There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to chase away the chill on a brisk day. This hearty, comforting dish blends tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first discovered this recipe during a snowy weekend when all I had in the pantry were a few humble staples. What began as a "use-what-you-have" meal quickly became a family favorite. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore why this soup will become your go-to comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation! Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is more than just delicious – it’s an absolute lifesaver for busy days.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple steps and minimal prep, you can have this comforting soup simmering on your stove in no time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.

It’s budget-friendly too! Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, this recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds.

And let’s not forget its crowd-pleasing appeal. This soup has something for everyone, from the creamy, rich broth to the hearty bites of beef and potato. Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.

Finally, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion. Serve it as a standalone meal with some crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh salad for a more complete dinner. Either way, you’ll have a recipe that impresses every time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor.

Ground beef is the heart of this soup, providing a savory, meaty base. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and richness. If you prefer, you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken.

Potatoes give the soup its hearty texture. Russets are my go-to choice because they break down slightly during cooking, thickening the soup naturally. For a firmer bite, Yukon Golds are a great alternative.

The creamy base comes from a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth. This duo creates a luscious consistency without overpowering the other flavors. You can substitute half-and-half if you’re looking to cut down on calories.

Adding onions and garlic infuses the soup with aromatic depth. Sautéing them until golden unlocks their sweetness, enhancing every bite.

Lastly, a touch of cheddar cheese brings everything together with a delightful tang. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

No special equipment is needed, just a large soup pot and a wooden spoon for stirring. It’s that simple!

How To Make This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Creating this cozy soup is straightforward and satisfying. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned and no longer pink, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add a drizzle of oil if needed and sauté the onions until they turn translucent and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the peeled and diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Once the potatoes are done, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of them directly in the pot. This step thickens the soup naturally while leaving plenty of hearty chunks.

Return the browned ground beef to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the flavors meld beautifully. For a final touch, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a rich, velvety finish.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for garnish. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes for a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

If you’d like to freeze it, leave out the heavy cream and cheese before storing. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Stir in the cream and cheese once it’s warmed through.

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or corn for added color and nutrition.
Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or pepper jack to create new flavor profiles.
Low-Carb: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets to make it keto-friendly.

No matter how you tweak it, this soup is a guaranteed hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative – you might just stumble upon your family’s new favorite version!

From its creamy texture to its soul-warming flavors, Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a dish that brings comfort and joy to every table.