Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

The creamy texture of this potato and hamburger soup is what truly makes it stand out. As the potatoes cook, they soften and break down slightly, creating a velvety base that hugs each spoonful. The hamburger adds a hearty richness, and the flavors meld together as they simmer, creating that comforting depth we all crave on a chilly evening. I love how the creamy broth fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma—it’s the kind of smell that wraps you in a cozy blanket and just makes everything feel right.

What really makes this soup a winner, though, is how customizable it is. Want a little extra kick? A dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes can add the perfect level of heat. For those who enjoy a bit more texture, you can leave some of the potatoes slightly chunkier, adding a bite to each spoonful. And for the ultimate indulgence, top your bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream—you’ll be amazed at how it takes the soup to the next level.

Each time I make this soup, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re sitting down for a quick weeknight meal or serving it up at a gathering with friends. The best part? It only gets better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle. It’s the perfect recipe for leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any!

Key Ingredients in Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

To make this soup truly shine, it’s all about the ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch, whether it’s a rich depth of flavor or a creamy texture that brings everything together. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this bowl of comfort.

• Ground Hamburger Meat
  The hearty foundation of this soup, the ground hamburger meat provides that savory richness that pairs so perfectly with the creamy broth. It’s the protein that gives the soup its comforting, filling quality.
• Potatoes
  Potatoes are the soul of this dish. They soften as they cook, thickening the broth and giving it that smooth, velvety texture. Their mild flavor soaks up the seasonings, becoming a delicious part of every bite.
• Onion
  Onions add a lovely sweetness and a bit of bite to the soup. As they sauté with the garlic, they become soft and caramelized, releasing an aromatic depth that builds the flavor base of the soup.
• Garlic
  Garlic brings that signature warmth and richness that makes everything taste just a little more magical. Its aromatic punch infuses the broth, creating an irresistible savory profile.
• Chicken Broth
  Chicken broth is the liquid backbone of the soup. It adds savory umami and helps meld all the ingredients together into a flavorful, comforting base.
• Milk
  The milk works to balance out the richness, making the soup creamy without feeling too heavy. It’s the smoothness you crave when you take that first spoonful.
• Heavy Cream
  Heavy cream takes the creaminess to the next level, adding a luxurious texture and a rich, indulgent taste. It’s what transforms the soup into that velvety dream we all want to dive into.
• Salt
  Salt enhances every flavor, from the sweetness of the onions to the richness of the meat. It pulls everything together and makes sure the soup tastes perfectly balanced.
• Black Pepper
  Black pepper adds a subtle kick, rounding out the flavors with just enough heat to make each spoonful exciting without overpowering the dish.
• Paprika
  Paprika introduces a mild smokiness and a hint of color to the soup. It’s not overwhelming, but it gives the broth a slight depth and complexity that’s hard to beat.
• Dried Thyme
  Dried thyme brings a bit of herbal earthiness, infusing the soup with a flavor that feels like it’s been slow-cooked for hours. It’s one of those ingredients that adds a comforting, rustic touch.
• Olive Oil
  A splash of olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection, and adds a touch of fruity richness to the soup. It’s a simple ingredient, but it’s key for creating that silky, smooth base.
• Butter
  Butter, like the olive oil, helps build a rich, savory foundation. It also adds a touch of decadence to the soup, giving the broth a velvety finish that’s hard to resist.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Flour helps thicken the soup, creating that creamy, spoonable texture that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. It’s the unsung hero in making sure the soup isn’t too runny.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  Cheddar cheese takes the indulgence factor up a notch, melting into the soup and adding a sharp, tangy note that complements the creamy base perfectly. It also gives the soup a fun, cheesy pull when you scoop it up!
• Chopped Parsley
  Parsley adds a fresh burst of color and a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup. It’s a simple garnish that brings everything together visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

STEP 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil and tablespoon of butter.

STEP 2: Once the butter has melted, add the ground hamburger meat to the pot.

STEP 3: Break the meat into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.

STEP 4: Continue to cook the hamburger meat until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.

STEP 5: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked hamburger meat from the pot and set it aside.

STEP 6: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes, about 1/2-inch in size.

STEP 7: Peel and finely chop the medium onion.

STEP 8: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

STEP 9: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft.

STEP 10: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

STEP 11: Add the potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic.

STEP 12: Stir the potatoes to coat them in the flavors from the onions and garlic.

STEP 13: Pour the 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot, making sure the potatoes are covered.

STEP 14: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

STEP 15: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

STEP 16: While the potatoes are cooking, return the cooked hamburger meat to the pot.

STEP 17: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and a small amount of the liquid from the pot until smooth to create a slurry.

STEP 18: Slowly pour the flour slurry back into the pot while stirring to avoid lumps.

STEP 19: Add the 2 cups of milk to the pot and stir to combine everything evenly.

STEP 20: Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, then stir again to incorporate.

STEP 21: Season the soup with the teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.

STEP 22: Stir everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

STEP 23: Continue to simmer the soup on low heat for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

STEP 24: Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese melts into the soup.

STEP 25: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.

STEP 26: Once the soup has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat.

STEP 27: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.

STEP 28: Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

1. Serve with Crusty Bread or Warm Rolls
There’s nothing like a warm, buttery slice of bread to dip into this creamy soup. A crunchy, golden-brown baguette or a soft roll works wonders, soaking up every drop of that rich, velvety broth. Trust me, you’ll want to dip and scoop until the bowl is empty!

2. Top with Crispy Bacon or Green Onions
For an extra crunch and burst of flavor, sprinkle some crumbled crispy bacon on top, or a handful of fresh chopped green onions. The bacon adds a smoky richness that perfectly complements the creamy soup, while the green onions bring a light, fresh bite that balances it all out.

3. Pair with a Simple Salad
If you’re looking to lighten things up, serve this hearty soup with a crisp, refreshing salad. A simple side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the soup and provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal without overwhelming the palate.

Feel free to get creative with toppings or sides that you love, but these are a few of my go-to favorites that always hit the mark.

How to Store Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

Storing this creamy potato and hamburger soup is a breeze, and it actually gets even better after a day or two when all the flavors have had time to meld together. To keep your soup tasting fresh and delicious, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup should stay good for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those comforting leftovers for lunch or dinner without any fuss.

If you’re hoping to save it for a bit longer, this soup also freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It’s a great idea to portion it out into smaller servings, so you can pull out exactly what you need without defrosting the whole batch. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if the texture needs a little boost.

One thing to keep in mind, though: the potatoes might break down a bit more after freezing and reheating, which can make the soup slightly thicker than when you first made it. But don’t worry—this doesn’t affect the taste, and it still has that comforting, velvety quality that we all love. So, go ahead and freeze a batch for those nights when you want a quick, hearty meal that’s ready to go!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup, ready to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen! From the savory richness of the hamburger to the smooth, velvety texture of the potatoes, this soup has all the elements to make it a family favorite. Whether you’re cozying up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at your next gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

As I mentioned earlier, it only gets better with time, so don’t be shy about making extra and enjoying those leftovers. The combination of creamy broth, hearty meat, and those warm, welcoming spices is something you’ll want to savor again and again.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried this recipe, or are you thinking about giving it a go? Any tweaks or special ingredients you plan to add? Drop me a comment or share your feedback—I’m always excited to hear how it turned out for you! And if you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 550

Description

This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a comforting bowl of heartiness, where tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, velvety broth come together in perfect harmony. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every spoonful!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground hamburger meat

• 4 medium potatoes

• 1 medium onion

• 3 cloves garlic

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil and tablespoon of butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the ground hamburger meat to the pot.
3. Break the meat into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
4. Continue to cook the hamburger meat until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked hamburger meat from the pot and set it aside.
6. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes, about 1/2-inch in size.
7. Peel and finely chop the medium onion.
8. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
9. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft.
10. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
11. Add the potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic.
12. Stir the potatoes to coat them in the flavors from the onions and garlic.
13. Pour the 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot, making sure the potatoes are covered.
14. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
15. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
16. While the potatoes are cooking, return the cooked hamburger meat to the pot.
17. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and a small amount of the liquid from the pot until smooth to create a slurry.
18. Slowly pour the flour slurry back into the pot while stirring to avoid lumps.
19. Add the 2 cups of milk to the pot and stir to combine everything evenly.
20. Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, then stir again to incorporate.
21. Season the soup with the teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
22. Stir everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
23. Continue to simmer the soup on low heat for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
24. Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese melts into the soup.
25. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
26. Once the soup has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat.
27. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
28. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Note

• For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger meat a bit longer to get extra caramelization.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup after cooking, leaving some chunks for texture.
• To make the soup spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
• Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best creamy texture in the soup.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-fat milk.

Keywords: creamy potato hamburger soup, potato and hamburger soup recipe, easy creamy potato soup, hamburger soup with potatoes, creamy potato soup dinner