If you are looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple. It combines hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese into a luscious soup that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. No fancy ingredients or Velveeta here—just everyday staples transformed into a dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a little comfort food magic.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential in creating the rich, comforting flavors and pleasing textures that make this soup stand out. Each one plays a role in balancing savory, creamy, and hearty notes into a harmonious dish.

1 lb ground beef: The savory base that adds meaty richness and protein.
½ cup butter (or other cooking fat): Adds a silky richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
1 onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
2 large carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness, texture, and a pop of color.
2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory aroma and flavor complexity.
4 cups potatoes, cubed: The hearty star that brings comforting creaminess once softened.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami layers that enhance the beef and overall savoriness.
¼ cup tapioca starch (or other thickener like flour or arrowroot): thickens the soup to the perfect creamy consistency without clumps.
4 cups broth: Provides the flavorful liquid base to meld all ingredients together.
1.5 cups cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and balances the savory flavors.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout for cheesy indulgence with that perfect tang.
2 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
½ tsp pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spiciness to finish.
Optional toppings: chopped bacon, additional shredded cheese, diced pickles: Great for adding extra texture, smoky goodness, or unexpected zest.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies

Start by heating the butter or your preferred cooking fat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Once melted, add the ground beef and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step builds a rich, meaty foundation essential for that hearty flavor. After the beef is cooked through, stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. Cook them all together until the onions turn translucent and the carrots soften slightly—about 4 to 5 minutes. This combination not only adds flavor depth but also a subtle sweetness that balances the soup.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Worcestershire Sauce

Next, toss in the cubed potatoes along with the Worcestershire sauce. The sauce brings a tangy, umami punch that highlights the beef’s savoriness and infuses the potatoes with flavor. Let everything cook for another 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to begin softening and absorb these wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base

Sprinkle the tapioca starch or your chosen thickener evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and ensure the starch fully blends in, thickening the broth as it cooks. This step is critical for achieving that luscious, creamy texture we all crave in a perfect soup without any graininess or clumps.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the broth while stirring steadily. Bringing this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat allows the potatoes to soften completely and the flavors to meld beautifully. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently on low to medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cook time is what makes the potatoes tender and the soup rich without overwhelming the flavors.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the potatoes are perfectly soft, it’s time for the creamy finale. Add the cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring slowly until the cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, creating a velvety, cheesy texture. Taste and season with sea salt and pepper to suit your preference.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple

Garnishes

While this soup is delicious on its own, the toppings can take it to the next level. For a smoky crunch, sprinkle crispy chopped bacon on top. If you’re a true cheese lover, a handful of extra shredded cheddar never hurts. For those feeling adventurous, adding diced pickles can introduce a surprising tangy bite that brightens the soup’s richness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up every last cheesy drop. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing balance. If you want to keep it simple, a classic grilled cheese sandwich alongside is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for an all-in-one comfort meal. You can also drizzle a bit of smoky paprika oil or a swirl of sour cream on top for some visual flair and an added flavor punch. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a vibrant touch that brightens each bowl both visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creaminess and fresh flavor. When ready to enjoy again, give it a good stir before reheating, as the ingredients may settle.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but remember that the texture of the potato and cream may change slightly. For best results, freeze in individual portions and aim to use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to prevent curdling or separation.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth and prevent the cheese from sticking or curdling. Adding a splash more broth or cream during reheating can help refresh the creamy texture if it feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a different flavor profile. Just be sure the cheese melts well into the soup for that creamy texture.

Is there a substitute for tapioca starch?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as thickening agents. Just keep the quantity the same and stir well to prevent lumps, adapting as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The mix of veggies and cheese will still create a rich and comforting soup.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they soften nicely without turning to mush. They provide the perfect balance of creaminess and structure to this soup.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, adding cheese and cream near the end to keep the texture rich and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple is pure comfort in a bowl—easy to make, full of familiar flavors, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Simple Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish made with simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare without processed cheese products like Velveeta. Perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days, it features tender potatoes, savory browned beef, and a rich cheesy broth that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the Fat: Add butter or your preferred cooking fat to a large soup pot or Dutch oven and melt over medium heat.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Sauté Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, diced onions, and chopped carrots. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Worcestershire Sauce: Mix in the cubed potatoes along with Worcestershire sauce, then cook an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Incorporate Thickener: Sprinkle tapioca starch (or your chosen thickener) evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly until no white powder remains visible.
Add Broth: Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure an even mixture.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium and let it simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes become tender.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese slowly until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns creamy.
Season: Add sea salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional toppings such as chopped bacon, extra shredded cheese, or diced pickles for added flavor and texture.

Notes

You can substitute tapioca starch with all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickener.
For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or high-quality store-bought broth.
To make this soup gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and use a gluten-free thickener.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Diced pickles add a tangy contrast; try this if you enjoy a little zing in your soup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: American