There’s something about a cold evening that makes us crave the warmth of a hearty bowl. Yet, between work, family, and endless to-do lists, who has hours to simmer a complicated meal? That’s why hamburger potato soup feels like a lifesaver. It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort without the fuss rich, filling, and packed with flavor. In my kitchen, it started as a way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that felt like a hug. Every spoonful is thick, creamy, and satisfying, the sort of dish that turns an ordinary night into a cozy memory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Everyday Struggles Meet Simple Comfort
Cold nights and busy days leave little energy for elaborate meals. That’s when hamburger potato soup feels like a blessing. I remember coming home after a long day, my kids tumbling in from the cold, cheeks rosy and stomachs rumbling. A pot of this soup simmering on the stove meant instant comfort—hearty, creamy, and ready to warm us all. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home in a bowl.
This Soup Solves It All
The magic of hamburger potato soup is how it turns pantry staples into something rich and satisfying. With ground beef, potatoes, and broth, you get a full meal in one pot quick, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. Instead of defaulting to takeout, you’ll have dinner bubbling away in under an hour.
👉 For even more cozy bowls, try my Broccoli Cheese Soup or seasonal Pumpkin Soup both carry that same spirit of comfort made simple.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
A Closer Look at What Makes It Delicious
Every spoonful of hamburger potato soup is built on familiar staples that layer together for big flavor:| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Used to sauté the beef and vegetables; adds richness. |
| Ground beef (90/10) | Lean yet flavorful, the heart of the soup. |
| Russet potatoes | Starchy and creamy help thicken naturally. |
| Yellow onion | Sweet and aromatic, forms the base of flavor. |
| Carrots | Bring natural sweetness and color. |
| Garlic | Adds depth and warmth cook gently to avoid bitterness. |
| Salt & black pepper | Simple seasoning to highlight all flavors. |
| Dried parsley | Provides a gentle herbal lift. |
| Chicken broth | Infuses the soup with savory depth. |
| Whole milk | Gives creaminess without heaviness. |
| All-purpose flour | Thickens the soup for that velvety texture. |
| Velveeta cheese | Melts smoothly for a rich, cheesy finish. |
| Optional: cheddar & green onions | Perfect toppings for extra flavor and color. |
Step-by-Step Prep with Sensory Cues
- Build the base: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and cook ground beef, onion, carrots, salt, pepper, and parsley until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Aromatics bloom: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Thicken with flour: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir well, and cook briefly until it smells nutty.
- Deglaze for flavor: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pot to release browned bits.
- Simmer to tenderness: Add potatoes, milk, and Velveeta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Finish strong: Garnish with shredded cheddar and green onions before serving.
If you love creamy classics, don’t miss Cream of Mushroom Soup That Tastes Like Home or my comforting Tomato Soup Recipe.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fat | 6g |
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
A big pot of hamburger potato soup is versatile it can shine on a weeknight table or warm guests at a casual get-together. Serve it piping hot in deep bowls with crusty bread or buttery rolls for dipping. A sprinkle of cheddar and fresh green onions makes it look as good as it tastes. For those who love a cozy meal duo, pair it with a hearty bake like my Cheddar Bay Biscuit Pot Pie for the ultimate comfort spread.
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat to keep the cheese creamy add a splash of milk if it feels too thick. This soup also freezes beautifully; cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months.
For creative spins:
- Lighter version: Use reduced-fat milk and a touch less cheese.
- Extra hearty: Stir in a cup of cooked pasta or rice near the end for a stew-like finish, similar to the depth you’d find in my Beef Stew Pasta Recipe.
- Veggie boost: Add celery, peas, or corn to tailor it to your family’s tastes.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in hamburger potato soup?
Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully and makes the soup a little lighter. Just be sure to season well, since turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
2. How do I keep the soup from curdling when adding milk?
The key is to reduce the heat before stirring in the milk and cheese. High heat can cause separation, so simmer gently and stir often for the best creamy texture.
3. Can hamburger potato soup be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Add milk and cheese near the end of cooking for a silky finish.
4. What can I serve with hamburger potato soup to make it a full meal?
This soup is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with warm bread, biscuits, or a crisp green salad. For extra comfort, serve alongside a cozy bake or casserole.
Conclusion
There’s a reason hamburger potato soup feels like such a classic it’s simple, filling, and rooted in the kind of comfort that never goes out of style. From busy weeknights to lazy weekends, it’s a dish that gathers everyone around the table with ease. And the best part? It’s proof that the heart of home cooking isn’t about fancy ingredients, but about the love stirred into each pot.
If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today. For more soul-warming bowls, try my Chicken Teriyaki Noodles a different twist on comfort in a bowl.
Print
Hamburger Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Hamburger Potato Soup is a cozy family favorite made with ground beef, russet potatoes, milk, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. ground beef (90/10)
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dried parsley
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions
Instructions
Add olive oil to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, carrots, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain grease.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over mixture, stir well, and cook 1–2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
Stir in potatoes, milk, and Velveeta cheese. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–35 minutes, until potatoes and carrots are tender.
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar and green onions.
Notes
This soup reheats well store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep creamy.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 35min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg