If you are searching for a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup brings together tender potatoes, savory browned hamburger, and a luscious creamy base that will satisfy every craving for rich, hearty flavors. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures and taste, making it a wonderful option for chilly evenings or anytime you need a meal that warms both body and soul. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the soup’s irresistible taste, creamy texture, and inviting aroma.
- 1 pound ground hamburger meat: The hearty protein base that adds savory depth and satisfying chew.
- 4 medium potatoes: Cubed for comforting softness and body in every bite.
- 1 medium onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic: For a punch of fragrant flavor and warmth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base that brings everything together.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and lightness without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the soup’s luxurious texture, making it velvety smooth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Lends gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a lovely herbal note that brightens the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables with a hint of fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the flavor base.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the soup and achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for cheesy indulgence and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Freshens and brightens the look and taste right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Hamburger
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering. Brown the ground hamburger meat, breaking it into small chunks as it cooks. This step creates a savory crust that builds flavor and seals in the meat’s juices. Once cooked through, remove the meat and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir just for a minute to release those lush, garlicky aromas without burning them. These aromatics create a flavorful base that infuses the entire soup.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth so the potatoes are fully covered. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently until the potatoes become fork-tender—this usually takes around 10 minutes. This step is critical for ensuring the potatoes become the perfect soft, comforting bite in the soup.
Step 4: Return Hamburger and Thicken the Soup
Put the browned hamburger meat back into the pot with the simmering potatoes. Next, whisk together the flour with a bit of the hot liquid from the pot until smooth, then slowly stir this slurry back in. Adding flour like this thickens the soup without lumps, creating the dreamy creamy texture that makes this Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe so special.
Step 5: Incorporate Dairy and Season
Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all components evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to layer in flavor and add warming herbal hints. Letting the soup simmer a few more minutes helps it thicken to luscious perfection and marry all the delicious ingredients.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Finally, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup, enriching it with cheesy comfort and a hint of sharpness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—this soup is all about balancing those warm, creamy, and savory notes just right.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the soup is perfectly thickened and flavorful, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and refreshing bite.
How to Serve Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright touch, but you could also try crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or even chopped green onions for extra texture and flavor that complements the creamy soup base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cheesy garlic toast to soak up every last bite. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also make excellent companions for a well-rounded meal that feels both hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and edible container, or top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and a few chili flakes if you want a bit of spice. Bringing bowls to the table garnished with fresh herbs creates an inviting presentation that will impress family or guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup tends to thicken as it cools, so expect a slightly firmer texture when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that potatoes sometimes soften a bit after freezing and thawing. For best results, cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to restore the creamy texture. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth if the soup feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives, though they may have a milder flavor. Just brown them similarly and proceed with the recipe for a delicious twist.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe includes all-purpose flour as a thickener, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, omit the hamburger meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to provide extra texture and protein.
How can I make the soup less creamy?
Simply reduce or omit the heavy cream and adjust with more broth or milk to your preferred consistency. The soup will still be flavorful but lighter on the palate.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic and melts well, giving the perfect sharp and creamy finish. However, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a warm bowl of this Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s perfect for gathering around the table, sharing with loved ones, and savoring every hearty, delicious bite. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or looking for a new favorite, this recipe offers comfort, richness, and a touch of home in every spoonful. Give it a try and let it become your go-to dish for cozy meals ahead!
Print
Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. It features tender potatoes, savory ground hamburger meat, and a rich, creamy broth enhanced with cheddar cheese and aromatic seasonings. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this soup offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that will warm you up on any chilly day.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground hamburger meat
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Others
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat fat: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil and tablespoon of butter to melt and blend the fats.
- Cook ground meat: Add the ground hamburger meat to the pot and break it into smaller pieces as it cooks for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove cooked meat: Use a slotted spoon to remove the hamburger meat from the pot and set it aside for later.
- Prepare vegetables: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, taking care to avoid burning.
- Add potatoes: Incorporate the cubed potatoes and stir them to coat in the onion and garlic flavors.
- Add broth and boil: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer potatoes: Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced.
- Return meat: Add the cooked hamburger meat back into the pot with the simmering potatoes.
- Make slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with a small amount of hot broth from the pot until smooth.
- Thicken soup: Slowly stir the flour slurry back into the soup to avoid lumps.
- Add dairy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream until fully combined.
- Season soup: Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, stirring to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Simmer and thicken: Continue to simmer the soup on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup, enhancing its creaminess and flavor.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed, such as salt, pepper, or paprika, to suit your preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove the soup from heat once the desired consistency and flavor are reached.
- Garnish and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for a creamier texture or Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor.
- For extra flavor, sauté the ground hamburger meat with a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder before removing it from the pot.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- If the soup thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it when reheating.
