When the weather cools and you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and downright delicious, this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup hits the spot every time. Imagine a warm bowl filled with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich melted cheddar cheese—all wrapped in a velvety broth that comforts you from the first spoonful to the last.

This soup combines everything you love about family comfort food with the practicality of easy dinner recipes that anyone can make. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal yet simple and affordable enough for weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping lunches, this recipe delivers maximum flavor on a budget-friendly scale.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something filling fast.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything cooks in one pot or Dutch oven for convenience.
Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have—great for family meals on a budget.
Cheesy & Comforting: Packed with cheddar cheese and sour cream for a rich, creamy texture that satisfies every craving.
Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein, potatoes, and dairy, this is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for meal prep recipes or leftover lunches.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every ingredient in this hamburger potato soup plays a role in creating its signature flavor and creamy consistency. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the dish. Provides savory flavor and satisfying protein. You can use lean beef for a lighter version or swap for ground turkey for healthy weeknight meals.
Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): Add body, creaminess, and a natural thickness to the soup. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Enhances the beef’s flavor and builds a savory base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth and aroma—essential in healthy cooking at home.
Broth (4 cups, chicken or beef): Creates the soup’s flavorful base. Beef broth gives richness, while chicken broth keeps it lighter.
Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, shredded): The star ingredient that makes this recipe irresistibly creamy. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and the best cheese pull.
Milk (1½ cups): Combines with flour to form a smooth, rich sauce. Whole milk gives a creamy consistency, but you can use low-fat or dairy-free milk too.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds tang and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese.
Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the broth for that perfect velvety soup texture. For gluten-free recipes, replace it with cornstarch.
Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the flavor, and helps sauté the aromatics.
Paprika (½ tsp): Adds color and a subtle smoky warmth.
Dried Thyme (½ tsp): Provides earthy, herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.

Each ingredient plays a simple yet powerful role, creating a homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook them just until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.

Variations and Customizations

Add Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.
Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different twist.
Top It Off: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra shredded cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or dinner rolls for dipping.
Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Cultural or Historical Notes

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup draws inspiration from classic Midwestern comfort food—the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meals that define American home cooking. Combining elements of a hamburger, baked potato, and creamy chowder, it’s a modern twist on the soups our grandmothers used to make.