Growing up, cold nights meant one thing—Grandma’s famous cheesy potato soup with ground beef. She’d stand by the stove, stirring a big pot with her wooden spoon, the same one she’d had for decades. I’d watch as she added handfuls of shredded cheddar, letting it melt into a creamy, golden broth. The scent alone made my stomach rumble. She always said, “The secret to the best cheesy soup is patience—let it simmer, don’t rush it.” And she was right. Every spoonful was thick, cheesy, and comforting, like a warm hug in a bowl.

Today, I’m the one making this soup for my little boys. My husband loves it too—he says it reminds him of a cheeseburger in soup form, and honestly, he’s not wrong.

This recipe has become our go-to for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, and even last-minute dinner plans because it’s so easy to throw together. If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright satisfying, this cheesy hamburger potato soup is it. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about cheesy hamburger potato soup is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients. No fancy stuff—just real, wholesome food that comes together in one big pot.

Fresh and Pantry Staples

To make this soup extra creamy and flavorful, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of Colby and Monterey Jack)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen corn for extra texture
• ½ cup sour cream for a tangy, rich finish
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes if you like a little heat

Best Cheese Options for a Creamy Texture

Not all cheese melts the same way! For the best results:

• Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-packaged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
• Stick to cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Avoid cheeses that get stringy when melted, like mozzarella.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a bowl of cozy comfort.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add butter to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 3 minutes.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Make It Creamy:
   In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. Slowly pour it into the pot, stirring constantly. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Melt the Cheese:
   Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese, letting it melt into the soup. Add the sour cream (if using) and mix well.
6. Final Touches:
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Consistency

• Don’t rush the cheese! Stir it in slowly, off the heat, to prevent it from separating.
• If your soup is too thick, add extra broth until it reaches the consistency you like.
• To avoid lumps, whisk the flour into the milk before adding it to the soup.

And just like that, you’ve got a pot of rich, creamy, and ultra-comforting cheesy hamburger potato soup!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making cheesy hamburger potato soup is already simple, but a few extra tricks can take it from good to absolutely irresistible.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Not all potatoes behave the same in soup. Here’s what works best:

• Russet potatoes: These break down slightly, making the soup thick and creamy.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: They hold their shape better and add a buttery texture.
• Red potatoes: If you like a chunkier soup, these are a great option.

Avoid waxy potatoes like fingerlings—they won’t soften enough and may feel too firm in the soup.

How to Avoid a Grainy Texture

No one wants a clumpy or gritty soup. Follow these tips for a silky-smooth finish:

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese: High heat causes cheese to separate, making it greasy.
• Stir cheese in slowly: Adding it in handfuls ensures even melting.
• Use whole milk or half-and-half: Lower-fat milk may curdle when heated.

Make It Thicker or Thinner

• To thicken the soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
• If it’s too thick, stir in more broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Delicious Variations to Try

This cheesy hamburger potato soup is already amazing, but a few simple swaps or add-ins can switch things up for different flavor profiles.

Spicy Kick Option

Love a little heat? Try these spicy additions:

• Stir in ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Add 1 small diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions.

Dairy-Free or Lighter Alternatives

Want a version that’s a little easier on the stomach? No problem!

• Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk.
• Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for richness.
• Replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.

Extra Veggie Boost

If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, here are some great options:

• Carrots: Dice and sauté with the onions.
• Celery: Adds extra flavor and texture.
• Cauliflower: Cook and blend it into the broth for added creaminess.

For more cozy meal ideas, check out this Cowboy Casserole Recipe—another hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Nutritional Facts

Eating a hearty bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket. But if you’re curious about what’s in every spoonful, here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content.

Calories and Macronutrients

This recipe makes about 6 servings, with the following estimated values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	890mg

Ways to Make It Healthier

If you want to lighten things up a bit, here are some easy swaps:

• Use lean ground turkey instead of beef to cut down on saturated fat.
• Choose low-fat cheese and milk for a lower-calorie version.
• Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for extra fiber and vitamins.

No matter how you make it, this soup is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that will keep you full and happy.

Best Toppings & Side Dish Ideas

A bowl of cheesy hamburger potato soup is already a meal on its own, but the right toppings and sides can take it to the next level.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

Want to add a little something special? Try these toppings:

• Extra shredded cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!)
• Chopped green onions for a fresh, slightly spicy kick
• Crushed tortilla chips for a little crunch
• Dollop of sour cream to make it extra creamy
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve

Pairing this soup with a simple side makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal. Some favorites include:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up every last drop
• Side salad – A crisp, fresh salad balances out the rich flavors
• Steamed broccoli – A great way to add some greens to the meal
• Garlic butter biscuits – Soft, buttery, and delicious

No matter how you serve it, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s warm, filling, and packed with cheesy goodness—what’s not to love?

How to Store & Freeze for Later

Got leftovers? Good news—cheesy hamburger potato soup stores and reheats beautifully. Whether you want to enjoy it later in the week or save some for a future cozy night, here’s how to keep it fresh.

Storing in the Fridge

If you plan to eat the soup within a few days, follow these steps:

• Let it cool completely before storing. Putting hot soup in the fridge can create excess condensation, making it watery.
• Pour it into an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When ready to eat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing and Reheating Tips

Want to freeze a batch for later? No problem! Just keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture when frozen.

• Best way to freeze: Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little room at the top for expansion.
• How long it lasts: It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• How to thaw: Let it sit in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the creamy consistency.

To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it separates a bit, just whisk it well, and it’ll come right back together.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

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