouthfeel.

But the real magic happens when you stir in the cheese and sour cream at the end. Sharp cheddar brings tangy, salty notes and a luscious, creamy texture. A touch of sour cream adds just enough acidity to balance out the richness, keeping every spoonful from feeling too heavy.

Spices like paprika and thyme add warmth and subtle earthiness, while a garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the key players in this soup:

Ground Beef: Choose lean or medium-fat ground beef for a rich, meaty base without too much grease.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down a bit during cooking, helping to thicken the broth naturally.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can work, but for best results, grate it yourself from a block—it melts smoother and tastes better.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor foundation. Sauté them until fragrant and golden to enhance their sweetness.
Flour and Butter: A quick roux made with flour and butter thickens the soup and gives it a creamy consistency without needing heavy cream.
Milk: Provides the creamy base that balances the broth and ties all the ingredients together.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness, giving the soup a luxurious texture and subtle zing.
Beef Broth: Deepens the overall flavor and gives the soup its savory essence.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Don’t just cook it until it’s no longer pink, let it brown a little for deeper flavor.
Use Homemade or Low-Sodium Broth: This allows you to control the salt level and flavor.
Grate Your Own Cheese: It may take a few extra minutes, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Boil After Adding Cheese: High heat can cause cheese to separate or become grainy. Stir it in off-heat or on low for a smooth, creamy soup.
Taste Before Serving: Adjust salt and pepper at the end. Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this soup is how customizable it is. Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, corn, peas, or bell peppers for more nutrition and color.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage can be used instead of beef.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a kick), or a smoked cheese for a different depth of flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Thicker Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a handful of instant mashed potatoes to thicken the soup further.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup can easily stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with:

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food duo.
Side Salad: Something light and crisp like a green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Pickles or Relish: Serve a spoonful of dill pickle relish or chopped pickles on top for a cheeseburger-in-a-bowl experience.

Storage and Reheating

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Note: The texture of potatoes and dairy may change slightly upon thawing, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the consistency.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a comforting, soul-warming meal. It’s simple yet indulgent, rustic yet satisfying, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy weekend dinner, this soup delivers the perfect blend of meatiness, cheesiness, and creamy potato goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

With its adaptable nature, easy ingredients, and rich, hearty flavor, it’s no surprise that this soup has earned its place as a cold-weather favorite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s more than just a meal, it’s a hug in a bowl, a family tradition in the making, and a delicious reminder that the simplest ingredients often make the most memorable dishes.

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