Fall Special Hamburger Potato Soup

Hamburger potato soup is a hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying comfort dish that combines two favorites ground beef and potatoes into one delicious bowl. The soup is thick enough to feel like a meal but smooth enough to enjoy with a spoon, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need something warm and filling. The flavor starts with well-browned hamburger meat, cooked until slightly caramelized for that deep, savory base. The potatoes absorb the beefy broth and release their natural starches, creating a silky, thickened texture without needing heavy cream. Each spoonful carries a balance of tender vegetables, soft potatoes, and flavorful meat, making it both rustic and refined at the same time.

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This recipe is beloved because it’s practical, affordable, and endlessly customizable. It takes the humble ingredients most households already have ground beef, potatoes, onions, and broth and transforms them into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Home cooks appreciate it for its one-pot simplicity, while professional chefs admire its perfect layering of flavor and texture. Whether you’re simmering it in a pot on the stove or letting it cook slowly in a crockpot, hamburger potato soup delivers comfort with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: This creamy hamburger potato soup is rich, savory, and filling everything you want from homemade comfort food.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, yet tastes like it simmered all day.
Customizable: You can make it with ground beef, brisket, or leftover roast. Each variation adds its own character.
Crockpot Friendly: Perfect for slow cooking just set it in the morning and come home to a creamy, ready-to-eat dinner.
Thick and Creamy Without Heavy Cream: The natural starch from potatoes creates a velvety base without needing extra thickeners.
Great for Families: Kids and adults both love the mild, savory flavor and hearty texture.
Budget-Friendly: A few inexpensive ingredients stretch into a full pot that feeds several people generously.
Ideal for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes (or 6–7 hours in a crockpot)
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty bowls

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium russet potatoes)
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 cups beef broth (or potato soup with beef broth)
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp dried parsley

Substitution Notes

Substitute ground beef with cooked brisket or leftover roast for a brisket potato soup variation.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
Substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer, creamier finish.
Add celery or peas for extra vegetables.
For a crockpot soup with potatoes, combine all ingredients except milk and cheese at the start, then stir in dairy at the end of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Allow some bits to caramelize against the pan; this adds depth and a slight roasted flavor that forms the base of your hamburger potato soup. Once browned, remove any excess grease but leave a small amount for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of the soup. The caramelized bits from the beef mix with the onion juices, creating a rich, savory aroma.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning. This ensures every bite of your soup is well-balanced and flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. The broth should start to thicken slightly as the potatoes release starch, creating a creamy base.

Step 5: Make a Quick Roux

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. This forms a smooth roux that helps thicken the soup. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy, then pour this mixture into the soup pot.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Adjust Consistency

Add shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted. The soup will become thick and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your preferred texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Finish and Rest

Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend fully. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This short resting period ensures a velvety consistency.

How to Serve

Classic Bowl Presentation: Serve hot in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a pinch of parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.
With Bread: Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
Comfort Style: Add a small dollop of sour cream or drizzle of cream on top for a silky finish.
Balanced Meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Family Table Setting: For casual dinners, ladle it into soup mugs and serve with warm biscuits or cornbread.

Additional Tips

Cut potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook uniformly.
Brown the beef properly; a little caramelization brings a lot of flavor depth.
Use freshly shredded cheese it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
If making crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup, brown the beef first before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent greasiness.
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
Always taste before serving and adjust salt potatoes can dull seasoning as they cook.
If the soup thickens too much after cooling, loosen it with a splash of warm milk or broth before reheating.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Add 1 to 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup after turning off the heat. Stir until smooth and creamy. The cheese adds richness and a velvety finish that kids and adults love. For extra depth, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
Combine all ingredients except the cream and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir in cream and cheese just before serving. This variation is ideal for busy days and gives the soup a slow-cooked flavor that’s comforting and hearty.
Brisket Potato Soup
Replace ground beef with leftover shredded brisket. The smoky flavor of brisket brings a deeper, more complex taste, making it perfect for chilly nights. It’s a great way to use up barbecue leftovers while keeping the meal warm and filling.
Vegetable-Packed Hamburger Potato Soup
Add chopped carrots, celery, corn, and green beans for a more nutritious version. The vegetables add color, texture, and balance to the creamy base, making it taste like a hearty stew that’s both comforting and wholesome.
Spicy Potato Soup With Beef Broth
For a little kick, use a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce. Substitute some of the beef broth with spicy tomato juice or Rotel tomatoes. This variation gives your hamburger potato soup a bolder flavor while keeping the creamy consistency intact.
Low-Fat Version
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can also skip the cheese or use a light version to cut calories while still enjoying the cozy, creamy texture.
Grandma’s Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Style
For that old-fashioned, nostalgic touch, add a pinch of dried thyme, a bay leaf, and a splash of evaporated milk. It recreates the traditional flavors of grandma’s kitchen, giving the soup a comforting, homestyle character.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent separation.
Avoid Boiling: When reheating creamy soups, keep heat low to maintain smooth texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 370
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Calcium: 160 mg

Final Words

Hamburger potato soup is the kind of meal that reminds you how powerful simple ingredients can be. Ground beef, potatoes, and broth come together to form something deeply comforting and satisfying. It’s a recipe that feels like home warm, hearty, and nourishing. Whether you prepare it on the stove or as a crockpot hamburger potato soup, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort with every spoonful.

This dish also celebrates resourcefulness. You can turn inexpensive pantry staples into a family-favorite dinner that feels complete on its own. The combination of tender potatoes and flavorful meat, balanced by a creamy, velvety base, makes it ideal for all ages and occasions. Once you make it, you’ll understand why recipes like grandmas creamy potato and hamburger soup remain timeless. They’re simple, filling, and endlessly adaptable proof that good cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

So next time you crave something hearty, skip the takeout and make a pot of hamburger potato soup at home. It’s cozy, delicious, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.

FAQ’s

Yes, brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients (except milk and cheese) to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in dairy at the end for creaminess.

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best they soften nicely while keeping shape and give the soup a creamy texture.

Yes, let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. Reheat over low heat after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version with less fat.

Add more mashed potatoes, extra cheese, or a bit more flour in the roux for a thicker consistency.

Yes, shredded brisket gives it a smoky, rich flavor and turns it into a comforting brisket potato soup.

Crusty bread, garlic toast, cornbread, or a crisp salad complement this hearty soup beautifully.

Yes, evaporated milk gives a creamier texture and slightly richer flavor.