Name: Hearty Potato and Hamburger Soup Loaded with Creamy Cheddar Goodness
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 5 cups chicken broth or beef broth; 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour; Optional: sliced green onions for topping

I make Hearty Potato and Hamburger Soup Loaded with Creamy Cheddar Goodness when I want a rich, filling bowl of comfort food. Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheddar base come together in a soup that feels cozy, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, hearty, and incredibly comforting. The potatoes make it thick and filling, the hamburger adds savory depth, and the cheddar cheese brings everything together with creamy richness. I also like how well it reheats, making it ideal for leftovers. Hearty Potato and Hamburger Soup Loaded with Creamy Cheddar Goodness

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
potatoes, peeled and diced
onion, chopped
carrots, diced
celery, diced
garlic, minced
olive oil or butter
chicken broth or beef broth
milk or half-and-half
shredded cheddar cheese
salt
black pepper
paprika
dried thyme
cornstarch or flour
optional green onions for topping

Directions

I start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. I brown the ground beef with the onion until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat. I add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until fragrant and slightly softened.

I stir in the diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

In a small bowl, I whisk cornstarch with milk, then stir it into the soup to thicken. I lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. I taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Servings and Timing

I usually get 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 35 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add corn or peas for extra texture. When I want a smoky flavor, I add smoked paprika. I also like using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much. Hearty Potato and Hamburger Soup Loaded with Creamy Cheddar Goodness

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

I often make it a day ahead because the flavors deepen overnight.

Can I freeze potato and hamburger soup?

I freeze it without the cheese, then add the cheese after reheating for best texture.

How do I make the soup thicker?

I mash some of the potatoes or add a little more cornstarch slurry.

What cheese works best in this soup?

I like sharp cheddar because it adds strong flavor and melts well.

What can I serve with this soup?

I like serving it with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad.

Conclusion

I keep Hearty Potato and Hamburger Soup Loaded with Creamy Cheddar Goodness in my rotation because it’s rich, filling, and pure comfort in a bowl. With tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese, this recipe gives me a satisfying meal that always feels warm and familiar.