Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic 🍲🥔🧀

1. Introduction to Our Famous Hamburger Potato Soup

When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a satisfying meal, nothing beats the comforting warmth of our delicious hamburger potato soup recipe. This hearty dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful broth that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution or want to impress guests with your cooking skills, this hamburger potato soup delivers restaurant-quality flavors with home-cooked simplicity.

What makes our hamburger potato soup recipe special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The potatoes become wonderfully tender while absorbing the rich beefy goodness, and the creamy broth ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. If you love beef recipes that are both comforting and easy to make, this soup will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

2. Ingredients for the Perfect Hamburger Potato Soup

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this foolproof hamburger potato soup recipe. The quantities below make about 6 generous servings – perfect for family dinners or leftovers!

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best flavor)
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 medium russet potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 4 cups beef broth (or substitute with chicken broth)

Creamy Components:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended, but 2% works too)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish and fresh flavor)

Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor profile, consider adding some of our favorite seasoning blends to customize your soup.

3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through each step to create this comforting hamburger potato soup. Follow these instructions carefully for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Browning the Beef and Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven (we recommend at least 5 quarts), brown the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes to slightly soften them. This step helps develop deeper flavors in your hamburger potato soup.

Step 2: Adding Liquids and Simmering

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly in your hamburger potato soup recipe.

Step 3: Creating the Creamy Base

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until completely smooth (this prevents lumps in your soup). Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering soup. Add the salt, pepper, and thyme. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly. The flour helps create that perfect creamy consistency that makes this hamburger potato soup recipe so satisfying.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving Suggestions

Remove the soup from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Ladle the hamburger potato soup into warm bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a simple side salad.

For more delicious recipe ideas to pair with your soup, check out our collection of family favorites.

4. Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Results

After testing this hamburger potato soup recipe countless times, we’ve gathered some professional tips to help you achieve perfection:

• Flavor Boost: For extra depth, use beef bouillon cubes instead of broth (dissolve 4 cubes in 4 cups hot water)
• Richness: Substitute half the milk with heavy cream for a more luxurious soup
• Smoky Note: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor dimension
• Flavor Development: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop
• Texture Control: For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon
• Time Saver: Dice your potatoes smaller (½-inch cubes) for faster cooking time

If you’re looking for more meal inspiration, we have plenty of recipes to start your day right too!

5. Creative Variations to Try

One of the best things about this hamburger potato soup recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations to keep the dish exciting:

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add 1 cup each of diced carrots and celery with the onions for extra nutrition and texture. You might also enjoy adding ½ cup of frozen corn or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Southwest Twist

Include 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed for milder heat) or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin and top with crushed tortilla chips and avocado slices.

Cheeseburger Style

For true cheeseburger flavor, stir in ¼ cup each of ketchup and yellow mustard with the broth. Top with pickle slices and extra cheese for serving.

Bacon Lover’s Dream

Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble, and use the bacon fat to cook your onions. Top the finished soup with the crumbled bacon and extra cheese.

Low-Carb/Keto Option

Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of milk. Thicken with xanthan gum (¼ teaspoon) instead of flour.

For another comforting dish, try this classic hamburger potato soup variation from AllRecipes.

6. Storage and Reheating Instructions

This hamburger potato soup recipe makes excellent leftovers – in fact, the flavors often taste even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator Storage

Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken when chilled – simply add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing Instructions

This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results:

• Cool completely before freezing
• Leave about 1-inch headspace in containers for expansion
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
• Stir well while reheating to recombine ingredients

Reheating Methods

Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Note: Dairy-based soups may separate slightly when frozen and reheated. A quick whisk or blend with an immersion blender can restore the creamy texture.

7. Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Dietary Notes: To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and limit added salt. For lower fat, use lean ground beef (90/10) and reduced-fat cheese.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hamburger potato soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except milk and flour to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Whisk milk and flour together, then stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What potatoes work best for potato soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content which helps thicken the soup naturally. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for their buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they don’t break down as well.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon) or a gluten-free flour blend. Also ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well, though the flavor will be milder. Consider adding ½ teaspoon more thyme, a dash of Worcestershire sauce (check for gluten if needed), and maybe a splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos for extra umami flavor.

My soup is too thin/thick – how can I fix it?

Too thin: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into simmering soup, and cook 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Too thick: Stir in additional broth or milk, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

For more cooking tips and tricks, visit our about page where we share our kitchen wisdom.

9. Why This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Stands Out

After perfecting this hamburger potato soup recipe over many iterations, we can confidently say it’s one of the most satisfying comfort foods you’ll ever make. What sets it apart:

• Perfect Texture Balance: The tender potatoes, creamy broth, and hearty beef create a symphony of satisfying textures
• Flavor Depth: Browning the beef properly and simmering the soup develops rich, complex flavors
• Versatility: Easily adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs
• Family-Friendly: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting flavors
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or need a comforting dish to bring to a friend, this hamburger potato soup recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of dish that creates memories and becomes part of your regular recipe rotation.

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10. Final Thoughts

This delicious hamburger potato soup recipe truly represents the best of home cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through careful preparation and love. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying to eat. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and comforting, this versatile soup delivers in every spoonful. The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to make some kitchen magic with our hamburger potato soup recipe!

We’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Share your experiences and any creative twists you’ve added to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!