Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – Easy Comfort Food for Busy Nights

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying soup that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. This beginner-friendly soup combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, aromatic onions, and garlic, all simmered in a rich, cheesy broth with whole milk, cheddar, and sour cream. If you’re searching for easy comfort food, hearty soups for family meals, or creamy potato soup recipes, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Perfect for a cold evening or anytime you want a filling, crowd-pleasing meal, this soup is quick to make, with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about a warm, creamy soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, and Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is exactly that. Ground beef adds savory depth and protein, while soft potatoes make the soup hearty and filling. The addition of cheddar cheese and sour cream creates a creamy, indulgent texture that’s perfect for family dinners.

This recipe is ideal for beginner cooks because it uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, yet produces a rich, restaurant-quality flavor. You can customize it with optional spices like paprika and thyme, or add extra vegetables like peas or corn for color and nutrition. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this cheesy potato soup is a weeknight hero that everyone at the table will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beginner-friendly: Simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Comforting and creamy: Rich cheddar and sour cream create a velvety texture.
• Quick weeknight meal: Ready in 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Hearty and filling: Potatoes and ground beef provide a satisfying meal.
• Customizable flavors: Add paprika, thyme, or extra vegetables.
• Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein.
• Potatoes: Make the soup hearty and filling; can be partially mashed for extra creaminess.
• Cheddar and sour cream: Key for creamy, cheesy texture.
• Beef broth: Provides depth of flavor for the soup base.
• Optional spices: Paprika and thyme enhance the flavor without overpowering the soup.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the beef. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics. In the same pot, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Thicken the base. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
4. Add broth and potatoes. Gradually pour in 4 cups beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add 4 diced medium potatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. Add milk and seasonings. Stir in 2 cups whole milk, salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme if using. Simmer another 5 minutes.
6. Add cheese and sour cream. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream until melted and smooth.
7. Combine beef. Return cooked ground beef to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Extra creamy texture: Mash a few potatoes in the soup before adding cheese.
• Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or carrots for color and nutrition.
• Adjust thickness: Add more milk for a thinner soup or simmer longer for thicker consistency.
• Spice it up: Increase paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick.
• Make ahead: Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Flavor Profile

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is savory, hearty, and creamy, with a rich flavor from ground beef and a velvety mouthfeel from cheddar and sour cream. The potatoes add a soft, comforting bite, while optional paprika and thyme provide gentle warmth and aromatic depth. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the soup.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2–3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: variable depending on broth used

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy; gluten-free if using gluten-free flour.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook beef and potatoes in advance, store separately.
• Combine soup ingredients and reheat when ready to serve.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, it will reduce fat content and maintain protein.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and omit the beef. Add extra potatoes or beans for protein.

Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is possible, but cream may separate. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine.

How can I thicken the soup without flour?
Mash a portion of the cooked potatoes or use cornstarch slurry.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10 minutes	30 minutes	40 minutes	4

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in bowls with extra shredded cheddar on top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
• Pair with warm bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
• Add a side salad to lighten the meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or carrots.
2. Extra Cheesy: Increase cheddar cheese to 1 1/2 cups.
3. Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
4. Creamier Soup: Mash half the potatoes before adding cheese.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes

Provide heartiness and a creamy texture when partially mashed. Choose starchy potatoes for best results.

Cheddar Cheese

Creates a velvety, cheesy richness; freshly shredded melts best and avoids clumping.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown beef well for maximum flavor.
• Stir constantly when adding flour to prevent lumps.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure a balanced flavor.
• Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
• Freezing not recommended for long-term storage due to dairy content.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	18g
Carbs	25g
Fat	20g
Fiber	2–3g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy; gluten-free option available.

Expanded Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a warm, hearty, and creamy comfort food perfect for beginner cooks and family dinners alike. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a velvety, cheesy broth, this soup satisfies both taste buds and appetite. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with bread or rolls for a meal that’s guaranteed to become a favorite. Save this recipe and enjoy a quick, comforting dinner any night of the week.

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