This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending hearty potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is simple to make and offers a rich, satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: A wholesome meal in a bowl, combining protein-packed ground beef and tender potatoes.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite add-ins or spices.
- Comforting Flavor: Creamy and rich, it’s the perfect way to warm up.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Chicken or beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Cheese, fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, whisk flour into heavy cream until smooth. Slowly add the mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to thicken the soup.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor boost.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top for added crunch and smokiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit entirely, and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Additional Veggies: Mix in corn, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work well as substitutes for ground beef.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat or almond milk.
3. How do I thicken the soup without flour?
Use cornstarch or mashed potatoes as a thickening agent.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a slightly different flavor and a touch of sweetness.
5. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
6. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or fresh thyme for more depth.
7. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the ground beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
8. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold up well in soups.
9. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors meld beautifully when made ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
10. What toppings go well with this soup?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon bits make excellent toppings.
Conclusion
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this versatile recipe today and savor the warmth in every bite!
PrintCreamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
This hearty and creamy potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and sure to be a family favorite.
- 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 (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. - Add Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Make the Cream Base:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of milk to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the soup. Add the remaining milk and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly. - Add Ground Beef:
Stir the cooked ground beef back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. - Add Potatoes and Broth:
Stir in the diced potatoes, broth, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. - Make the Cream Base:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of milk to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the soup. Add the remaining milk and heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly. - Add Ground Beef:
Stir the cooked ground beef back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!