A warm, simple welcome to this cozy soup
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is creamy, comforting, and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand: ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and cream. It’s a great weeknight meal that feeds a family and warms everyone up. If you like hearty potato dishes, you might also enjoy this cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage for another easy dinner idea.
Why this recipe belongs on your rotation
This soup cooks fast, comes together in one pot, and tastes like comfort food. It’s filling, kid-friendly, and easy to adjust — add more cheese, swap the beef for turkey, or make it richer with extra cream. The result is a thick, satisfying soup that pairs well with simple sides and leftovers reheat nicely.
How to make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2️⃣ Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
3️⃣ Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Add milk and cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, but avoid letting it boil.
5️⃣ Melt the cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
6️⃣ Season and simmer: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
7️⃣ Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, garnish with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired.
For a quick twist on the filling or to use a similar beef-and-potato idea in another dish, see this cheesy beef potato burritos.
Best ways to serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Top with extra shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon for texture. For a lighter option, add a squeeze of lemon or a handful of fresh parsley. If you want a spicier side, try serving a small bowl of pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
For a different potato soup style to serve alongside or compare, check this Cajun potato soup for bold flavor ideas.
How to store leftovers and reheat safely
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Leave a little headspace — cream can expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Warm on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much. Avoid high heat to keep the dairy from separating.
Simple tips for the best results
- Don’t boil after adding the milk and cream — keep it gentle to prevent curdling.
- Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook in the same time.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
- Taste and season at the end — the cheese and broth can already be salty.
- If you like a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a small slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).
Easy variations to try
- Make it spicy: add a diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in hot sauce at the end.
- Swap proteins: use ground turkey or diced cooked chicken.
- Add veggies: stir in corn, peas, or chopped carrots for color and texture.
- Crockpot option: brown beef and sauté aromatics first, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients (add milk and cheese in the last 30 minutes).
Estimated nutrition per serving (approximate)
Per 1 1/2–2 cup serving (estimate):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: varies with broth and cheese
(Values are approximate and will vary based on brands and exact quantities used.)
Family-friendly serving ideas
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- Offer a side salad for a lighter balance — simple greens with a vinaigrette work well.
- Set up toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and bacon so everyone can build their bowl.
What pairs well with this soup
- Bread: crusty baguette, warm dinner rolls, or garlic bread.
- Light sides: a crisp green salad or coleslaw to cut the richness.
- Drinks: iced tea, a light beer, or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Answers to common questions
Q: Can I make this soup without heavy cream?
A: Yes. Use all milk (whole milk is best) and a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, or use half-and-half as a middle ground.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Fresh potatoes work best, but you can use frozen diced potatoes. Watch cooking time, as frozen pieces may cook faster.
Q: Will the cheese separate if I reheat the soup?
A: If you reheat gently over low heat and stir often, the cheese will stay smooth. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps restore texture.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown beef and sauté aromatics first, then add to slow cooker with potatoes and broth. Add milk and cheese near the end to avoid curdling.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas or variations, try this creamy Hamburger Potato Soup (Best Creamy Recipe!) for another take on a classic. For a hands-off version, see the Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup – The Country Cook. And for a similar simple, no-fuss recipe, check out this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple Ingredients, No Velveeta …) for ideas and inspiration.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef You can swap for ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced Cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- 4 cups chicken broth Low sodium recommended.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use freshly shredded for best melting.
- 1 cup milk Whole milk works best.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing aromatics.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking the Soup
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through, but avoid letting it boil.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, garnish with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or sliced green onions if desired.
