Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: The Coziest Bowl of Comfort

When the temperatures dip and your belly craves something warm, filling, and downright satisfying, there’s one soup that hits the spot every time: Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.

This humble, hearty recipe is the best of both worlds—creamy potato soup meets savory ground beef stew. It’s rustic, affordable, easy to make, and full of comforting flavor. Think of it as the kind of recipe your grandmother would’ve made with what she had on hand—only creamier and even more delicious.

Let’s ladle up the details.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

✔️ One-pot wonder—minimal cleanup
✔️ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔️ Comfort food vibes with creamy texture and savory depth
✔️ Perfect for meal prep or freezing
✔️ Ready in under an hour

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just yourself, this recipe always delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.

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A Real, Reliable Recipe

This version has been tried, tested, and tweaked to perfection.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 ½ cups chopped carrots
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh if available)
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)

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How to Make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.

Drain any excess grease, especially if using higher-fat beef.

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Step 2: Add Veggies & Broth

Add diced potatoes and carrots. Stir in beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 3: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you like a thicker soup, in a small bowl whisk together 2 tbsp flour and ½ cup milk. Slowly stir this into the pot while soup simmers. It will thicken as it cooks.

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Step 4: Make It Creamy

Stir in the remaining milk or half-and-half, shredded cheese, and sour cream (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring until everything is melted and incorporated.

🧀 Tip: Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes.

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Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.

Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or buttery crackers for the full comfort experience.

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Variations to Try

🥓 Bacon Lovers’ Version: Cook 4 strips of bacon, chop, and stir in at the end. Bacon grease also adds flavor when sautéing the onion and beef.

🧀 Extra Cheesy: Add a dollop of cream cheese or mix in Monterey Jack for a creamier base.

🌽 Southwest Style: Add 1 tsp chili powder and ½ cup corn for a Tex-Mex spin.

🌿 Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.

🧄 Roasted Garlic Upgrade: Roast garlic cloves and mash into the soup during the final steps.

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What to Serve with Creamy Hamburger Soup

• Buttermilk biscuits or cheddar drop biscuits
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Simple green salad
• Pickles or sliced radishes for acidity
• Crispy croutons or seasoned oyster crackers on top

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This soup is meal-prep gold and stores beautifully.

🥣 Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let cool completely and portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Note: If made with milk or cheese, soup may separate slightly when frozen—just stir well while reheating!

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FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes it lighter.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the onion/garlic first, then add everything (except dairy and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in milk and cheese at the end.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and use unsweetened plant milk. You can also use coconut cream, but it will slightly change the flavor.

How do I thicken the soup without flour?
Mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot and stir—it thickens naturally!

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Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. It’s filling without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and cozy without being fussy. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, soft carrots, and creamy broth is like a hug in every spoonful.

Perfect for a snowy evening, lazy Sunday, or anytime you need comfort fast.

It’s the kind of soup you’ll make once and then crave again and again.

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