Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food You’ll Want on Repeat

Let me just start by saying, if you’re looking for a soup that feels like a big hug in a bowl, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is it. Seriously, this is one of those meals that’s guaranteed to bring comfort, warmth, and maybe even a little nostalgia. Imagine creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender potatoes all swimming together in a rich, flavorful broth. You might just want to make a double batch because it’s that good!

I first made this soup on a chilly day when I was craving something hearty, but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You know those days when you need comfort food, but you’re also in a rush? This soup was the answer. It’s super simple to make, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and can be on the table in about 30 minutes. What more could you ask for?

If you’re a fan of quick and easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor, this recipe is a winner. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a busy weeknight, but it’s also perfect for those lazy weekends when you just want to relax and savor something warm. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Let’s get into the details of this amazing dish, shall we?

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you really don’t need much. I love recipes like this because they’re made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if that’s what you have)
• 1 cup milk (I use whole milk, but whatever you have works)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the more cheese, the better!)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

See? Simple, right? You don’t have to hunt down any exotic spices or unusual ingredients. These are everyday items that come together to create something amazing. If you’re like me, you probably already have most of these items in your kitchen. The best part about this recipe is that it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly. There’s nothing fancy here, just basic ingredients that work perfectly together to create a comforting, satisfying soup.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Now, let’s get down to business. This soup is so easy to make, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. I’ll walk you through the steps, and don’t worry—this is a simple process that anyone can handle. The best part is that you don’t need any fancy cooking skills to pull it off, just a bit of patience while everything simmers and comes together.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat, but leave a little bit of that tasty beefy goodness in the pan for flavor.

I always love this part because the smell of browning beef is so comforting, and it gets me excited for the meal ahead. While the beef is cooking, you can start prepping the other ingredients—dicing the potatoes and onion, mincing the garlic—so it all moves along smoothly.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once your beef is cooked and drained, it’s time to sauté the onion. Add your diced onion to the pot and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and starting to become translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when the garlic releases its fragrance and fills the kitchen with that irresistible smell.

The onions add such a nice depth of flavor to the soup, and the garlic gives it that wonderful savory aroma that makes it hard not to sneak a taste. At this point, you’re starting to build the base for something delicious.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth

Next, it’s time to add the potatoes. Make sure to dice them into fairly even-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Add them to the pot along with the beef broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure the potatoes are covered with the broth. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. I like to use a fork to check the potatoes—if they’re soft and break apart easily, they’re ready.

While the potatoes are cooking, this is a good time to get the milk and cheese ready. You could even start making some garlic bread to serve alongside, because who doesn’t love a little extra carb action with their soup? Trust me, it makes the meal even more comforting!

4. Add the Milk and Cheese

Once the potatoes are done and tender, it’s time for the creamy goodness to kick in. Pour in the milk and stir it around. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and everything is smooth and creamy. You want that cheese to melt completely, so keep stirring until the soup looks thick and luscious.

If you want an even creamier texture, you can also add a bit of cream cheese at this stage. I’ve done this a few times, and it gives the soup an extra velvety finish. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a slightly different flavor.

5. Season the Soup

Now that the soup is coming together, it’s time to season it! Add salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds a nice smoky flavor that really complements the beef and potatoes. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so it’s important to make it your own. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper could really take it to the next level.

I always make sure to taste-test a spoonful to check if it’s seasoned to my liking. After all, there’s nothing worse than under-seasoned soup! Add a little more salt or pepper if needed—it’s all about finding that perfect balance.

6. Add the Butter

I know, I know, butter makes everything better. It’s just a little extra touch that makes the soup even richer. Stir in that tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the soup for that extra velvety texture. You’ll notice how the soup becomes even smoother and more luxurious.

Sometimes, I’ll even sneak in a little extra butter just for good measure because it adds such a comforting flavor. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with adding a little richness to your meals!

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything’s mixed together and perfectly creamy, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. You could even add a little extra shredded cheese on top if you’re feeling extra cheesy. Because, why not?

Now comes the best part—digging in. I love to pair this soup with some warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to enjoy every last drop of that cheesy goodness. The kids always beg for seconds (and sometimes thirds), and I’m more than happy to oblige!

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

I’ve made this soup a few times, and each time I learn something new that makes it even better. Here are some of my top tips:

• Don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the potatoes cook thoroughly is key to making sure the soup has a nice, thick texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can dice the potatoes smaller to speed up cooking time.
• Use a good-quality broth. The broth is the base of the soup, so it’s worth using a flavorful one. If you’re using store-bought broth, try to go for a low-sodium option so you can control the salt level.
• Cheese makes the soup! The more cheese, the creamier and richer the soup. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Customize the veggies. While this recipe calls for potatoes, you could easily swap them out for other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips. You could also throw in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens.
• Make it spicy! If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It’ll give it a nice kick that balances out the creamy cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

What I love most about this soup is how cozy and comforting it is. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you just want something warm and filling. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, but it’s also super simple to make. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can easily double or triple if you’re cooking for a crowd. And let’s be honest—this is the kind of soup you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s also a great make-ahead option. If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together and taste even better the next day. You can also freeze it for up to a month, so you’ll always have a comforting meal ready to go!

Conclusion

There’s just something about a bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that feels like home. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or entertaining friends for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to be a hit. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do!

So, grab your ingredients, get that pot simmering, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort. Happy cooking, friends!