Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of hearty soup, especially on a chilly day. The Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a soul-warming classic that blends rich flavors and simple ingredients to create a meal the whole family will love. This recipe combines the savory taste of seasoned ground beef, the heartiness of tender potatoes, and the creamy indulgence of melted cheddar cheese. It’s not just a soup — it’s a bowl of nostalgia that takes you back to home-cooked family dinners.
This recipe stands out because it is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With only 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in less than an hour. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples like potatoes, onions, and frozen veggies.
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is versatile and customizable. You can swap in ground turkey for ground beef or adjust the veggies to suit your family’s tastes. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutrient-packed, with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables. Topped with fresh parsley, each bowl looks as inviting as it tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, this soup is the answer. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking.
Why This Recipe is Perfect
This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why it deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Hearty, Filling, and Nutritious: With potatoes, ground beef, and veggies, every bowl is a well-balanced meal. The potatoes provide fiber and energy, the beef adds protein, and the carrots, peas, and corn pack in essential vitamins and minerals. It’s the perfect way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
- Quick and Easy: Sometimes, you just need a dinner that doesn’t take all day to prepare. With only 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a full meal ready in under an hour. Everything comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Win-win!
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The combination of milk and melted cheddar cheese creates a velvety texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent. The creamy consistency is reminiscent of a loaded baked potato soup, but with even more flavor from the ground beef and seasonings.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Add extra veggies like green beans or spinach for more nutrients. Prefer a thinner soup? Add more milk or broth.
- Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved: Kids love the creamy, cheesy taste, and parents appreciate the hidden veggies. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a family-friendly meal that satisfies everyone. It’s also an excellent option for potlucks or batch cooking, as it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
This soup hits all the marks: quick, hearty, customizable, and packed with flavor. It’s not just food — it’s comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. Be sure to gather your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smooth and efficient.
Vegetables
- 4 cups diced potatoes: The star of the soup, providing texture, heartiness, and a natural thickening effect as they cook. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well.
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet and juicy bites that add color, flavor, and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: A pop of color and a mild sweetness that balances the soup’s savory elements.
- 1/2 cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness, color, and texture to every bite.
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups beef broth: Serves as the flavorful base, adding depth and richness. Vegetable or chicken broth can be used if beef broth is unavailable.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting. You can use whole milk, 2%, or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup to create a creamy, cheesy finish. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy bite, but mild cheddar works too.
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness and herbaceous flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a hint of piney freshness that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for flavor balance. Adjust to taste as you go.
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to the finished dish.
Having everything prepped and measured before you start cooking will make the process much easier. This ingredient list offers simple, pantry-friendly items, but you can always customize it to suit your family’s taste.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly creamy and hearty bowl of Potato & Hamburger Soup.
- Prepare the Base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high.
- Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, using a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy soup.
- Build the Flavor
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in the 4 cups of diced potatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Veggies
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the 1/2 cup of frozen corn, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, and 1/2 cup of diced carrots.
- Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through and tender.
- Make It Creamy
- Pour in the 2 cups of milk and stir gently to combine.
- Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a splash of extra milk or broth at this stage.
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh side salad.
This method ensures a rich, creamy soup with perfectly cooked potatoes and flavorful beef in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but cozy and delicious enough for special occasions. Reheat leftovers on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy, affordable, and oh-so-satisfying. Try it once, and you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation!
Step 4: Instructions
Follow these detailed step-by-step instructions to make a creamy, hearty bowl of Potato & Hamburger Soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat the Pot: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Drain the Fat: Remove excess fat to prevent the soup from being too greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Cook for 2-3 Minutes: Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet, savory aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add 4 cups of diced potatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
- Add Corn, Peas, and Carrots: Stir in 1/2 cup frozen corn, 1/2 cup frozen peas, and 1/2 cup diced carrots.
- Simmer for 5-7 Minutes: Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Add Milk and Cheese: Pour in 2 cups of milk and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted, creating a creamy, luscious broth.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Step 5: Equipment Needed
Here’s the essential kitchen equipment you’ll need to make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup with ease:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is essential for even cooking. It allows you to sauté, simmer, and finish the soup in one pot. A 6-quart capacity is ideal for this recipe.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- A wooden spoon is perfect for breaking up ground beef as it cooks and stirring the soup. It’s gentle on the surface of your pot and sturdy enough for thick soups.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Use a sharp knife to dice the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. Precise cuts ensure even cooking for each ingredient.
- Cutting Board
- A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is essential for prepping vegetables and chopping herbs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Accurate measurements make a difference in the soup’s texture and flavor. Use measuring cups for liquids (milk, broth) and spoons for seasonings.
- Ladle
- A ladle makes it easy to serve the soup into bowls while ensuring you get a perfect balance of beef, potatoes, and broth.
- Colander (Optional)
- If you prefer to drain fat from the ground beef, a colander is helpful. Simply pour the cooked beef into the colander and let the fat drain away.
- Grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
- If you’re using a block of cheddar, a cheese grater will let you achieve that fresh, melty texture.
These essential tools make the cooking process smooth, efficient, and mess-free.
Step 6: Tips, Swaps, and Variations
Here are some pro tips and ideas for customizing this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
Tips for Success
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Dice potatoes to the same size for even cooking. Smaller cubes cook faster, while larger cubes give heartier bites.
- Melt Cheese Gradually: Add cheese in small batches and stir constantly to prevent clumping or curdling.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Add the corn, peas, and carrots near the end of cooking to keep them from getting mushy.
- Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork before adding the milk. For a thinner soup, add extra broth or milk.
Ingredient Swaps
- Ground Meat: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
- Milk Alternatives: Use heavy cream for extra richness or unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cheese Swap: Swap cheddar for pepper jack (for spice) or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Flavor Variations
- Loaded Potato Twist: Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives for a vibrant, fresh taste.
These tips, swaps, and variations let you make the recipe your own, ensuring a perfect bowl every time.
Step 7: Storage and Pairings
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave space for expansion.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra milk if it thickens.
Pairing Suggestions
- Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks to soak up the creamy broth.
- Salads: Pair with a crisp side salad with vinaigrette for freshness.
- Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or ham-and-cheese sandwiches pair perfectly with a bowl of this soup.
- Toppings: Top with crispy bacon, fresh chives, or croutons for a delicious twist.
These storage and pairing tips make this soup perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Step 8: FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use other ground meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work just as well. For a healthier option, try ground turkey.
3. How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Add the milk gradually and at a lower heat to avoid curdling. You can also temper the milk by warming it before adding it to the soup.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes in the pot with a fork. This releases natural starches, creating a thicker broth.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef, onions, and garlic first, then add everything (except milk and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add milk and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Use a larger pot to ensure it doesn’t overflow.
These FAQs cover everything you need to know, so you’ll never be caught off guard while making this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.
This complete guide covers every step, tool, and technique you need for a flawless Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe guarantees a cozy, flavorful meal the whole family will love. Enjoy!
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Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients