Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food in One Pot
There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup to make everything feel right in the world. This cozy, one-pot wonder is filled with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a silky, rich broth that feels like a hug with every bite. Whether you’re battling cold weather, craving something hearty, or feeding a hungry family, this soup has everything you need — protein, veggies, dairy, and loads of comforting flavor.
It’s a great alternative to traditional cheeseburger or potato soups because it combines the best of both. You get the savory beefiness of a hamburger with the creamy satisfaction of a cheesy potato soup — giving you a filling meal without needing any sides (but a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner roll certainly doesn’t hurt!).
In this post, you’ll learn:
✔️ Exactly how to make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
✔️ Pro tips for creamier texture and bolder flavor
✔️ Variations like bacon cheeseburger soup or veggie-packed versions
✔️ Make-ahead and freezer storage instructions
✔️ Toppings, serving ideas & FAQs
If you’re building your comfort-food recipe collection, this is one soup you’ll want to print, bookmark, or save on Pinterest immediately — because after one spoonful, you’ll come back to this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup again and again!
⭐ What Makes This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup So Good?
There are dozens of soup recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few delicious reasons:
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One-pot convenience → Easy cleanup and quick cooking
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Creamy, cheesy base → Rich and satisfying without being overly heavy
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Balanced flavor → Savory beef, mellow potatoes, sharp cheddar
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Budget-friendly → Simple ingredients, big portions
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Family-approved → Adults love the depth of flavor, kids love the cheesy goodness
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Customizable → Load it up with veggies, swap in different cheese, or turn it spicy
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition — passed down, shared, and requested often!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknights.
You provided the following ingredient list — so I’m keeping it exactly as-is for consistency:
Ingredients
(Quantities may be scaled using 1x/2x/3x buttons on a blog card)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy dream in under 40 minutes:
1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
2️⃣ Brown the beef
Add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and continue until browned throughout. Drain excess grease to prevent oily texture.
3️⃣ Add potatoes and broth
Stir in potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4️⃣ Make it creamy
Pour in milk and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and warm, but do not boil once dairy is added.
5️⃣ Cheesy goodness
Slowly sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Melt fully into the soup.
6️⃣ Season and simmer
Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 5–10 more minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld.
7️⃣ Serve and enjoy
Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like bacon bits, extra cheese, or chives.
🔍 Extra Tips for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Here’s how to boost both flavor and texture:
✔ Use sharp cheddar
It melts smoothly and gives stronger cheesy flavor than mild cheddar.
✔ Dice potatoes small and evenly
They cook quicker and create a more cohesive, creamy spoonful.
✔ Thicken if desired
Mash some of the cooked potatoes right in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
✔ Don’t allow dairy to boil
Boiling can separate cream or make cheese gritty — low and slow heat is key.
✔ Add broth as needed
If soup thickens too much while simmering, a splash of broth brings it back to silky smooth.
🧀 What Type of Cheese Works Best?
While sharp cheddar is the gold standard, here are delicious alternatives:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Jack | Mild, creamy | Extra smooth texture |
| Pepper Jack | Spicy, zesty | A kick of heat |
| Colby Jack | Mild cheddar-like taste | Melty & kid-friendly |
| Smoked Cheddar | Robust, smoky | “Bacon cheeseburger” flavor |
If using pre-shredded cheese, note that anti-caking agents may cause slower melting. Block cheese is ideal for perfect creaminess.
🥔 Best Potatoes for Hamburger Potato Soup
Not all potatoes behave the same. Here’s what to choose:
| Potato | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Russet | Fluffy, soft | Thickens soup naturally |
| Yukon Gold | Creamy, holds shape | Rich flavor, perfect balance |
| Red Potatoes | Firm | Less creamy, stays chunky |
Yukon Gold offers the ultimate texture and taste for this soup.
🥣 Topping Ideas & Serving Suggestions
Dress up your soup with toppings that add texture and fun:
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Crispy bacon bits
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Green onions or chives
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Black pepper or red pepper flakes
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A dollop of sour cream
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Crushed cracker or buttery croutons
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Jalapeños for heat
Serve alongside:
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Garlic breadsticks
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Dinner rolls
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A crisp green salad
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Toasted baguette slices
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Buttery cornbread
🍲 Variations You’ll Love
Make new versions of the same delicious soup:
1️⃣ Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup
Add:
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6 slices cooked bacon
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2 tbsp mustard + 2 tbsp ketchup for cheeseburger flavor
2️⃣ Loaded Baked Potato Soup Version
Add:
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Sour cream
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Chives
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Extra cheddar
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Bacon — stirred in and on top
3️⃣ Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Soup
Stir in:
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Diced pickled jalapeños
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Pepper jack cheese
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Chipotle powder or smoked paprika
4️⃣ Vegetable-Packed Version
Add:
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Carrots, celery, or corn
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Frozen peas stirred in at the end
5️⃣ Healthy(ish) Version
Swap:
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Half the potatoes for cauliflower florets
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Ground turkey instead of beef
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Milk instead of heavy cream
This recipe adapts beautifully to personal tastes!
📦 Storage & Meal Prep Instructions
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup reheats well — making it great for leftovers or lunch prep.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 3–4 days | Reheat slowly on low heat |
| Freeze | 2–3 months | Consider freezing before adding dairy |
Important: Milk and cream can separate when frozen. If meal-prepping, freeze without dairy and cheese — then add them fresh while reheating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! The flavor will be slightly lighter, but seasoning can be increased to compensate.
Can I make this gluten-free?
It naturally is — as long as broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.
How can I thicken the soup more?
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Mash some potatoes
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Stir in a cornstarch slurry
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Add extra cheese
Can I use evaporated milk instead of cream?
Absolutely — it gives excellent creaminess with less fat.
Can I add pasta?
You can, but add cooked noodles only at the end to avoid mushiness.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food in One Pot
This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich melted cheddar come together in a creamy broth that’s warm, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying. Made in just one pot, it’s a perfect cozy weeknight dinner — especially on chilly days when you want something filling and family-friendly. Add your favorite toppings to customize each bowl and make it even more irresistible!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups potatoes, peeled & diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Cook the Potatoes
Stir in diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4️⃣ Add the Creamy Base
Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Stir to combine and heat gently (do not boil).
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese
Slowly add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
6️⃣ Season & Thicken
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors blend.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and garnish with bacon bits, chives, shredded cheese, or fresh cracked pepper.
Notes
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Use starchy potatoes (like russet or Yukon Gold) for a naturally creamy texture.
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Shred cheese fresh — pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
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Want it thicker? Mash a few potato chunks directly in the pot, then stir.
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Add veggies: Corn, carrots, or celery mix in well.
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Flavor boost: A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, satisfaction, and pure flavor to the table, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup checks all the boxes. It’s warm, cozy, and incredibly simple — ideal for weeknight dinners, slow Sundays, or when you want something that feels homemade and nostalgic.
The blend of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese creates a perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. And since it’s so customizable, this is a soup you can reinvent over and over while always keeping that beloved cheesy-hamburger essence.
Make it once… and it will instantly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. 🥣✨
Ready to dig into your new favorite comfort food tradition? Serve up a pot of this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup tonight and enjoy the warmth!