One spoonful of this Hamburger Potato Soup feels like a warm hug straight from your grandmother’s kitchen. Rich, creamy, and studded with tender potato cubes, this soup is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. With every simmer of the beef broth, the flavors deepen and mingle, coating your palate in savory goodness. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a cozy family dinner or looking for a hearty lunch to stave off afternoon hunger, this soup checks all the boxes: it’s satisfying, comforting, and unbelievably easy for a beginner cook. The melted cheddar weaves through every spoonful, creating pockets of gooey cheese that meld beautifully with the savory ground beef. This recipe only demands 15 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes on the stove, and a brief 5-minute rest—perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.
I still remember the first time I whipped this up after a particularly freezing winter walk. I was craving something that hit all the comfort-food notes without requiring me to spend hours in the kitchen, and this soup was my hero. Packed with about 450 calories per serving, it’s rich enough to fill you up and balanced enough to keep things light. You don’t need any fancy technique—just a large pot, a wooden spoon, and a little patience as the potatoes soften and the broth transforms into a silky, flavorful base. As a beginner-friendly recipe, it’s a perfect confidence builder, and it doubles as excellent meal prep since it reheats beautifully (just add a splash of milk if it gets too thick). Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into the culinary world, this Hamburger Potato Soup is bound to become one of your go-to dishes for lunch or dinner.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HAMBURGER POTATO SOUP
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s get acquainted with the stars of the show. These ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this soup so irresistible.
- Ground beef
Adds a hearty, savory base and a satisfying richness. Browning it breaks down the fat, which becomes part of the flavor foundation.
- Onion
When sautéed until translucent, it releases sweet, aromatic notes that elevate the overall depth of the soup.
- Garlic
Minced and added early, it infuses every spoonful with its unmistakable warmth and pungency without ever overpowering the other flavors.
- Potatoes
Tender and filling, they soak up the beef broth and release a gentle starchiness that helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Beef broth
Serves as the liquid backbone, carrying savory beefy notes throughout and ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Milk
Makes the soup creamy and smooth, balancing the robustness of the beef with a mellow, velvety texture.
- Flour
Whisked into the milk, it acts as a thickening agent, creating body and ensuring the soup isn’t runny.
- Salt
Lifts the flavors of all the other ingredients, bringing out their best qualities.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and a subtle bite that wakes up the palate.
- Paprika
Contributes a smoky, slightly sweet warmth, rounding out the soup’s seasoning profile.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Melts into gooey pockets of cheesiness, giving every spoonful a luscious, indulgent finish.
- Fresh parsley
Sprinkled on top, it brightens the dish with a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
HOW TO MAKE HAMBURGER POTATO SOUP
This recipe is all about layering flavors with simple steps that build on one another. You’ll find that once the prep is done, everything falls into place quickly, yielding a rich, creamy soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off so the soup doesn’t turn greasy.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cubed potatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil so the potatoes start to absorb those deep, meaty flavors.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps to keep your soup silky.
6. Pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring continuously over medium-low heat until the soup thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring well to combine all the spices evenly throughout.
8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
10. Serve hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HAMBURGER POTATO SOUP
When it comes to serving this hearty soup, the possibilities are endless, and each option brings its own delightful twist. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, these suggestions will help you showcase the flavors and textures to their fullest potential. I find that pairing the soup with contrasting textures—crispy, creamy, tangy—really takes the experience up a notch, and presentation is always more fun when you add a personal touch.
- Serve in deep bowls with a swirl of extra melted cheddar cheese on top, letting the warmth of the soup create little pools of delicious, gooey goodness.
- Add a sprinkle of crisp bacon bits to each bowl right before serving for an extra layer of smoky, crunchy texture that complements the softness of the potatoes.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream and a dash of chopped chives on the side, allowing guests to customize the creaminess and add a bright, tangy note to their soup.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread or garlic muffins for dipping, ensuring every last drop of savory broth is enjoyed and adding a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
HOW TO STORE HAMBURGER POTATO SOUP
Storing your Hamburger Potato Soup properly ensures that every reheated bowl tastes just as comforting and flavorful as the first one. With a few savvy kitchen hacks, you can keep this soup fresh for days or even weeks, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep and last-minute dinners. Whether you’re tucking it into the fridge for a quick reheating session or freezing portions for future cozy nights, these storage methods will help maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
- Refrigerator storage: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove and adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
- Freezer storage: Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Vacuum sealing: For longer freezer life, use a vacuum sealer to remove excess air. This method helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the soup’s flavors for up to 4 months.
- Reheating tips: Warm the soup on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. For microwave reheating, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure even temperature and smooth consistency.
CONCLUSION
This Hamburger Potato Soup has all the hallmarks of a classic comfort food masterpiece: savory ground beef, velvety potatoes, and melted cheddar in every spoonful. We’ve covered everything from gathering your key ingredients to mastering each step of the cooking process, and even shared tips on serving and storage so you can enjoy it again and again. With prep time clocking in at just 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes on the stove and a brief rest, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings. Beginner cooks will appreciate how approachable the recipe is, and seasoned chefs will love the way simple ingredients transform into an unforgettable bowl of warmth and satisfaction. Don’t forget to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital folder—you’ll want to come back to it every chilly evening when you’re craving that hearty, cheesy goodness.
In the spirit of community cooking, we’ve even outlined serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and storage hacks to make your meal prep seamless. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to address any lingering questions you might have. If you give this Hamburger Potato Soup a try, please leave your comments, questions, or feedback! I’d love to hear how your version turns out and offer any tips if you need a helping hand. Whether you’re adding extra veggies, topping it with crispy bacon, or experimenting with spices, your insights can help fellow home cooks perfect their own bowls of comfort. Happy cooking!
Hamburger Potato Soup
Description
This rich and creamy Hamburger Potato Soup blends savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal that warms your soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
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Stir in the cubed potatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring continuously until the soup thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring well to combine.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
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Serve hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
Note
- For extra richness, substitute 1 cup of milk with heavy cream.
- Adding cooked and crumbled bacon on top can enhance the flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for more texture and nutrients.
- This soup can be made in advance and reheats well; just add a splash of milk when warming up if it thickens too much.
