There's nothing like a warm bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup to make you feel at home. This hearty, comforting soup is packed with tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, rich broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a quick family dinner.
I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. It was an instant hit, and now, it’s a regular on our menu, especially during the colder months. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this delicious soup.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pot, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. No complicated steps or techniques here—just wholesome goodness.
This soup is also budget-friendly. Using everyday ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples means you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
The flavors are customizable to your liking. Whether you want to add extra spices, toss in some veggies, or switch up the cheese, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Best of all, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy. Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy texture and savory flavors in every bite. Ready to give it a try? Let’s talk about the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, hearty ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor and texture.
Potatoes are the star of the show. Russet potatoes work best for this recipe as they become soft and creamy when cooked, blending perfectly into the broth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, Yukon Golds are a great alternative.
Ground beef adds a savory depth of flavor. Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty but not overly greasy. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Onions and garlic create the aromatic base of this soup. Sautéing them before adding the other ingredients helps develop a rich, layered flavor profile.
Chicken broth and heavy cream combine to create the creamy, indulgent broth. For a lighter option, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.
Cheddar cheese takes this soup to the next level. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding a tangy, cheesy finish. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
How To Make This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Making this soup is as straightforward as it gets. With just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in under an hour.
Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks and season with salt and pepper. Once it’s fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to building the flavor base for the soup.
Next, add peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, followed by chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they’re tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of them directly in the pot. This thickens the soup while still leaving some chunks for texture.
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Season the soup to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color.
Storage Options
This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.
If you want to freeze it, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen soup, heat it gently and stir well to recombine the ingredients. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to make it your own with a few tweaks.
For extra veggies, try adding diced carrots, celery, or even frozen peas. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Swap the ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes. They’ll provide a similar texture while keeping the soup low-carb.
For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or top the soup with crumbled bacon. It’s a game-changer for flavor lovers!
Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack all bring unique flavors to the dish.
No matter how you customize it, this creamy potato and hamburger soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the pot in no time!
PrintCreamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a comforting dish combining tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this flavorful soup is simple to make and guaranteed to please every palate. Try this rich and hearty soup recipe today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously, to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, bringing to a simmer.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked potatoes before serving.
- Substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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