Hearty potato and hamburger soup blends comfort with simplicity in this delightful culinary creation.
Rich flavors dance through each spoonful, promising warmth and satisfaction.
Potatoes provide a smooth, velvety base that cradles tender meat perfectly.
Home cooks appreciate how quickly this soup comes together with minimal ingredients.
Busy families will love the straightforward preparation that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Meat and potatoes combine in a classic combination that never disappoints.
This recipe guarantees a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Potato & Hamburger Soup That Warms Every Bite
This hearty soup delivers delicious warmth in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, making it a stress-free recipe that even novice cooks can master with ease.
Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes creates a filling meal that satisfies hungry families without breaking the bank.
The recipe allows simple variations like adding different vegetables or cheese toppings, letting home cooks put their personal spin on a classic dish.
What’s in Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Meat Base:
Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth and savory notes, fresh ingredients provide the best flavor.
Soup Liquid and Thickeners:
Butter: Creates a smooth, rich foundation for sautéing and adds creamy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with light, savory flavor, low-sodium options work well.
Whole Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps create a smooth, comforting soup texture.
Vegetable and Potato Components:
Potatoes: Starchy, hearty vegetable that makes the soup filling and substantial, russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best.
Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and nutrition, fresh carrots provide the best color and texture.
Celery: Contributes light, fresh flavor and additional texture to the soup.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall soup flavor.
How to Prepare Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place a large pot on the stovetop
Toss in ground beef
Cook over medium heat until meat turns deep brown
Drain away any extra fat
Transfer browned beef to a separate plate
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables
Keep the same pot on medium heat
Drop in butter
Add chopped onions and minced garlic
Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant
Watch for translucent onions and golden garlic edges
Step 3: Create Soup Base
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables
Stir continuously to prevent burning
Pour in chicken broth
Add milk
Stir until mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Seasoning
Toss in diced potatoes
Sprinkle in
Salt
Black pepper
Dried thyme
Paprika
Step 5: Simmer and Blend Flavors
Reduce heat to low
Cover the pot
Let soup simmer until potatoes become tender
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return browned beef to the pot
Mix gently
Allow beef to warm through
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into warm bowls
Top with
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions
Crispy bacon bits
Tips for Thick and Hearty Potato & Hamburger Soup
Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup base.
Master Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
Boost Flavor Depth: Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth after cooking ground beef to capture all the delicious browned meat bits and enhance overall taste.
Control Soup Consistency: Add more broth gradually if the soup becomes too thick, or let it simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken the liquid.
Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version, or use ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative.
How to Store and Reheat Potato & Hamburger Soup
Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed.
For individual servings, reheat in microwave-safe dishes, stirring midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Check temperature to ensure soup is steaming hot throughout before serving.
What Tastes Great with Potato & Hamburger Soup
A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir balances the hearty soup's richness, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the beef's deep flavors.
Rustic sourdough or a warm garlic baguette perfectly soak up the soup's creamy broth, providing delightful textural contrast and additional comfort.
A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a bright, light counterpoint to the soup's dense and creamy profile, refreshing the palate between spoonfuls.
A malty amber ale or brown ale complements the soup's meaty undertones, providing a smooth, complementary drinking experience that matches the dish's warm, satisfying character.
Fun Additions for Potato & Hamburger Soup
Veggie Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and hearty texture.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy soup consistency.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap butter for olive oil to create a lactose-free alternative.
Lean Protein Modification: Select ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to lower fat content and create a lighter soup profile.
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Potato & Hamburger Soup, blending rich ground beef with tender potatoes in a velvety broth. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a satisfying meal for chilly evenings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Liquids and Seasonings:
3 cups chicken or beef broth
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Brown the hamburger meat in a spacious cooking vessel, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat, then transfer meat to a separate dish.
Return the same pot to the stovetop and melt butter, creating a glossy surface. Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, fragrant blend.
Sprinkle flour over the aromatic onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, thick base that will serve as the soup’s thickening agent.
Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent texture develops.
Add diced potatoes to the liquid mixture, allowing them to simmer gently until they reach a tender, almost creamy consistency.
Reintroduce the previously cooked hamburger to the pot, stirring to integrate the meat evenly throughout the soup.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs, adjusting flavors to create a harmonious and robust profile.
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
Before serving, garnish with shredded cheese and optional fresh chives, creating a visually appealing and deliciously rich meal.
Notes
Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base without compromising flavor.
Consider using a potato masher to create a slightly thicker texture, allowing some potatoes to break down and naturally thicken the soup.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add depth and complexity to the creamy soup.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative that still provides protein and satisfying texture.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.