Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe for Comfort Days
Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger potato soup that promises to warm you from the inside out.
Cold evenings call for hearty meals that stick to your ribs.
Ground beef adds a robust protein punch to the creamy potato base.
Melted cheese creates a luxurious texture that makes every spoonful incredibly satisfying.
The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary soup into a soul-soothing experience.
Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, this soup delivers a delightful meal in one pot.
Grab a ladle and savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.
Why Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup Hits Home
This recipe offers a straightforward cooking process that lets home cooks whip up a delicious soup without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes, the soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and nourished with minimal effort.
Experiment with bacon bits, extra cheese, or pickles to transform the basic recipe into a personalized comfort food experience that delights taste buds.
Creamy, cheesy, and warm, this soup provides the ultimate comfort food that hugs your soul and brings instant warmth on any day.
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
Main Protein:
Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and depth to the soup's flavor.
Base Fat and Aromatics:
Butter, Onion, Carrots, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful foundation for the soup, providing warmth and depth.
Soup Liquid and Thickeners:
Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup and enhances overall flavor.
Cream, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds richness and a complex tangy undertone to the soup.
Tapioca Starch: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Cheese and Seasoning:
Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy element that defines the soup's cheesy character.
Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons and balances the soup's overall taste profile.
Starchy Element:
Potatoes: Adds heartiness and creates a satisfying texture to the soup.
Optional Toppings:
Bacon Bits, Extra Cheese, Diced Pickles: Provide additional flavor and textural contrast when serving.
Cooking Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Vessel
Heat butter or cooking oil in a large soup pot over medium flame.
Let the fat melt and create a sizzling foundation for your flavor adventure.
Butter
Cooking oil
Swirl the fat around to coat the bottom of the pot evenly.
Step 2: Transform the Ground Beef
Drop ground beef into the hot pot and break it down into small crumbles.
Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown with zero pink remaining.
The goal is maximum flavor development.
Step 3: Wake Up the Veggie Gang
Toss in your aromatic vegetable crew and let them dance with the beef.
Onions
Carrots
Garlic
Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious essence.
Step 4: Potato Party Begins
Slide cubed potatoes into the pot and splash in Worcestershire sauce.
Let everything mingle and absorb those incredible meaty flavors for a few minutes.
Step 5: Thickening Magic
Dust tapioca starch or flour over the mixture.
Stir quickly to eliminate any white powder traces and create a smooth base for your soup.
Step 6: Liquid Love
Pour chicken or beef broth into the pot.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients into a harmonious blend.
Step 7: Simmering Serenity
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Watch the potatoes soften and flavors intertwine.
Step 8: Creamy Cheese Transformation
Slowly introduce cream and shredded cheddar.
Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
Step 9: Flavor Balancing Act
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Make it sing with your personal flavor preference.
Step 10: Soup Celebration
Ladle into bowls and crown with delightful toppings.
Crispy bacon bits
Extra cheese
Diced pickles
Dive into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece and enjoy every spoonful!
Tips to Nail Hamburger Potato Soup
Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat for a perfect balance of flavor and healthiness without excess grease.
Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake and allow personal seasoning according to taste preferences.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose sensitivities.
How to Save and Reheat Hamburger Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.
Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Pour into pot, heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Warm until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Place portion in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature before serving to ensure even heating.
Good Pairings for Hamburger Potato Soup
Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the soup's rich, cheesy flavors and hearty beef base.
Garnish with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette to soak up the creamy soup and add textural contrast to each spoonful.
Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's heavy and creamy profile.
Drizzle with Herb Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness and provides a pop of color.
Creative Takes on Hamburger Potato Soup
Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy soup texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
Vegetarian Bean Base: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to create a plant-based protein-packed alternative that preserves the soup's hearty character.
Dairy-Free Coconut Cream: Swap heavy cream and cheddar cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free option that still delivers rich, comforting flavors.
Gluten-Free Herb Option: Use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the soup's depth while ensuring it remains gluten-free and suitable for sensitive diets.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as substitutes. They offer similar protein content and blend well with the soup’s creamy texture.
Is tapioca starch necessary for thickening the soup?
No, you can replace tapioca starch with cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Each alternative helps create a thick, creamy consistency for the soup.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantity, add more vegetables like celery or spinach, and opt for low-fat cream to decrease overall calorie content.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients except cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding dairy products during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR) Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.