Hamburger Potato Soup

Hamburger potato soup is a creamy, cheesy soup made with seasoned ground beef, tender russet potatoes, heavy cream, and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Everything comes together on the stovetop in a flavorful broth, making this an easy, hearty dinner that’s perfect for colder days.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup

1. Prepare the ingredients. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese from a block and set it aside.
2. Brown the ground beef. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the pot and continue cooking until the onion begins to soften.
3. Add the flour and seasonings. Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir until the flour is incorporated and cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste. If the bottom of the pot becomes too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking.
4. Simmer the potatoes. Add the diced russet potatoes, dried thyme, and dried basil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Make the soup creamy. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the broth and everything is combined.
6. Taste and serve. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm while the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Potato Soup

• Use russet potatoes. Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which helps thicken the soup as they cook. Some of the potatoes naturally break down into the broth while the remaining pieces stay tender and chunky.
• Don’t skip the flour. I’ve found that relying on the starch from the potatoes alone doesn’t give this soup the thickness I prefer. The tablespoon of flour helps create a thicker base, while the heavy cream adds richness.
• Shred the cheddar cheese yourself. I strongly recommend using freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese. Packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can interfere with smooth melting and leave the soup with a grainy texture.
• Add the cream and cheese after cooking. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar. The residual heat is enough to melt the cheese without exposing it to unnecessary boiling.
• Watch the potatoes as they simmer. Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Check them for tenderness after 10–15 minutes, and avoid cooking them so long that all the pieces fall apart.

How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Potato Soup

Refrigerating: Allow the hamburger potato soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating: Add the soup to a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling it, which can cause the cream and cheddar cheese to separate. If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the potatoes can become grainy after thawing, and the cream-based broth may separate. For the best texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

What to Serve with Hamburger Potato Soup

• Honey Cornbread – Soft, buttery cornbread with a touch of honey that’s perfect for soaking up creamy soup.
• Garlic Parmesan Butter Swim Biscuits – Buttery biscuits loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese.
• Fried Cornbread – Southern-style cornbread with crispy golden edges and a soft, fluffy center.
• Cathead Biscuits – Large, fluffy Southern biscuits that pair perfectly with a hearty bowl of soup.

Related Soup Recipes

• Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup – A cheesy slow cooker soup with ground beef, tender potatoes, Velveeta, and a creamy broth.
• Steak and Potato Soup – Tender chunks of beef and potatoes in a rich, creamy broth with cheddar cheese.
• Sausage Potato Soup – Italian sausage, potatoes, and sweet corn in a creamy cheddar cheese broth.
• Potato Broccoli Cheese Soup – Tender potatoes and broccoli combined in a creamy cheddar cheese soup.
• Crockpot Potato Soup – An easy slow cooker potato soup made with russet potatoes, heavy cream, and simple seasonings.
• Chicken Potato Soup – A hearty combination of chicken, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and creamy broth.
• Crockpot Hamburger Soup – A hearty slow cooker soup with ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and savory seasonings.