Picture this: a chilly evening, the wind gently rattling the windows, and you’re cozied up with a warm bowl of creamy hamburger potato soup. The savory aroma of sizzling beef mingling with the earthy sweetness of potatoes and the rich creaminess of the broth—it’s pure magic. The first time I made this soup, I was searching for something hearty and comforting to warm up my family after a day of playing in the snow. Let me tell you, this soup was love at first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you up like a blanket and makes you forget about the cold outside. My kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and even my husband, who’s not a big soup guy, was scraping his bowl clean. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Honestly, I wish I’d discovered this recipe years ago. It’s so easy to make and uses simple, affordable ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, creamy hamburger potato soup is always a hit. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze? If you’ve been searching for a soup that’s equal parts cozy and delicious, this is it. Bookmark it now, because you’re going to want this as a staple in your home cooking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need comfort food fast.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—everything is likely already in your fridge or pantry!
- Ultimate Comfort: Creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety broth—it’s comfort in every spoonful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will love this flavor-packed soup.
- Versatile: Customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s easy to adapt for gluten-free diets or even use plant-based meat alternatives.
What really sets this recipe apart is the way the flavors come together. The ground beef gives it a hearty, satisfying base, while the potatoes turn perfectly tender, soaking up all the creamy goodness. It’s not just another soup—it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings, casual get-togethers, or even a soul-warming lunch. And the best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to make it. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your family and friends.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This creamy hamburger potato soup is the definition of simple comfort food. These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: 1 pound, lean (I like 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and richness).
- Potatoes: 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced (you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture).
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely diced (adds a nice sweetness).
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (for color and natural sweetness).
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (adds crunch and depth).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing and adding richness).
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (to thicken the soup).
- Chicken or beef broth: 4 cups (I prefer low-sodium to control the salt levels).
- Milk: 2 cups, whole or 2% (for creaminess; you can use a non-dairy alternative).
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp cheddar works best for flavor).
- Salt and pepper: To taste (start small, and adjust as needed).
- Optional toppings: Chopped parsley, bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions.
Feel free to make substitutions based on your preferences! Sweet potatoes can replace russets for a twist, or you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. This recipe is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Equipment Needed
One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works great to cook the soup evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping your vegetables.
- Peeler: To peel your potatoes and carrots (or you can skip peeling for an extra rustic touch).
- Ladle: Because serving soup is so much easier with the right tool.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, no worries—a regular stockpot works just as well. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. And if you’re using a wooden spoon, don’t forget to clean it thoroughly after cooking for longevity.
Preparation Method

- Heat your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the ground beef to the empty space and break it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to combine it with the vegetables. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the soup later.
- Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Lower the heat to medium and slowly add the milk, stirring continuously. Be careful not to let the soup come to a boil, as milk can curdle.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start small, and add more if needed—everyone’s palate is different!
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like chopped parsley, bacon bits, or more shredded cheese. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your creamy hamburger potato soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the ground beef properly—it’s where a lot of the flavor comes from.
- Cut your vegetables evenly: This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate. Nobody wants a crunchy potato in their soup!
- Keep an eye on the milk: Once you add the milk, don’t let the soup boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- Adjust the thickness: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a splash of broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
And here’s a little trick I’ve learned: if you want an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. But honestly, I love the chunky texture—it feels more rustic and homey.
Variations & Adaptations
One of the reasons I love this creamy hamburger potato soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Low-carb option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheese swap: Use Gruyère or smoked gouda for a unique flavor twist instead of cheddar.
- Seasonal twist: Toss in some corn kernels during summer or roasted sweet potato cubes in the fall for a seasonal flair.
When I’m feeling adventurous, I like to add a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to experiment—this soup is very forgiving!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Creamy hamburger potato soup is best served piping hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings—think crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of chopped green onions. Pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or even just a cozy blanket and your favorite show!
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use the microwave—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of creamy hamburger potato soup:
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
This soup is a great source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals from potatoes, carrots, and celery. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, while carrots provide beta-carotene for healthy eyesight. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can use lean ground turkey or skip the cheese for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that this is meant to be a comforting treat, so enjoy it guilt-free!
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, creamy hamburger potato soup is it. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and ease of preparation, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or bringing the family together for dinner, this soup has a way of making everything feel a little brighter.
When you do make this creamy hamburger potato soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try any fun twists? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Can I freeze creamy hamburger potato soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use a different type of meat?
You sure can! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in place of beef. You can even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best type of potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are my go-to because they’re starchy and break down nicely for a creamy texture. For a slightly firmer bite, try Yukon Gold potatoes.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. It’ll still be creamy and delicious.
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Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe – Best Cozy Comfort
A hearty and comforting soup with creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety broth, perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, bacon bits, shredded cheese, or green onions
Instructions
- Heat your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the ground beef to the empty space and break it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to combine it with the vegetables. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps thicken the soup later.
- Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Lower the heat to medium and slowly add the milk, stirring continuously. Be careful not to let the soup come to a boil, as milk can curdle.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start small, and add more if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like chopped parsley, bacon bits, or more shredded cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
[‘Don’t rush the browning of the ground beef—it adds flavor.’, ‘Cut vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.’, ‘Avoid boiling the soup after adding milk to prevent curdling.’, ‘Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed.’, ‘Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: creamy hamburger potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, one-pot meal, family dinner, winter recipe, cozy soup, potato soup, ground beef soup



