Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Satisfies Every Craving

When winter winds blow and you need something that hugs your soul from the inside out, nothing beats a steaming bowl of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup recipe. This hearty, indulgent recipe combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese into one incredible comfort food masterpiece that’s perfect for busy families and anyone who loves serious comfort food.

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup isn’t just delicious – it’s also practical and nutritious. Unlike complicated soup recipes that require hours of prep, this one-pot wonder can be ready in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with protein from ground beef, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, calcium from cheese, and essential vitamins from vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table and ask for seconds!

Detailed Ingredients for 8 Hearty Servings

Proteins

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 blend works perfectly)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped (adds smoky depth to the flavor)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4-5 large potatoes)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 3 celery stalks, diced (adds crunch and freshness)
• 2 large carrots, diced (for natural sweetness and color)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels (optional but adds sweetness)

Liquid Base and Dairy

• 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 4 tablespoons butter

Cheese Blend

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 bay leaves

Variations and Dietary Alternatives

Healthier Options:

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for less fat
• Substitute cauliflower for half the potatoes to reduce carbs
• Use reduced-fat cheese and milk alternatives
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

Gluten-Free Version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour
• Ensure your broth is certified gluten-free
• Check that all seasonings are gluten-free

Slow Cooker Adaptation:

• Brown meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer to slow cooker
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
• Add dairy and cheese in the last 30 minutes

Vegetarian Alternative:

• Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth
• Add protein-rich ingredients like lentils or quinoa

Preparation and Cooking Steps

Preparation (15 minutes)

1. Prep all vegetables: Dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, chop onion, dice celery and carrots, and mince garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and stress-free.
2. Shred all cheeses: If using block cheese, shred it fresh for better melting. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator to soften.
3. Chop bacon: Cut into small pieces for even cooking and distribution.

Cooking Process (35-40 minutes)

Step 1: Cook the Bacon (5 minutes)

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (8-10 minutes)

Add ground beef to the same pot with bacon fat. Cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until well-browned and cooked through. The browning adds incredible depth of flavor to your soup base.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes)

Add diced onion, celery, and carrots to the beef. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Roux (3 minutes)

Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken your soup.

Step 5: Build the Soup Base (10 minutes)

Gradually add beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Dairy (5 minutes)

Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in milk and heavy cream. Heat through but don’t boil, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.

Step 7: Melt the Cheeses (3-5 minutes)

Remove from heat temporarily. Add softened cream cheese first, stirring until smooth. Then gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Finally, stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Final Touches (2 minutes)

Add frozen corn if using, and cooked bacon back to the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove bay leaves before serving. The soup should be thick, creamy, and loaded with chunks of tender potatoes and beef.

Serving Tips and Presentation

Immediate Serving:

• Serve in warmed bowls to maintain temperature
• Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives
• Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic biscuits

Perfect Side Dishes:

• Caesar salad for a fresh contrast
• Cornbread or dinner rolls for dipping
• Roasted vegetables like those in our vegetable recipes

Storage and Meal Prep:

• Refrigerator: Keeps for 4-5 days in airtight containers
• Freezing: Can be frozen up to 3 months (may need stirring when reheated)
• Reheating: Heat gently on stovetop, adding milk if too thick
• Meal prep: Perfect for batch cooking and portion control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. You can prepare it completely up to adding the final cheeses, then reheat gently and add cheese when ready to serve.

Q: Why is my soup too thin or too thick?

A: If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce, or mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and stir in. If too thick, gradually add warm milk or broth until desired consistency is reached.

Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?

A: Russet potatoes work best because they break down slightly and help thicken the soup naturally. Yukon Gold is also good, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they won’t break down properly.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from getting stringy or clumpy?

A: Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese, add it gradually while stirring constantly, and use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for best results.

Q: Is this soup kid-friendly?

A: Very much so! Kids love the cheesy, creamy texture and familiar flavors. You can adjust spice levels and even blend part of the soup for picky eaters, similar to our easy kids recipes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well. Add harder vegetables with the potatoes, and leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the dairy to separate.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer to slow cooker with broth and potatoes. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Add dairy and cheese in the final 30 minutes.

Q: How can I make this soup spicier?

A: Add jalapeños with the aromatics, use pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack, or add hot sauce to taste. You could also try our spicy recipe variations for inspiration.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a warm embrace on a cold day, a crowd-pleaser that brings families together, and proof that comfort food can be both indulgent and satisfying. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and tender potatoes, creating a soup that’s substantial enough to be a complete meal.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs. The combination of protein, vegetables, and dairy makes it nutritionally complete, while the incredible flavors ensure even the pickiest eaters will clean their bowls.

What makes this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup truly special is how it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations and requested for special occasions. The aromatic blend of sautéed vegetables, the richness of melted cheese, and the heartiness of tender beef and potatoes create a symphony of comfort that satisfies both body and soul.

So grab your largest pot, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a soup that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s snowing outside or you simply need something that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup delivers every single time. Get ready to make some delicious memories!

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For more hearty comfort food recipes, explore our collection of creamy soup recipes and satisfying dinner options. Don’t forget to check out our one-pot meal guides for more family-friendly recipes.

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