There’s just something magical about a hearty bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out. Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is one of those classic comfort foods that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and just the right amount of veggies to make you feel good about diving into that extra spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve guests, this soup has got you covered.

What makes this soup truly special is how it brings together simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

I can’t tell you how many times this soup has saved the day when I needed a quick and hearty meal. It’s one of those recipes that my family asks for over and over again, especially during the colder months. The creamy, velvety texture paired with the savory ground beef and tender potatoes is pure perfection. And let’s not forget how customizable it is. You can add extra veggies, play around with the spices, or even throw in some cheese to make it extra indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. From its comforting flavor to its effortless preparation, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

It’s Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup is all about creamy, savory goodness that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. The rich broth, tender potatoes, and hearty ground beef create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Ground beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, butter, and broth are all you need to get started. And if you want to kick things up a notch, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top never hurts.
Quick and Easy to Make: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of deliciousness ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Customizable to Your Liking: Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer. Want to add more veggies? Go for it. Looking for a spicy twist? A pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of jalapeños will do the trick.
One-Pot Meal for Easy Cleanup: No one likes washing dishes, and with this recipe, you only have one pot to clean. It’s a total win.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal planning. Just keep it in the fridge or freezer, and you’re set for the week.

Health Benefits

Despite its rich and creamy nature, this soup has several health benefits that make it a well-rounded meal option. Sure, it’s comfort food, but it’s also packed with nutrients that your body will appreciate.

High in Protein: Thanks to the ground beef, this soup provides a generous amount of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Protein is also essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish a great post-workout option.
Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and potatoes contribute essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients support everything from healthy vision and immune function to heart health and digestion.
Bone-Strengthening Benefits: If you decide to top your soup with cheese or add extra cream, you’re getting a boost of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options Available: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can easily swap out the flour for cornstarch. And if you want to make it low-carb, try replacing the potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative.
Hydration and Comfort: Soups are excellent for keeping you hydrated, especially when made with a broth base. Plus, the comforting warmth of a hot bowl of soup can be soothing for both body and mind.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The butter and cream provide healthy fats that not only add richness to the soup but also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fats: 26 grams
Saturated Fat: 14 grams
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sodium: 750 mg
Potassium: 950 mg
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Vitamin A: 45% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 25% of the DV
Calcium: 20% of the DV
Iron: 15% of the DV

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

Add Potatoes and Broth

Add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken or beef broth.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender (about 10–15 minutes).

Prepare the Flour Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and ½ cup of heavy cream until smooth.

Thicken the Soup

Slowly pour the slurry into the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the remaining heavy cream and stir well.
Simmer for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens.

Add the Cooked Beef

Return the browned ground beef to the pot and stir to combine.
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Season and Serve

Add salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot.

How to Serve

This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is perfect as a cozy main dish, but there are so many ways to enjoy it:

With Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle extra cheddar or even Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Loaded Style: Add crispy beef bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a loaded potato soup twist.
Alongside a Salad: Pair with a fresh, crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
As a Soup Bowl: Serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for extra comfort.

Pairing Suggestions

This rich and hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages:

Salads: A simple arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creaminess.
Breads: Homemade dinner rolls, baguettes, or even cheesy breadsticks make for delicious companions.
Beverages: Try serving it with sparkling water, apple cider, or even a cozy herbal tea.
Cheese Platters: Serve with a small cheese platter featuring sharp and creamy cheeses to complement the soup’s flavor.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a refreshing contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Allow the soup to cool completely.
Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Slurry: If you add flour directly to the soup, it will clump. Always make a slurry first.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the veggies too long before adding broth can make them mushy. Keep them slightly firm.
Adding Cream Too Quickly: Adding cream directly to boiling soup can cause it to curdle. Always lower the heat first.
Not Tasting for Seasoning: Be sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Using Watery Potatoes: Stick with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly chopped onions, garlic, and herbs provide the best flavor.
Customize the Texture: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender.
Don’t Overwork the Beef: Over-mixing the ground beef can make it tough. Cook it gently and avoid pressing it too much.
Double the Recipe: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a big batch to enjoy later.
Add Spices for Extra Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika, thyme, or cayenne pepper can enhance the soup’s richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative that works beautifully in this recipe.

How Do I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

Simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.

Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.

What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?

The flour slurry helps thicken the soup, but if you need it thicker, mash some potatoes or add extra cornstarch.

How Long Can I Store This Soup in the Fridge?

Up to 4 days when kept in an airtight container.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding peas, corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Why Did My Cream Curdle?

If cream is added to boiling soup, it can curdle. Lower the heat before adding cream and stir continuously.

Can I Freeze the Soup with Potatoes in It?

Yes, but keep in mind the potatoes might become slightly grainy. Reheating with extra cream helps improve the texture.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicy?

Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to give it a kick.

Can I Cook This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the definition of comfort food done right. With its rich, hearty flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it on a busy weeknight or as part of a special gathering, this soup never disappoints.

The best part is how customizable it is. Want to add more veggies? Go for it. Prefer ground turkey instead of beef? Make the swap. This recipe is all about making it your own and enjoying every delicious spoonful.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! When you do, make sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you’re feeling proud of your soup masterpiece, snap a photo and share it on social media. I’d love to see your amazing creation!