Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Hearty comfort meets pure magic in this creamy potato & hamburger soup that promises pure warmth on chilly nights.

Cold evenings beg for rich, satisfying meals packed with incredible flavor.

Tender potatoes mingle beautifully with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a bowl of pure happiness.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through each spoonful, bringing nostalgic comfort.

We crafted this recipe to deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Simple, wholesome components come together in one pot for a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Grab a ladle and treat yourself to something seriously delicious.

You’ll want seconds – guaranteed.

Why Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe Feels Like Home

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: This hearty soup comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible ingredients, allowing home cooks to swap or add vegetables, adjust cheese types, or make it more or less creamy based on personal preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option that everyone will love.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps mean less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, warming meal together.

What’s In Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source with deep meaty flavor, lean cuts recommended for less grease.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds creamy richness and tangy depth to the soup.
Vegetable Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders providing savory foundation, fresh ingredients preferred.
  • Green Onions/Parsley: Fresh garnish with bright color and mild herb notes, optional but recommended.
Liquid and Creamy Components:
  • Beef Broth: Foundational liquid that carries soup's flavor, low-sodium version allows better seasoning control.
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, velvety texture, whole milk ensures richest consistency.
  • Butter: Provides subtle richness and helps sauté vegetables.
Seasoning and Thickeners:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.
  • Smoked Paprika, Thyme: Adds complex, warm undertones to soup's flavor profile.
  • Flour: Natural thickening agent that helps create soup's perfect consistency.

How To Cook Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a spacious pot, sizzle ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color. Carefully drain away excess fat, setting the beef aside for later magic.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Melt butter in the same pot, creating a silky base. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance and vegetables soften beautifully.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Introduce these flavor heroes to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Smoked paprika
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pour in broth and bring to a lively boil. Reduce heat, letting ingredients dance together for 10-15 minutes until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

Step 4: Create Creamy Perfection

Whisk flour with milk in a separate bowl until smooth. Gently blend this magical mixture into the soup. Pour in remaining milk and heavy cream, stirring until the soup transforms into a luxurious, velvety masterpiece.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth embrace. Return browned beef to the pot, allowing everything to simmer and meld flavors for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle this comforting soup into bowls. Shower with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh parsley

Pair with crusty bread or crispy crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips For Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
  • Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
  • Smooth Cream Technique: Whisk flour and milk separately before adding to prevent lumps, creating a silky, perfectly thickened soup consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without separation.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt levels to control overall sodium content, making the soup more diet-friendly.

How To Keep Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
  • Consume within 3-4 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.
  • When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency and prevent thickening.
  • Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, making sure to leave some space at the top for expansion.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can break down the creamy texture and separate the ingredients.
  • Pro tip: Keep cheese and cream-based soups in the coldest part of your refrigerator to extend their shelf life and preserve their delicious taste.

What Goes Well With Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Complement the hearty beef and creamy potato soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, which cuts through the richness and enhances the meaty flavors.
  • Crunch with Artisan Bread Combo: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to provide a delightful textural contrast and help soak up the creamy soup base.
  • Brighten with Fresh Green Salad: Balance the soup's richness by serving a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, adding freshness and cutting through the creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Sharp Cheddar Biscuits: Prepare small cheddar biscuits as a side, echoing the cheese in the soup while providing an extra layer of cheesy, buttery goodness.

Tweak Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe With These Ideas

  • Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder, add diced green chilies, and top with jalapeño slices for a zesty kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
  • Vegetarian Potato Harvest Soup: Substitute ground beef with mushroom medley or lentils. Incorporate roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for added depth. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Greek-Inspired Potato Medley: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, add oregano and diced lamb instead of beef. Garnish with kalamata olives and fresh mint leaves for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Loaded Bacon Potato Soup: Crisp up bacon pieces and sprinkle on top. Include sour cream dollop and additional shredded cheese. Stir in cooked bacon bits directly into the soup for extra smoky richness.

Your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe Questions

  • What makes this potato and hamburger soup unique compared to other soups?

The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy cheese base creates a hearty, comforting meal that’s more substantial than traditional soups. The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor that sets it apart from standard potato soups.

  • Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken works great as alternatives to beef. You can also use lean ground beef for a lighter version of the soup while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the soup provides a good balance of protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and calcium from the cheese. The vegetables and broth add essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nourishing.

  • How can I make this soup more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cuts of ground beef, buy potatoes when they’re on sale, and opt for store-brand cheese. You can also stretch the recipe by adding more potatoes or using slightly less meat without compromising the soup’s overall taste and texture.

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Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Midwestern Potato & Hamburger Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich ground beef with silky potato goodness. Warm spices and tender vegetables create a satisfying meal that will keep hunger at bay through winter’s coldest days.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken or beef broth

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fire up a spacious cooking vessel and sear the ground beef over moderate heat until perfectly browned. Eliminate excess fat, transferring the meat to a temporary holding area.
  2. Without cleaning the pot, melt butter and introduce diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Incorporate cubed potatoes into the pot along with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth, escalating the temperature to achieve a rolling boil.
  4. Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Tenderly cook potatoes until they reach a soft, yielding consistency, approximately 12-15 minutes.
  5. Create a smooth thickening agent by whisking flour with a portion of milk in a separate vessel. Pour this silky mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously.
  6. Introduce remaining milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the soup’s landscape.
  8. Reintroduce the reserved ground beef, allowing it to warm through and meld with the creamy base for an additional 4-5 minutes.
  9. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finish.
  10. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beef broth and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-conscious individuals.
  • Enhance dairy-free adaptations by substituting milk and cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, maintaining creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding chopped carrots or celery during the onion sautéing stage, increasing nutritional value and creating more complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 497
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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