Picture this: a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a steaming bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to keep you warm. Doesn’t that sound dreamy? This soup is like a hug in a bowl, combining cheesy goodness, hearty potatoes, and savory hamburger to create a dish that feels like home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making excuses to whip up another batch—whether for dinner, leftovers, or just because it’s that good.
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Don’t miss our Creamy Chicken Potato Soup or Loaded Baked Potato Soup for even more cozy dinner ideas.
What Makes Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Special?
What’s so magical about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you ask? Well, it’s the perfect trifecta of flavors: creamy, savory, and oh-so-cheesy. The hearty ground beef (or “hamburger” for my Midwest friends), tender potatoes, and gooey cheese come together in a way that makes each spoonful better than the last.
For a deeper dive into potato varieties and how they influence texture, check out this guide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. To make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, gather these essentials:
- Ground beef: The star protein, packed with flavor.
- Potatoes: Russets work wonders for a creamy texture, but Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely.
- Onions and garlic: Because no great soup starts without these aromatic heroes.
- Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with your favorites.
- Milk and cream: To give that luscious, creamy base.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth for depth.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or thyme for a subtle kick.
- Optional veggies: Add carrots or celery for extra heartiness.
For helpful tips on selecting the best cheese for melting, check out this guide from The Spruce Eats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
On the Stove
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Remove excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth: Stir in diced potatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Thicken the soup: Reduce the heat and add a mixture of milk and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cheese time: Stir in shredded cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
In the Crockpot
For those days when you want a fuss-free dinner, this hamburger potato soup crockpot version is a lifesaver:
- Brown the ground beef and add it to the crockpot.
- Add all the other ingredients except for milk, flour, and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, stir in milk (or cream) and shredded cheese.
Pro tip: For slow cooker success, read this guide on crockpot cooking tips.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother soup. Pre-shredded varieties often have additives that affect melting.
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the beef first enhances the flavor.
- Make it your own: Add bacon bits, green onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy twist to your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
- Consistency control: Like your soup thicker? Mash some of the potatoes with a fork before serving.
- Leftovers tip: The flavors intensify overnight, so this soup is perfect for meal prepping.
What to Serve With Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Pair your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup with these sides for a complete meal:
- Buttery Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop.
- Crispy Garlic Bread: For those who love a crunchy contrast.
- Classic Caesar Salad: A refreshing balance to the soup’s richness.
- Pickled Veggies: For a tangy counterpoint.
Storage and Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigeration: Store your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: It freezes well! Let the soup cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to try these comforting favorites next:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A zesty, Tex-Mex-inspired classic.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, cheesy, and so good it might just put a ring on it.
- Lasagna Soup Recipe: All the flavors of lasagna in a bowl.
- Sausage Tortellini Soup: A hearty, cheesy soup with Italian flair.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or thyme optional
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced carrots or celery
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions:
- Brown the beef:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the soup:
- Add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Thicken the soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour or cornstarch. Gradually stir this into the soup, cooking until it thickens.
- Add the cheese:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings or sides.
Crockpot Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the crockpot.
- Add potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Thirty minutes before serving, stir in milk and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother texture, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to adjust consistency.
- Customizable: Add bacon bits, jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor.
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup. It’s warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights, family dinners, or just satisfying your soup cravings. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or try the hamburger potato soup crockpot version, one thing’s for sure: this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
For more recipe inspiration, explore our Best Soup Recipes Collection and start planning your next cozy meal.
