Hamburger Potato Soup
Warm, hearty, and brimming with savory flavors, this Hamburger Potato Soup combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting bowl of homemade goodness that the whole family will love.
Easy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a steaming bowl of Hamburger Potato Soup on a cold day. This classic comfort food brings together the humble potato and savory ground beef in a marriage of flavors that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of heartiness and simplicity – it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
Particularly beloved during fall and winter months, Hamburger Potato Soup has roots in traditional farmhouse cooking where affordable, filling meals were essential. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to transform basic pantry ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
THIS RECIPE:
- Requires just one pot for easy cleanup
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients most kitchens already have
- Can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- Freezes beautifully for future meals
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Yield | Approximately 3 quarts |
This Hamburger Potato Soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. With just minutes of prep work, you’ll create a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The simplicity of ingredients doesn’t compromise on flavor – each spoonful delivers creamy, savory perfection that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
The magic of Hamburger Potato Soup lies in using quality ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. While this soup is forgiving and adaptable, selecting the right components will elevate your results from good to exceptional. Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor profile.
For the soup base:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, diced (about ¾ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about. 4-5 medium), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
Optional garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers or croutons
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound, 85-90% lean | Freshly ground beef provides better flavor; grass-fed adds depth |
| Potatoes | 2 pounds russet potatoes | Choose firm potatoes without green spots; russets break down slightly for natural thickening |
| Aromatics | 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs | Fresh, firm vegetables provide the best flavor base |
| Dairy | 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup cheese | Full-fat options create the richest, creamiest results |
| Broth | 4 cups low-sodium | Homemade stock elevates flavor, but quality store-bought works well |
Pro tip: When selecting potatoes, russets work beautifully in this soup as they break down slightly to naturally thicken the broth, while still maintaining some texture. If you prefer a soup with more defined potato pieces, Yukon Golds are an excellent alternative.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup
Creating homemade Hamburger Potato Soup involves building layers of flavor, starting with properly browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables before bringing everything together in a creamy, satisfying broth. The process is straightforward but pays off enormously in taste and texture.
Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Transfer beef to a plate.
Sauté the aromatics: Add butter to the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Build the soup base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, continuing to stir until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer until tender: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Pro tip: Allow the soup to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to marry and the soup to thicken slightly to the perfect consistency.
Tips for Making Hamburger Potato Soup
Making truly exceptional Hamburger Potato Soup relies on a few key techniques that elevate it from good to spectacular. These professional insights will help ensure your soup has the perfect texture and maximum flavor.
- Brown, don’t steam the beef: Cook the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, which creates deep flavor compounds
- Dice consistently: Cut potatoes and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Layer your seasonings: Season at multiple stages of cooking rather than just at the end
- Low and slow: Once all ingredients are added, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent potatoes from falling apart
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Beef browning | Cook at medium-high heat until caramelized | Creates crucial flavor foundation |
| Potato cutting | ½-inch uniform cubes | Ensures even cooking and ideal texture |
| Thickening | Use roux plus starchy potatoes | Creates silky texture without flour taste |
| Dairy addition | Add off heat or at very low temperature | Prevents curdling and separation |
The magic of this soup comes from patience. Allow time for each component to properly cook before moving to the next step. When sautéing the vegetables, wait for them to become translucent and slightly soft before adding the garlic. This ensures the fullest flavor development while preventing any bitter burnt tastes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Hamburger Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep and can be prepared in advance in several ways to fit your schedule.
For complete make-ahead preparation, you can follow all cooking steps up to the point where you would add the cheese. Cool the soup completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once hot, add the cheese and stir until melted.
Alternatively, you can prepare components separately:
- Brown the ground beef and refrigerate for up to 2 days
- Chop all vegetables and store in sealed containers for up to 2 days
- Pre-measure spices and keep in a small container or baggie
When you’re ready to cook, the prep work is already done, cutting your active cooking time nearly in half. Simply combine the pre-prepped ingredients according to the recipe instructions.
Pro tip: If making ahead, consider slightly undercooking the potatoes, as they will continue to soften when the soup is reheated. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the final dish.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage ensures your Hamburger Potato Soup maintains its flavor and texture for enjoyable leftovers.
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When storing, leave a small amount of headspace in containers as the soup may expand slightly.
For individual portions, consider storing in single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. The flavor of this soup actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as the ingredients have time to meld.
When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating works well for single portions – heat at 70% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Freezing Hamburger Potato Soup
Hamburger Potato Soup freezes beautifully with a few simple precautions to maintain quality.
For best results, prepare the soup through all steps but stop before adding the cheese and any dairy components. Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label containers with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality. For quicker thawing, freeze in flat, portion-sized packages rather than one large container.
To use frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once hot, add fresh milk and cheese as directed in the original recipe. This method prevents the dairy from separating and creates a much better texture than freezing the completed soup with dairy included.
Pro tip: The potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing, becoming a bit softer. If you know in advance you’ll be freezing the soup, consider slightly undercooking the potatoes to compensate.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger Potato Soup shines as a standalone meal but can be elevated with thoughtful accompaniments and presentation.
Serve this hearty soup in pre-warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh chives or parsley, and crumbled bacon for both visual appeal and flavor enhancement.
For a complete meal, pair with:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread
- Warm, buttery cornbread
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping
For beverage pairings, consider:
- A light amber ale or lager complements the savory flavors
- For wine lovers, try a medium-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir
- Non-alcoholic options include apple cider or sparkling water with lemon
This soup is best served hot but not scalding – around 160°F is ideal for both safety and flavor appreciation.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hamburger Potato Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a delicious lighter alternative to beef. Because turkey has less fat, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil when browning the meat to prevent dryness. You might also want to enhance the flavor with an extra ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or beef bouillon to compensate for turkey’s milder flavor profile.
How can I make Hamburger Potato Soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you have several options. The simplest is to increase the flour in the roux to 4 tablespoons. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during cooking to release their starch. For an after-cooking thickening, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the simmering soup until it thickens.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker along with remaining ingredients except milk and cheese. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the milk and cheese and continue cooking until heated through and cheese is melted.
What can I substitute for milk to make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or additional chicken broth. Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The soup won’t be quite as creamy but will still have excellent flavor. Adding a peeled, diced potato increases the natural starchiness, which helps compensate for the missing dairy creaminess.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?
To maintain perfect potato texture, be sure to cut them into uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking. Once you add the potatoes to the soup, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Test frequently with a fork starting at the 15-minute mark – they’re done when easily pierced but still holding their shape. Different potato varieties cook at different rates, so timing may vary.
