Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

When it comes to easy dinner recipes that are hearty, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, nothing beats this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth, this one-pot wonder delivers the kind of comfort food that makes everyone come back for seconds.

If you’re searching for ground beef recipes or a filling weeknight dinner idea, this cheesy potato soup is your answer. It’s quick to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for cozy nights, busy family dinners, or even meal prep. With bold flavors and a rich, creamy texture, it’s a true comfort food soup recipe that combines the best of a loaded baked potato and a cheeseburger—right in a bowl!

Ingredient Overview

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef adds savory flavor and protein.

• Potatoes (4 cups, diced): Russet or Yukon Gold work best for a creamy, hearty texture.

• Onion (1 medium, diced): Builds flavor as the soup base.

• Carrots & Celery (1 cup each, diced): Classic aromatics for depth.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory taste.

• Flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the broth.

• Beef Broth (4 cups): Adds richness to the soup.

• Milk (2 cups): Makes the soup creamy.

• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melty, cheesy goodness.

• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Boosts creaminess and flavor.

• Butter (2 tbsp): For richness in the base.

• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and parsley for flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2 – Add Veggies:
Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3 – Build the Base:
Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.

Step 4 – Add Potatoes:
Stir in diced potatoes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 5 – Make it Creamy:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and butter. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 6 – Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and paprika. Garnish with parsley or extra shredded cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Nutrition (Per Serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 28g

• Fat: 24g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, turkey or chicken works too.

2. What’s the best potato to use? Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy texture.

3. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but cheese may separate. Reheat slowly.

4. Can I make it in a crockpot? Yes, cook beef first, then slow cook on low 6–7 hours.

5. Can I make it gluten-free? Use cornstarch instead of flour.

6. What cheese works best? Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor.

7. Can I use Velveeta? Yes, it melts super smooth.

8. Does it reheat well? Yes, on stovetop or microwave.

9. How do I thicken it more? Add a cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes.

10. Can I make it spicy? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.

11. Can I add bacon? Yes—crispy bacon is delicious as a topping.

12. Can I use evaporated milk? Yes, for a richer flavor.

13. What side dishes go well? Garlic bread, salad, or cornbread.

14. Can I make it dairy-free? Use plant milk and vegan cheese.

15. How long does it keep in the fridge? Up to 4 days.

16. Can I add pasta? Yes, small pasta like macaroni works well.

17. What herbs can I add? Thyme and parsley work beautifully.

18. Can I meal prep this? Yes, it reheats well for weekday lunches.

19. Can I double the recipe? Yes, great for feeding a crowd.

20. Does it taste like cheeseburger soup? Yes, but even creamier!

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.

2. Sauté vegetables for depth of flavor.

3. Use a Dutch oven for even cooking.

4. Don’t overcook potatoes—they should be tender, not mushy.

5. Drain beef well to avoid greasy soup.

6. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

7. Stir soup often after adding cheese to prevent sticking.

8. Add a pinch of cayenne for mild heat.

9. Use chicken broth if beef broth isn’t available.

10. Stir in a little sour cream at the end for tanginess.

11. Add diced bell peppers for extra flavor.

12. Use half cheddar, half mozzarella for gooey texture.

13. Top with croutons for crunch.

14. Garnish with green onions.

15. Add frozen peas at the end for color and sweetness.

16. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

17. Keep soup slightly thick for a chowder-like feel.

18. For thinner soup, add more milk or broth.

19. Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches.

20. Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning.

10 Storage Tips

1. Store in airtight containers.

2. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

3. Freeze up to 2 months (texture may change).

4. Reheat slowly on stovetop.

5. Add fresh cheese after reheating for creaminess.

6. Avoid freezing in glass jars—use freezer bags.

7. Portion before freezing for easy meals.

8. Label containers with date.

9. Stir well after reheating.

10. Do not refreeze once thawed.

20 Recipe Secrets

1. Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.

2. Use roasted garlic instead of raw for depth.

3. Stir in smoked paprika for richness.

4. Add a splash of hot sauce for bold flavor.

5. Mix in ranch seasoning for a twist.

6. Use beer instead of some broth for depth.

7. Add diced jalapeños for spice.

8. Stir in corn kernels for sweetness.

9. Top with shredded lettuce and tomato for a cheeseburger vibe.

10. Add a layer of crushed Doritos as garnish for crunch.

11. Use half-and-half instead of milk for luxury.

12. Add chopped spinach for nutrition.

13. Use leftover mashed potatoes as a shortcut.

14. Stir in a dash of nutmeg for warmth.

15. Add crispy onion straws as garnish.

16. Top with bacon bits for smoky flavor.

17. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for depth.

18. Stir in taco seasoning for Tex-Mex flair.

19. Make it in bread bowls for fun serving.

20. Always let soup rest 5 minutes before serving—it thickens naturally.