Introduction:
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, this Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy broth, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for chilly nights or a satisfying family dinner.
- Discover more comfort food recipes like: Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- A step-by-step recipe
- Ingredient swaps and variations
- Slow cooker and Instant Pot options
- Pro tips for the best creamy texture
- How to store and reheat leftovers
Let’s dive into this hearty, cheesy, and protein-packed soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Soup
- Quick & Easy – Made in under 40 minutes!
- One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup required.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples.
- Super Creamy & Hearty – Perfect for a cozy meal.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different meats, vegetables, or dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
Before we start, gather these simple ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Carrots & Celery – Adds extra veggies and texture.
Bacon Crumbles – For a smoky, crispy touch.
Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes – If you like a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hamburger Potato Soup
Making Hamburger Potato Soup is easy, quick, and perfect for a hearty meal. Follow these detailed steps to ensure the best flavor, texture, and creaminess in your soup.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
The first step is to brown the beef to give the soup a rich, meaty flavor.
1. Heat the Pot
- Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil for a lighter option).
- Allow the butter to melt completely.
2. Cook the Beef
- Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot.
- Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Let it brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until there are no pink spots left.
Pro Tip: For a richer taste, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). If using leaner beef (90/10), add a little extra butter or oil to maintain moisture.
3. Drain the Fat (If Needed)
- If your beef has excess grease, carefully drain it from the pot using a spoon or tilt the pot and use a paper towel to soak it up.
- Keep a little bit of fat (about 1 tablespoon) for added flavor.
Pro Tip: For a lower-fat soup, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Looking for another hearty beef dish? Try this: Crispy Beef Tacos Recipe
Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic
Now that the beef is cooked, let’s build depth of flavor by sautéing onions and garlic.
1. Add Diced Onions
- Toss in 1 small onion, finely diced.
- Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic
- Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Garlic burns quickly, so stir constantly and don’t cook it too long!
Step 3: Add Potatoes & Broth
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
- Russet potatoes – Best for a thicker, creamier soup since they break down more.
- Yukon Gold potatoes – Hold their shape well and add a buttery flavor.
2. Dice the Potatoes
- Peel and dice 4 cups of potatoes into small, even pieces (about ½-inch cubes).
- Smaller cuts cook faster and ensure every bite has a bit of potato.
3. Add to the Pot
- Stir the potatoes into the pot so they’re coated in the beef mixture.
4. Pour in the Broth
- Add 3 cups of beef broth.
- Stir everything well to combine.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra ½ cup of broth.
5. Bring to a Boil & Simmer
- Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: Check the potatoes after 15 minutes by piercing one with a fork. If it’s soft, they’re done!
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Now it’s time to add creaminess to the soup!
1. Add Milk or Heavy Cream
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk or heavy cream while stirring.
- Mix well to blend the creamy texture with the broth.
Pro Tip: Heavy cream makes the soup extra rich, while milk keeps it lighter.
2. Stir in Cheese (Optional but Delicious!)
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- The cheese makes the soup thicker and creamier.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
3. Mash Some Potatoes (For Thickness)
- Use a potato masher or a spoon to mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.
- This makes the soup thicker without needing cornstarch or flour.
Pro Tip: If you like extra creamy soup, blend 1-2 cups of soup and mix it back in.
- Love cheesy dishes? Check out this: Cheese Breadsticks Recipe
Step 5: Season to Perfection
1. Add Seasonings
- Stir in:
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky depth)
2. Adjust to Taste
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Pro Tip: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds an umami boost!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
1. Ladle Into Bowls
- Once everything is blended and creamy, ladle hot soup into bowls.
2. Add Garnishes (Optional but Recommended!)
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Extra cheesiness!
- Crispy bacon crumbles – Adds crunch and smoky flavor.
- Fresh parsley or green onions – A pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve with Bread or Crackers
- Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or oyster crackers for the ultimate experience.
Pro Tip: This soup thickens as it cools, so if reheating, add a splash of milk or broth.
- Pair your soup with these buttery rolls: Garlic Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Alternative Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker Method (Set It & Forget It!)
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in milk and cheese just before serving.
Instant Pot Method (Quick & Easy!)
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode, brown the ground beef, and drain excess fat.
- Add potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Close the lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick release, then stir in milk and cheese before serving.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker
Want to let your crockpot do the work? Follow these steps:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese before serving.
Pro Tip: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) if you want a thicker soup.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup in an Instant Pot
Need a fast one-pot meal? The Instant Pot makes this soup in just 20 minutes!
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode, brown the ground beef, and drain excess fat.
- Add onions, garlic, potatoes, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Close the lid, set to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir in milk and cheese, then serve!
Pro Tip: For a thicker texture, let the soup sit for 5 minutes after pressure cooking.
Best Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Healthier
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or almond milk.
- Add more veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
2. Make It Spicy
- Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce before serving.
3. Make It Extra Cheesy
- Add extra cheddar cheese or a mix of mozzarella and gouda.
- Stir in cream cheese for a tangy, creamy twist.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator
- Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer
- Let soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tip: Freeze without the dairy, then add milk when reheating for the freshest taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy, and skip the cheese.
2. What are the best potatoes for this soup?
Russet potatoes make the soup thicker and creamier, while Yukon Gold adds a buttery texture.
3. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup uncooked pasta (like macaroni) or ½ cup cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. What’s the best way to thicken this soup?
- Mash some of the potatoes for a natural thickener.
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Add extra shredded cheese for a richer texture.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This soup doubles beautifully—just use a larger pot.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Soup
This Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect combination of creamy, hearty, and comforting. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, this recipe is simple, delicious, and customizable.
Try it today and enjoy a warm, cozy bowl of cheesy, beefy goodness!
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