Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of hot, cheesy soup on a chilly day. This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night at home. Packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, every spoonful is a warm, satisfying bite of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free recipe.
✅ Hearty & Filling: Loaded with protein, carbs, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
✅ Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy, cheesy soup.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

To make this creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef 🍔 – Lean ground beef works best, but you can use ground turkey for a lighter option.

1 small onion, diced 🧅 – Adds depth of flavor.

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 – Enhances the taste with a rich, garlicky aroma.

4 cups potatoes, diced 🥔 – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes provide the best texture.

4 cups beef broth 🍲 – Adds richness and depth to the soup.

1 cup whole milk 🥛 – Makes the soup creamy without being too heavy.

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 – Gives the soup its signature cheesy goodness.

2 tbsp butter 🧈 – Helps create a creamy roux for thickening.

2 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾 – Thickens the soup to a smooth, rich consistency.

1 tsp salt 🧂 – Enhances all the flavors.

½ tsp black pepper 🌿 – Adds a slight kick.

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) 🔥 – Adds a hint of smoky flavor.

½ tsp dried parsley (for garnish) 🌱 – Adds a fresh, decorative touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3️⃣ Add the Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4️⃣ Prepare the Cheesy Roux

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color.

Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened (2-3 minutes).

5️⃣ Melt the Cheese & Combine Everything

Gradually stir the milk mixture into the soup. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it’s fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).

6️⃣ Serve & Garnish

Ladle the hot, cheesy soup into bowls. Garnish with dried parsley, extra shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor.

Enjoy with crusty bread, garlic toast, or crackers for the ultimate cozy meal! 🍲🥖

Helpful Tips & Variations

✔ Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they hold their shape too well.

✔ Make it Extra Creamy: Swap out the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream if you want an ultra-rich soup.

✔ Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

✔ Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

✔ Swap the Protein: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor.

✔ Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer all ingredients (except cheese and milk) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese and milk at the end until melted.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with:

🥖 Warm crusty bread – Ideal for dipping!
🥗 A fresh green salad – Adds a light contrast to the richness.
🥓 Crispy bacon crumbles – A smoky, salty topping.
🌶 A dash of hot sauce – For those who love a little heat!

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.

Freezer: This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content. The texture may become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

🔹 Calories: ~450 kcal
🔹 Protein: 25g
🔹 Carbs: 35g
🔹 Fat: 25g
🔹 Fiber: 3g
🔹 Sodium: 780mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it slowly on the stovetop to prevent the cheese from separating.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even smoked Gouda for a unique twist.

Q: How do I prevent my cheese from becoming grainy?
A: Always add cheese off the heat and stir constantly until melted. Using freshly grated cheese (instead of pre-shredded) also helps.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is pure comfort food in a bowl! 🧀🥔🍔 Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a warm, hearty meal, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab your pot, your favorite cheese, and a big spoon, and get ready to enjoy one of the best homemade soups you’ll ever make! 🍲✨

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