Hearty Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe: Comfort in Every Spoonful
Growing up, there were a few dishes that always brought everyone to the table—this hamburger potato soup recipe was one of them. My Nonna may have taught me to make slow-cooked ragù and perfect handmade gnocchi, but it was my mom’s hearty, one-pot soups that kept us cozy on weeknights. This soup is inspired by that kind of comforting American home cooking—ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth that warms you up from the inside out.
Whether you’re dealing with winter chill or craving something filling on a summer night, this hamburger potato soup recipe strikes a perfect balance of hearty and wholesome. It’s simple, family-friendly, and made with budget-friendly pantry staples—ideal for busy households.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, and mostly hands-off.
- Affordable: Uses staple ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, broth, and cheese.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free needs.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this comforting hamburger potato soup recipe for 6 servings:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier soup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 carrot, diced (optional)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed, then set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the diced onions, celery, and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Return the beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Stir well to combine. You’re halfway to a perfect hamburger potato soup recipe!
4. Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Create a Slurry
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with ½ cup of milk until smooth. Stir the slurry into the soup to thicken it slightly.
6. Finish with Milk and Cheese
Add the remaining milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This hamburger potato soup recipe is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Pickled vegetables for contrast
Tips & Variations
Make it Dairy-Free:
Swap milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese to keep this hamburger potato soup recipe allergy-friendly.
Gluten-Free Option:
Replace flour with cornstarch (use half the amount) for thickening.
Add More Veggies:
Try adding green peas, corn, or spinach at the end for extra nutrition and color to your hamburger potato soup recipe.
Make it in a Slow Cooker:
Brown the beef and vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips:
This hamburger potato soup recipe stores beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, cool completely and store in airtight containers. Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make hamburger potato soup from scratch?
People are searching for a full, homemade version—without canned soup or shortcuts.
Can I make hamburger potato soup in a slow cooker or crockpot?
Many users want a hands-off, easy version using their slow cooker.
What are the best seasonings for hamburger potato soup?
Home cooks are looking for flavor boosters beyond salt and pepper.
Can I freeze hamburger potato soup?
Freezer-friendly recipes are in demand, especially for batch cooking.
How do I thicken hamburger potato soup?
People want to know how to get a creamy, hearty texture—whether by using flour, cornstarch, or mashed potatoes.
Is hamburger potato soup gluten-free or dairy-free?
A large number of people are searching for allergy-friendly or dietary-specific modifications.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
Part of the beauty of this hamburger potato soup recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are a few clever swaps to help you use what’s already in your pantry:
Protein Swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken – for a leaner option with less fat.
- Plant-based crumbles – to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan.
- Leftover roast beef – chopped finely and added at the simmering stage.
Potato Varieties:
- Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery texture and hold their shape well.
- Red potatoes are waxier and give a smoother bite.
- Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and extra nutrients.
Cheese Options:
- Pepper Jack for a bit of heat.
- Smoked Gouda for a depth of flavor.
- Parmesan stirred in at the end for a sharp, nutty twist.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need a high-end kitchen to make this satisfying hamburger potato soup recipe. Here’s a basic checklist:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle for serving
- Measuring cups & spoons
Optional: immersion blender if you prefer a thicker texture (blend half the soup before adding cheese).
Read more : https://chefnip.com/chilis-enchilada-soup-recipe/
Seasonal Adaptations
This hamburger potato soup recipe is incredibly flexible across seasons:
Winter Variation:
- Add diced parsnips or turnips for a rustic, earthy flavor.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, more indulgent texture.
Summer Variation:
- Use fresh garden veggies like corn and zucchini.
- Try garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or dill for a lighter finish.
Storage & Reheating
Making this hamburger potato soup recipe in bulk? Here’s how to store it properly:
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.
Freezer:
- Let the soup cool completely.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Pro Tip: Avoid freezing if you’ve used a lot of dairy—freeze before adding the milk and cheese, then stir them in during reheating.
History and Origins of Hamburger Potato Soup
The hamburger potato soup recipe reflects classic American home cooking—a tradition rooted in practicality and comfort. Originating in mid-20th-century kitchens, this dish became popular as families sought hearty, budget-friendly meals. Ground beef was a staple, and adding potatoes stretched the meal further while keeping it satisfying.
Though the recipe has many regional variations, its essence remains the same: simple ingredients, big flavors, and a bowl that feels like a hug. Today, this comforting dish is a nostalgic favorite, especially in Midwestern households where winters demand warm, stick-to-your-ribs meals.
Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe for Meal Prep
This hamburger potato soup recipe is perfect for batch cooking:
Meal Prep Tips:
- Double the recipe and portion it into individual containers.
- Use wide-mouth mason jars for easy fridge storage.
- Label with the date and freeze any portions not used within 4 days.
Meal Ideas:
- Lunches for the week: Add a salad or a roll on the side.
- Dinner base: Top with croutons or crispy bacon for variation.
- Quick snack: Serve in a mug on cold evenings.
Garnishing Ideas & Presentation Tips
Elevate your bowl of soup with creative toppings:
Topping Suggestions:
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
- Crumbled bacon
- Extra shredded cheese
- Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes
Serving Style:
- Serve in rustic ceramic bowls with thick slices of artisan bread.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary for a restaurant-style look.
- Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Reader Interaction
We love hearing from our cooking community! Have you made this hamburger potato soup recipe? Did you make any creative swaps or tweaks? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on Instagram with #LBhamburgersoup for a chance to be featured!
Final Thoughts
This hamburger potato soup recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of simpler times and the comfort of a warm kitchen. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a busy week or just want a bowl of something satisfying and soul-soothing, this dish has you covered. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your tweaks or family-friendly additions!
