If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, look no further than Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. This cozy, one-pot wonder brings together hearty ground beef, tender chunks of potato, and a creamy, cheesy broth that just begs to be savored with every spoonful. Each bite is packed with rich, homey flavors and a hint of nostalgia, making it the ultimate choice for chilly nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a warming, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a giant hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is how the simplest ingredients transform into something absolutely magical. Each addition brings flavor, texture, and a pop of color or creaminess that makes this soup so craveworthy and satisfying.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean beef to keep the soup rich without excess grease, creating a hearty and flavorful base.
- Onion: Diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup—don’t skip this humble flavor-booster!
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with savory notes that make the dish irresistible.
- Potatoes: Peeled and diced potatoes turn tender and creamy, soaking up all the cheesy goodness for ultimate comfort.
- Chicken Broth: This is the key to a well-rounded, savory broth that enhances every spoonful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar if you want extra tang and depth, or mild for a smoother, meltier finish.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the soup lusciously creamy without overpowering the cheese.
- Heavy Cream: Adds that decadent, velvety texture that sets Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup apart from ordinary soups.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing the aromatics, letting their flavors blossom before everything comes together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they’re soft and fragrant, about three to four minutes. This simple step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and forms the flavor backbone for your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks so you get nice, bite-sized pieces. Let the beef brown and cook through completely—draining off any excess grease ensures your soup stays deliciously rich, never heavy or oily.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Now, toss in the diced potatoes and pour over the chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. After that, turn down the heat and let things simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors are mingling beautifully.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
With the potatoes tender, slowly add the milk and heavy cream, stirring well. Let the soup warm through—but don’t let it boil. This keeps the dairy from separating, ensuring Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stays ultra-smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly. Take your time with this step; adding the cheese in small handfuls lets it melt seamlessly, weaving all that decadent, cheesy flavor right into the soup.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. This final simmer thickens the soup slightly and gives the flavors time to develop into pure comfort food magic.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup into bowls and serve piping hot. Add your favorite toppings—like extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or sliced green onions—for even more personality and flavor pizzazz.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup over the top. Think a sprinkle of extra cheddar, a scattering of crispy bacon, a handful of green onions, or even some freshly cracked black pepper. Each addition not only boosts flavor but adds a pop of color and texture too.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is a total win. If you want some freshness, a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette beautifully balances the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that soaks up every bit of broth. Or, portion it into small mugs for a hearty appetizer at your next gathering—tailgating, game days, or casual parties are all fair game!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and give it a good stir before reheating to re-emulsify that luscious, cheesy broth.
Freezing
Although the soup freezes in a pinch, keep in mind the dairy can separate after thawing, changing the texture a bit. For best results, cool the soup completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring well in between. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin things back out!
FAQs
Can I use a different meat besides ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage all make fantastic swaps in this soup, allowing you to cater to varying tastes or lighten up the dish as you like.
What’s the best type of potato for this soup?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work wonders here. Russets become fluffy and soft, thickening the soup slightly, while Yukons hold their shape and offer a creamy texture—either way, you can’t go wrong!
Is this recipe gluten free?
As written, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup doesn’t contain any flour or gluten ingredients. Just double-check your broth and any garnishes to ensure they are gluten free if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I add extra veggies or mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped carrots, celery, or even corn can easily be tossed in while the potatoes simmer. This soup is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to play with your favorite mix-ins.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
The trick is to add the cheese slowly, over low heat, and keep stirring. Shredding your own cheese from a block helps it melt more smoothly, since store-bought shreds often have anti-caking agents.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about homemade Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, and it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to all season long. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and endlessly customizable—perfect for family meals, potlucks, or curling up with on a quiet evening. Give it a try, and let yourself get swept up in a bowlful of pure comfort.
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Easy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a comforting one-pot dish that blends seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese in a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this hearty soup is easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is well-browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot if needed.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add milk and cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Allow the soup to heat through gently; avoid bringing it back to a full boil to prevent separating the dairy.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and simmer: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the hot soup into bowls. Add optional toppings like extra cheddar, bacon bits, or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid scorching the dairy.
- Customization: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding chopped carrots, celery, or even swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the broth before adding dairy.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg