There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup on a chilly day. This hearty, creamy soup is packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners.

I first made this recipe on a whim, trying to combine the flavors of my favorite cheeseburger with the coziness of potato soup. What started as an experiment quickly became a staple in our house, loved by both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try for your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a single pot and about 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

This recipe is also a budget-friendly powerhouse. Using inexpensive ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this soup? It’s totally customizable. Whether you like it extra cheesy, a little spicy, or loaded with veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an excellent choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s talk ingredients next!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering that creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness we all crave.

Ground Beef: The backbone of this recipe, ground beef adds a savory richness to the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect here; they’re starchy and break down slightly to help thicken the soup. Yukon Gold potatoes work well too for a creamier texture.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the star of the show, creating that luscious cheesy flavor. Use sharp cheddar for a more robust taste or mix in some Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, and garlic form the aromatic base of the soup. They add depth and a subtle sweetness.
Broth and Milk: Chicken broth and milk (or half-and-half) create a creamy, flavorful base. If you’re looking for extra richness, you can even use heavy cream.
Butter and Flour: These two ingredients work together to make a roux, which thickens the soup perfectly.

Special equipment? Just a large soup pot or Dutch oven is all you need to bring this comforting dish to life!

How To Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Making Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a straightforward process, and it all comes together in one pot for easy cleanup. Here’s how to do it:

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: While the potatoes cook, sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The soup will thicken as it cooks.
Add the Beef and Cheese: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir in shredded cheese. Let it melt completely into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with additional shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side!

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.

Storage Options

Leftovers of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup are just as good – if not better – the next day! Here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating.
Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Freeze in individual portions for convenience, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
Loaded Cheeseburger Style: Top each bowl with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a fun twist.
Extra Cheesy: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bold flavor upgrade.

No matter how you customize it, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to try new variations to suit your taste!

Enjoy the cozy warmth of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup at your next family dinner or gathering. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for its simplicity, versatility, and unforgettable flavor. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a household favorite!