creamy potato and hamburger soup

Jason raised an eyebrow when I mentioned I was making Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup for dinner. He swore up and down that he wasn’t a fan of ground beef in soups. “It just doesn’t belong,” he said, shaking his head.

But here’s the funny thing—every single time I sneak hamburger into a soup, he devours it and goes back for seconds. Without fail.

I honestly don’t know what kind of mental roadblock he has against it, but let’s be real—hamburger soup is downright delicious. And when you add creamy potatoes to the mix? Absolute comfort food perfection.

If you enjoy this, you might also love my Pastina Soup Recipe

A bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup with chunks of potatoes, ground beef, and diced vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs and black pepper, served with a silver spoon and a piece of crusty bread in the background.

How to Make Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

I’ll be honest—most of my best soup recipes happen when I’m trying to clear out my fridge, freezer, and pantry. This one was no exception. I had some potatoes that needed to be used, a pound of ground beef in the freezer, and a bag of frozen veggies just sitting there. So, what did I do? I threw everything together, and this rich, creamy, and ridiculously comforting soup was born.

Making creamy potato and hamburger soup is incredibly simple.

First, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until it’s fully cooked and fragrant. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily.

Next, toss in your potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld while the potatoes soften to that perfect, creamy consistency.

Finally, stir in the dairy ingredients at the very end—this keeps them from curdling and ensures a smooth, velvety texture. Then, just ladle it up, top with some shredded cheese if you’re feeling indulgent, and dig in!

If you enjoy creamy, nostalgic soups, you’ll love our Pastina Soup Recipe—a simple, soothing dish perfect for cozy nights in!

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy potato and hamburger soup, showcasing chunks of potatoes, ground beef, and carrots in a rich, seasoned broth, with a bowl of soup in the background.

Different Hamburger Soup Recipes

The beauty of hamburger soup is that it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily customize the flavor profile depending on your tastes. For this creamy potato version, I stick with a mix of garlic, parsley, and basil to keep it fresh and savory. But if you’re craving a more traditional tomato-based soup, you can swap in thyme or Italian seasoning for a more familiar flavor.

If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy soups, this recipe is a great base for experimenting. Think of it as a cousin to my all-time favorite Cheeseburger Soup. While this version is lighter (though you could definitely go all-in with Velveeta if you want), adding a dollop of sour cream on top will give it that extra creamy kick.

For those who prefer a more substantial soup, you can easily add some cooked macaroni to turn it into a Macaroni Hamburger Soup—it’s filling, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner with the family.

And remember, if Mike can handle this one, it’s safe to say it’s a crowd-pleaser. He’s usually picky about his soups, but this creamy potato and hamburger soup won him over, so it’s a win in my book!

A bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup with chunks of potatoes, ground beef, carrots, and yellow vegetables, garnished with black pepper, served with an ornate silver spoon.

Easy Hamburger Soup

This creamy potato and hamburger soup is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight, a chilly weekend lunch, or even a casual holiday dinner. Honestly, it’s quickly becoming one of those soups that I make on a regular basis. It’s hearty, filling, and always seems to hit the spot, even when we’re in a rush. Of course, there’s the added bonus of Jason acting surprised every time I make it, even though I know it’s one of his favorites. 😄

Making this soup is a breeze. You can whip it up on the stovetop by following the same simple steps. When it comes to cooking time, just let everything simmer in a large stockpot until the potatoes are soft and the flavors are perfectly blended. Then, at the end, stir in the dairy to achieve that rich, creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting.

It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together in no time—and everyone will be asking for seconds.

Serve this comforting soup with a crunchy snack like our Chex Mix Recipe (Oven)—the perfect pairing for game nights or casual dinners!

Tips & Tricks for Hamburger Soup

To get that creamy, comforting texture, Russet potatoes are your best friend. They break down perfectly during cooking and thicken the soup, making it rich and velvety. I wouldn’t recommend using red potatoes, though—while tasty, they tend to hold their shape and won’t release the starch needed to make the soup as hearty.

If you’re not a fan of beef, don’t worry! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe as well, offering a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you’re a fan of basil like I am, throw in a little extra at the end for a fresh kick.

The beauty of this soup is its flexibility with veggies—you don’t have to stick to the exact mix I use. If your family loves peas, carrots, or even corn, throw them in! The flavor combinations are endless, so just go with what you love.

I hope this creamy potato and hamburger soup brings comfort and joy to your table! Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo—another family favorite!

Want to spice things up? Try pairing your soup with a side of Taco Bell Nacho Fries for a bold, flavorful contrast!

Happy cooking, and enjoy!

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A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy potato and hamburger soup, featuring chunks of potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables in a rich, savory broth, garnished with herbs and black pepper.

creamy potato and hamburger soup


  • Author: Grandma Mary Wilson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This creamy potato and hamburger soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. Simple, hearty, and made with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, beef broth, parsley, and basil to the pot. Stir everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in the milk and butter, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if preferred.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or use a hand blender for a smoother texture.
  • You can also add more vegetables like green beans or corn, depending on your family’s preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: Approximately 320 calories
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Creamy potato soup