Creamy Potato And Hamburger Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a hearty, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out, especially on chilly days when you need comfort food at its best. Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is a perfect example of this kind of food. It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavors that make each spoonful feel like a cozy hug. This recipe is a go-to when you want a meal that’s both filling and delicious, and it can be whipped up with simple ingredients most people have on hand.

What’s great about this soup is that it balances textures and flavors beautifully. You’ve got the creamy, velvety potato base, the savory depth of hamburger, and the occasional pop of herbs and vegetables that keep the soup from feeling too heavy. It’s a comfort food that feels like home, no matter where you’re from.

Creamy Potato And Hamburger Soup Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and depth of flavor. It combines a few basic ingredients into something that feels luxurious but doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinner parties, or any time you just want something warm and delicious. The beauty of this soup is that you can make it in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Here’s The Breakdown

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list is straightforward, with a few key items that make the soup so rich and comforting.

• Ground beef (hamburger) – 1 lb (you can use lean or regular depending on your preference)
• Potatoes – 4 medium-sized (russet or Yukon Gold work well, peeled and diced)
• Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
• Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery – 2 stalks, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth – 4 cups (you can use chicken or vegetable broth as well for a different twist)
• Milk – 2 cups (whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can use a lower-fat option if you prefer)
• Heavy cream – 1 cup (this makes the soup extra creamy, but you can skip it for a lighter version)
• Flour – 2 tbsp (to thicken the soup)
• Butter – 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper – To taste (season generously!)
• Dried thyme – 1 tsp (optional, but it adds a nice herby depth)
• Chopped parsley – For garnish (optional, but adds a pop of freshness)

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this creamy and flavorful soup from start to finish.

1. Cook The Ground Beef

   • Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Make The Soup Base

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine. This will help thicken the soup later. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
   • Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Add The Potatoes

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Add The Dairy

   • Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.

6. Season The Soup

   • Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste. If you like a little extra seasoning, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder at this point.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in creating its final comforting result. Here’s a closer look at why they’re essential:

• Ground Beef: This adds the savory, meaty richness that makes this soup so filling. You can use a leaner cut if you’re looking to cut down on fat, but a bit of fat in the beef enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are the star of this dish. Not only do they give the soup a creamy texture, but they also absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings, making every bite even more satisfying.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: These ingredients are the key to the soup’s creamy consistency. Whole milk creates a smooth, comforting base, while the heavy cream adds that silky, luxurious texture.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth provides the deep, savory foundation that balances out the richness of the cream. It brings a hearty, satisfying flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These vegetables add both flavor and texture. They’re classic additions in many soups and stews for a reason-each one contributes its own subtle sweetness and depth.

Expert Tips

• Brown the Meat Well: When cooking the ground beef, make sure it gets nice and brown. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that makes the soup taste richer and more developed.
• Simmer the Soup Gently: Once the potatoes are in, let the soup simmer slowly. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together without overcooking the potatoes or vegetables.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or milk. If you want a creamier, thicker version, reduce the amount of liquid or add a bit more flour during the sautéing stage.
• Add Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top of the soup adds even more flavor. Stir it in for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Make it Ahead: Soups like this one often taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of this soup is already pretty perfect, there are plenty of ways to mix it up to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat or just add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. You could also use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables. This adds a nice spicy contrast to the creamy base.
• Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in some grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy potato soup version. You can also top each serving with extra cheese for a cheesy, melty layer.
• Bacon Lovers: If you love bacon, try adding crispy bacon bits on top of the soup. Bacon’s smoky flavor adds a delicious twist.

Final Words

This Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is everything you want in a comfort food: filling, hearty, and full of rich, creamy goodness. It’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more, especially on days when you need a little extra warmth in your life. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a bowl by yourself, this soup satisfies in all the right ways.