Cheeseburger Potato Soup
This Cheeseburger Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of familiar comfort-food flavors. Tender potatoes and seasoned ground turkey simmer in chicken broth, then come together with cheddar, sour cream, and a creamy milk base. A sprinkle of bacon bits and extra cheese makes each bowl extra satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy broth with tender chunks of potato
- Ground turkey adds savory cheeseburger flavor
- Sharp cheddar makes it cheesy and rich
- Bacon bits make an easy, flavorful topping
- A filling one-pot meal for chilly evenings
- Easy to adjust with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅓ cup bacon bits, for topping
How to Make Cheeseburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess liquid and set the turkey aside.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Soup
Pour the milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Add the cooked ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese.
Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the remaining cheddar and bacon bits, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Potato Soup
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape nicely, while russets make the soup thicker and softer.
- Shred cheddar from a block for the smoothest melting.
- Add the cheese over low heat and avoid boiling to help keep the soup creamy.
- If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a little warm broth or milk.
Delicious Variations
Use Ground Beef
Replace the ground turkey with ground beef for a more classic cheeseburger flavor. Drain excess fat after browning.
Add More Toppings
Top bowls with extra bacon bits, shredded cheddar, or a spoonful of sour cream.
Make It Thicker
Mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the creamy base.
Add a Little Heat
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Yes. Make the soup ahead and refrigerate it once cooled. For the creamiest texture, reheat it gently over low heat and stir often. Avoid letting it boil.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes. Ground beef works well. Brown it fully and drain excess grease before adding it to the soup.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Yes, especially if you use thin-skinned Yukon Gold potatoes. Scrub them well before dicing.
Why did my soup turn grainy?
Cheese can become grainy if it gets too hot or the soup boils after the cheese is added. Lower the heat and stir the cheese in gradually.
Can I freeze this soup?
Creamy soups with milk, sour cream, and cheese may change texture after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Potato Soup turns simple ingredients into a warm, filling meal with tender potatoes, savory turkey, and plenty of cheddar. Finish each bowl with bacon bits and extra cheese for a cozy dinner everyone can customize.
