There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup on a chilly day. The rich aroma of ground beef sizzling with onions and the hearty blend of tender potatoes in a velvety broth make this soup an instant family favorite.

I discovered this recipe while looking for a way to warm up during a cold winter evening, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and utterly satisfying, this soup is the perfect way to feed a hungry crowd. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Get ready to add this soup to your go-to comfort food list. It’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for a delicious and hassle-free meal.

First and foremost, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pot, you can have a warm, hearty dinner on the table in under an hour.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and a few pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture and savory flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike, even the picky eaters!

Finally, this soup is highly customizable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. It's a recipe that works for everyone.

Now, let’s talk about the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this soup shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup lies in its uncomplicated ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create a rich, satisfying flavor and texture.

Ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for a balance of flavor and tenderness. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey works beautifully too.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect here. They break down slightly as they cook, creating a naturally creamy base. If you prefer firmer pieces, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative.
Onions and garlic: These aromatic staples are sautéed to build the soup's savory depth. Don’t skip them!
Chicken or beef broth: Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. This forms the base of the soup and adds richness.
Heavy cream: For that luxurious creamy texture, heavy cream is essential. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be quite as decadent.
Cheddar cheese (optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a sharp, tangy finish that’s hard to resist.

You’ll also need basic kitchen equipment like a large soup pot, a ladle, and a sharp knife for chopping. With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to whip up a pot of deliciousness.

How To Make This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it is satisfying. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start with the ground beef. In a large soup pot, brown your ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the aromatics. In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil and sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for the soup’s savory flavor.
Add the potatoes and broth. Toss in your diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Incorporate the cream. Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through, but don’t let it boil, as this could cause the cream to curdle.
Finish with seasonings. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you love. Simmer for a few more minutes to marry the flavors.
Serve and enjoy. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

This entire process takes about 40-45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal planning.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the soup even tastier the next day!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your preferences.

Switch up the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the potatoes or add diced carrots, celery, and leeks for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
Add extra veggies: Stir in corn, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use alternative dairy: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

With these ideas, you can easily tailor the soup to suit any occasion or craving.

Creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or serve a meal that everyone will love, this soup has you covered. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!