There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty, comforting dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety broth that's bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings while keeping things simple.
I discovered this recipe while searching for a budget-friendly dinner that could feed a crowd. What started as a weeknight experiment quickly became a family favorite, cherished for its rich flavor and easy preparation. Let’s dive into the details of why this soup deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's as comforting as it is convenient. Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that you can make without breaking a sweat.
First off, this soup is a breeze to make. With just a few basic ingredients and one pot, you can have a hearty dinner ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want something delicious but low-effort.
Next, this soup is a budget hero. Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples that pack a ton of flavor, making it easy to whip up a hearty meal without overspending.
It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, add seasonal vegetables, or adjust the spice level to match your family’s preferences.
Finally, it’s pure comfort food. The creamy broth, tender chunks of potatoes, and savory beef combine to create a rich and satisfying flavor that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Ground beef forms the base of this recipe, bringing a savory richness to the soup. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Potatoes are the heart of this dish. Russet potatoes work best because they break down slightly during cooking, giving the soup its thick, creamy texture. If you prefer chunkier potatoes, Yukon Gold is a great alternative.
Onions and garlic add depth to the flavor. Dice the onion finely so it melds into the soup, and don’t skimp on the garlic – it brings a warm, aromatic quality to the dish.
Chicken broth and heavy cream are what make the soup creamy and luxurious. The broth provides a flavorful base, while the cream adds a smooth, velvety finish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the soup may be slightly less rich.
A handful of shredded cheddar cheese takes this soup to the next level. Stir it in at the end for a cheesy, melty touch that brings everything together.
For equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a good stirring spoon, and a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables.
How To Make This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Making this soup is as simple as it gets, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks, and season with salt and pepper. Once it’s browned and fully cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add a drizzle of oil if needed, then sauté the onion until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Next, stir in the potatoes, making sure they’re evenly coated in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender – about 15-20 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, return the ground beef to the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it heat through. For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cheese, chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
This whole process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Storage Options
This soup stores beautifully, so it’s a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
In the fridge, Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above. Note that the cream may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring it well while reheating will bring it back together.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are some ideas to make it your own.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of chopped carrots or celery for extra veggies and a pop of color.
- For a spicier version, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed twist.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.
No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Experiment with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness in every bite.
PrintCreamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy potato & hamburger soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish loaded with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, satisfying dinner, this one-pot soup is simple to make and brimming with deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, cooked ground beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with more heavy cream.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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