Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is one of those cozy dishes that just hits the spot when you need something warm, filling, and, honestly, just downright comforting after a long day. Ever get stuck in that dinner rut? I’ve been there. You open the fridge, stare, and nothing good comes to mind. Been there so many times. This dish pulls you out of that rut—and impresses the heck out of your family (my crew asks for seconds)! If you love hearty, cheesy meals like this, you should check out my favorite Cauliflower Potato Cheese Ham Gratin or, when you want meat and veggies all in one go, I know you’ll dig my Sausages Mushrooms Potatoes Oven bake too. Let’s fix up your dinner plans tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, and I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. The real beauty? It uses simple ingredients—pretty much stuff that’s probably hanging out in your kitchen already. No weird or fancy groceries needed.
If you love those comfort classics, this soup is about to become your go-to. My aunt in Nebraska was the first to show me this soup. She always threw in an extra handful of cheese (and I totally stole that trick). Plus, if you want to mix up the cheesy potato vibes, you might also love my Funeral Potatoes or bite into these super easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites on the side.
And the leftovers? Even better the next day—I swear, that’s not an exaggeration. Give this one a try and you’ll see why my friends always request it when they’re coming by for dinner.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup
Alright, let’s walk through what you’ll need and how to bring this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to life (no culinary degree required, I promise). Grab a big pot—like, winner for biggest in your cupboard if you’re feeding a hungry group. Start with ground beef, brown it up (drain the grease, please—it’s tempting not to, but trust me), and then toss in diced onions. You want them to get soft, not crunchy.
Next, the potatoes. I go for russets, peeled and diced up. Drop them in along with beef broth or even chicken broth, if that’s what you have. Simmer everything until those potatoes are fork-tender—don’t rush it, they need a good soak. This is where that flavor builds.
Finally…cheese! (No such thing as too much cheese, am I right?) Use sharp cheddar for the best punch. Let it melt in until the soup gets creamy and thick. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream at the end. Taste for salt and pepper, and toss in parsley if you’re feeling a little fancy. That’s it. No need to stress about the order, just toss as you go!
Here’s a quick look at the basics for your fridge door:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Potatoes | 5 medium, peeled and chopped |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salt/Pepper | To taste |
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Soup
Alright, real talk—there are a couple secrets to getting this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup just right. Don’t crank the heat or the cheese will turn into a blob. Seriously, low and slow (like grandma used to say), keeps it smooth.
Chop your potatoes roughly the same size so they cook up even—nobody wants a mushy one next to a rock hard chunk. Oh, and always shred your own cheese if you can! The pre-shred stuff doesn’t melt the same.
If you like your soup thicker, mash some potatoes against the pot side before adding cheese. Want it thinner? Add a touch more broth. Pretty forgiving, honestly. Keep some extra cheese on hand for topping. I personally sprinkle mine with crispy bacon bits because…yeah, everything’s better with bacon, right?
“I made this last weekend and my family devoured it! I loved how easy it was, especially since I already had most of the stuff. My daughter even asked for leftovers in her lunchbox the next day. Five stars, hands down!” — Becky M.
Substitutions and Variations
This is where you can get creative or, let’s be honest, just make do with what’s hiding in your fridge. Swap the ground beef for turkey if you’re feeling healthier. I’ve even tried it with sausage—delicious, but different.
Veggie-loaded? Sure! Toss in carrots, celery, or frozen peas. If you’re cutting carbs, sub in cauliflower chunks for potatoes (I know, it sounds wild, but trust me).
Out of cheddar? Go for Monterey Jack, pepper jack if you’re spicy, or a mozzarella blend. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to mix things up. No sour cream? A splash of milk or even cream cheese will thicken it up nicely.
Some days, I’ll serve this with a slice of crusty bread or even a crispy potato fritter on the side. The soup plays well with all your experiments.
How to Store Hamburger Potato Soup
So, you made a big pot and now your fridge is full of leftovers (which, honestly, good problem to have). Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup stores nicely for about 3 or 4 days in an airtight container. Always let it cool before you pop the lid and stick it in the fridge—otherwise, weird stuff happens.
Want to freeze some for later? Go for it. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of broth when warming up because it does get thicker after chilling.
- Keep in the fridge up to 4 days—airtight container works best.
- Freezing? Use freezer-safe containers, leave some room for it to expand.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave—low and slow for best texture.
- For the creamiest results, stir in a bit more broth or milk if needed.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yup! Just brown the beef first, throw everything into your slow cooker, and cook on low for about 6 hours. Add the cheese and sour cream at the end.
Q: What kind of potatoes work best?
A: Russet is my pick, but Yukon Golds work great too. I avoid waxier types—they don’t break down as well.
Q: Can I leave out the meat for a meatless version?
A: Yes! Swap in some extra veggies or use a meatless ground. The soup stays creamy and tasty.
Q: My soup got too thick in the fridge. What now?
A: This happens all the time! Just add a splash of broth or milk while reheating and mix well. Good as new.
Q: Any easy sides to serve with this?
A: Oh yeah—cheesy garlic bread bites or bacon wrapped baby potatoes are awesome for dipping.
This Soup Is the Comfort Food You Deserve
So, in a nutshell, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is comfort food at its best. Simple to pull together, full of flavor, and perfect for filling up hungry bellies without much fuss. If you want to see the full ingredient list for this cozy favorite, check this Facebook lineup of ingredients. Want a different take? Here’s a step-by-step recipe and another version that’s super creamy here. If you’re a fan of slow cookers, I found this killer slow cooker method you might want to try. Or if you’re looking to skip the processed cheese, check out this homemade, no-Velveeta option.
Go on—get that pot simmering, try it out, or make it your signature dish. Honestly, your family will probably start dropping not-so-subtle hints for “that soup again.” Happy cooking, my friend!