Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Every spoonful is a harmony of rich, creamy broth brimming with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender potato bites, and heaps of melty cheddar cheese. It’s one of those soul-warming meals that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable—an instant favorite destined to appear on your dinner rotation more often than you’d expect!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients, each contributing a unique touch to the final bowl. From the robust savoriness of ground beef to the creamy finish from dairy and the pop of color from green onions, every component has its purpose.

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty, savory depth—the real star for your soup’s base.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers fragrant, earthy flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Beef Broth (4 cups): Gives body and layers of beefy flavor, turning ordinary soup stock into something extraordinary.
• Potatoes, peeled and diced (3 cups): Make the soup ultra-creamy and satisfying with their velvety texture; Yukon Golds or russets both work well!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The source of all that gooey, melty goodness; always use freshly shredded for the creamiest results.
• Milk (1 cup): Lends a light creaminess, helping to balance the cheese and broth.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Makes the soup decadently silky and luxurious.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Brings out a subtle tangy, umami note reminiscent of cheeseburgers.
• Mustard (1 tsp): A hint of sharpness to make the flavors pop—think of it as the secret ingredient!
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle smokiness, tying in those signature burger vibes.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning; adjust as needed to suit your taste.
• Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives a mild kick of warmth that rounds out every spoonful.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Helps saute the aromatics and build the roux, deepening the richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the soup so it’s perfectly hearty and spoon-coating.
• Green Onions, chopped (1/2 cup for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that adds color and bite to the finished bowl.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly—this not only builds the deep, savory flavor but also forms the heartiness that makes Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup so downright lovable! Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat before setting the cooked beef aside—you want the soup creamy, not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot (no need to dirty another dish!), add the butter and let it melt before tossing in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. These crafty aromatics infuse the base with irresistible savory notes that lay the foundation for your soup’s layered flavor.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring constantly. You want to cook it for about a minute—just until you no longer see any raw flour and you catch a subtle nutty aroma. This quick step thickens the broth, ensuring your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup will come out velvety and lusciously spoonable.

Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes

Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring well to prevent lumps. Now add your diced potatoes, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and nearly melting—a sign that your soup is well on its way to ultimate coziness!

Step 5: Return Beef and Season

Add the browned ground beef back to the pot. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each of these flavor-boosting ingredients echoes the soul of a classic cheeseburger and turns the soup into something truly craveable.

Step 6: Add Dairy and Cheese

Lower the heat (to avoid curdling the dairy), then pour in the milk and heavy cream. Gradually sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and you have an ultra-smooth, glossy soup. The transformation is magical: your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup thickens and develops that signature, irresistible cheese pull.

Step 7: Simmer and Finish

Let the soup gently bubble for just a few more minutes—this helps the flavors marry together, making every bowlful deeply satisfying. Ladle hot soup into bowls and top generously with vibrant, chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can turn a cozy bowl into something restaurant-worthy. Green onions offer a classic, zippy finish for your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, but don’t stop there! Crispy bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheese, or a quick sprinkle of smoked paprika make fun toppers. A touch of sour cream can add a creamy, tangy note, while some fresh parsley or even diced pickles can echo your favorite burger fixings.

Side Dishes

This soup is rich and complete on its own, but it loves a companion at the table. I like to serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup with warm, crusty bread or a batch of buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. If you want to round out the meal with something green, a simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully—the acidity cuts through the richness for perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, try serving your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful bistro-style touch. Tiny soup crocks or mini mason jars turn this dish into a whimsical appetizer for parties. Want to riff on cheeseburger night? Set out bowls of toppings buffet-style so everyone can customize their soup with pickles, ketchup, or even jalapeños—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup tastes even better the next day! Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture stays wonderfully creamy when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra soup, let it cool and transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Keep in mind that the dairy and potatoes might slightly change in texture after thawing, but a good stir (or quick blitz with an immersion blender) easily brings everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, warm it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heat. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to separate. If your soup is especially thick after chilling, just add a splash of broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, or thicken your soup with a cornstarch slurry instead. Be sure your broth and other condiments are labeled gluten-free as well.

What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?

Both Yukon Gold and russet potatoes work beautifully. Yukon Golds hold their shape for a chunkier texture, while russets break down more, creating a thicker, creamier base. Choose your favorite or use a mix for the best of both worlds!

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles are great alternatives for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. Just adjust the seasonings as needed to match your chosen protein’s flavor profile.

How can I make this soup spicy?

It’s easy to add some heat—just toss in a diced jalapeño with the onions, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or swirl in a splash of your favorite hot sauce when you stir in the cream. This gives Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup a spicy kick that’ll keep everyone on their toes!

Why did my soup turn out grainy?

Graininess often happens if you use pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents, or if the soup is heated too quickly after adding the dairy. Always shred your cheese fresh, and keep the heat low when introducing milk, cream, and cheese for perfectly smooth results every time.

Final Thoughts

With its bold, satisfying flavors and easy, one-pot cooking method, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re warming up on a cool night or feeding a crowd, it always hits the spot. Give it a try this week and discover why this cozy bowl of deliciousness is a favorite at my table—and soon, yours too!

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