Name: Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to soothe the soul on a chilly evening. With tender chunks of potato, hearty ground beef, and a rich, velvety broth, this recipe is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

I discovered this gem of a soup on a cold winter day when I needed something quick and hearty to warm up my family. One bite, and we were hooked – it's now our go-to recipe whenever we need a little extra coziness. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this delicious, easy-to-make soup. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.

First and foremost, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a wholesome dinner on the table in no time. Perfect for those busy nights when you’re juggling a hundred things.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal. Using simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone dinner but light enough to pair with a salad or crusty bread.

Best of all, this soup is ultra-comforting and versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for endless variations. Trust me, this is one recipe you'll come back to time and time again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create the perfect flavor harmony.

Ground beef: The star of the dish! Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. Feel free to swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work wonderfully here, as they break down slightly while cooking, creating a creamy texture. Yukon Golds are another excellent choice for a buttery flavor.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base of the soup, infusing every bite with a savory depth.
Chicken or beef broth: Use a high-quality broth for the most flavorful results. Low-sodium options let you control the saltiness of the final dish.
Heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! Heavy cream adds that luscious, velvety finish that makes this soup irresistible. Half-and-half can work in a pinch.
Cheddar cheese: Adding shredded cheddar cheese takes this soup to the next level. Go for a sharp variety to balance the richness of the cream.

No special equipment is needed – just a large pot, a good knife, and a wooden spoon.

How to Make This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, and the end result is worth every step. Here’s how to do it:

Start with the beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Build the flavor base
In the same pot, add a bit of butter and toss in your diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the potatoes and broth
Return the beef to the pot, then stir in diced potatoes and your broth of choice. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Create the creamy finish
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, letting the cheese melt fully into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese. Serve with warm bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

This soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. The result is a creamy, hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Note: the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Switch up the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well as substitutes for ground beef.
Add extra veggies: Toss in carrots, celery, or corn for added nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Go dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheddar for a cheesy flavor.
Make it thicker: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream.

Experimenting is part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to try new combinations.

Creamy, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try tonight – I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!