Make Easy Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Make Easy Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Preparing a delicious and hearty soup doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy creamy potato hamburger soup recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s a satisfying comfort food that brings everyone to the table, combining familiar ingredients into a rich and savory ground beef soup.

Prep Time: Quick and Simple

One of the best aspects of this creamy potato hamburger soup is its straightforward preparation. You’ll spend very little time on chopping and browning, getting you from prep to simmering quickly. Most ingredients are pantry staples, ensuring a seamless cooking experience for even busy weeknights.

Cook Time: Your Choice Method

Flexibility is key with this recipe! You have the option to cook this incredible soup using either a slow cooker (crockpot) or a traditional stovetop pot. Both methods yield a tender, flavorful, and wonderfully creamy potato soup, allowing you to choose based on your schedule and preference. The crockpot offers hands-off convenience, while the stovetop provides a quicker path to dinner.

Serves Eight Hearty Bowls

This recipe is generously portioned to serve approximately eight hearty bowls, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. If you have a smaller household, the leftovers store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you have delicious comfort food ready for another day. It’s truly a family favorite that promises a satisfying meal for all.

Gather Ingredients for This Soup

The success of any great soup begins with quality ingredients. For this easy creamy potato hamburger soup, we focus on fresh produce, savory meats, and rich dairy to build layers of flavor that will make this hearty family meal truly unforgettable. Having everything prepped and measured before you start cooking makes the process even smoother.

What Meat You Will Need

The star of this ground beef soup is, naturally, the ground beef. We recommend using a lean-to-medium ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to ensure a flavorful base without excessive grease. You could also opt for ground turkey for a slightly lighter version, though the classic hamburger soup flavor truly shines with beef. Feel free to explore different meat options to fit your dietary needs or preferences.

Fresh Veggies and Seasonings

A vibrant mix of fresh vegetables provides texture and depth. Essential veggies include diced yellow onion, garlic, and potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work wonderfully for their starchiness, which helps thicken the soup). For additional flavor, you might include carrots, celery, or corn. Don’t forget the seasonings! Salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and a pinch of thyme are classic choices that enhance the savory notes. Using fresh herbs like parsley for garnish also adds a lovely finish.

Dairy for Creamy Smoothness

Achieving that luscious, creamy potato soup texture relies heavily on the dairy components. Milk (whole or 2% is recommended for richness) forms the base, while Velveeta cheese is the secret to a silky-smooth, perfectly melted finish. For an extra layer of richness, a touch of heavy cream can be added at the end. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider cream cheese or a roux made with butter and flour before adding milk, but Velveeta truly provides a unique, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that defines this comfort food. Remember, good quality dairy makes all the difference in this easy creamy potato hamburger soup.

Prepare Beef and Onion Base

The foundation of any great ground beef soup lies in developing a rich, savory base. Properly browning your meat and sautéing aromatics are crucial steps that build layers of flavor, setting the stage for an outstanding easy creamy potato hamburger soup. This initial preparation ensures every spoonful is packed with depth and deliciousness.

Brown Ground Beef with Onion

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef begins to brown, typically after 5-7 minutes, add your diced yellow onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is fully browned and no pink remains, and the onions have softened and become translucent. This process usually takes another 5-8 minutes. It’s important to drain any excess grease from the pan at this stage to prevent your creamy potato soup from becoming oily. A colander works well for this, or simply tilt the pan and spoon out the fat.

Add Garlic until Fragrant

After the beef and onions are perfectly cooked and drained, it’s time to introduce the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for just 30-60 seconds, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your soup. Its aromatic oils will infuse into the beef and onions, creating a robust and inviting smell that truly signifies the start of a fantastic hearty family meal. This step is brief but immensely important for the overall flavor profile of your meat-based dish.

Set Up Your Crockpot or Pot

Once your savory beef and onion base is ready, the next step is to combine all the delicious components in your chosen cooking vessel. Whether you opt for the slow, gentle heat of a crockpot or the consistent warmth of a large stockpot on the stovetop, assembling the ingredients correctly ensures a harmonious blend of flavors for your easy creamy potato hamburger soup.

Transfer Beef to Cooker

Carefully transfer the browned ground beef and sautéed onion-garlic mixture from the skillet into either your slow cooker insert or your large stockpot. Ensure that all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet are scraped into the main cooking vessel; these bits are packed with concentrated flavor that will enhance your creamy potato soup.

Stir in Potatoes and Broth

Next, add your diced potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices as they become wonderfully tender and release starch, which naturally thickens the soup. Pour in the beef broth. Chicken broth can also be used if preferred, but beef broth enhances the richness of the ground beef soup. Ensure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the broth. This liquid base will allow the potatoes to cook thoroughly and absorb all the delightful flavors. You might consider adding a bay leaf at this stage for an extra layer of subtle aroma.

Mix in Frozen Vegetables and Spices

Finally, incorporate any frozen mixed vegetables you plan to use, such as peas, carrots, or corn. These add color, nutrients, and a touch of sweetness. Stir in your chosen seasonings: salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried parsley, and a pinch of thyme or oregano work beautifully. Give everything a good stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Now your easy creamy potato hamburger soup is perfectly set up and ready for its cooking journey, whether it’s a slow simmer or a steady boil, transforming into a comforting hearty family meal. This careful layering ensures every bite is flavorful.

Crockpot Steps for Cooking Soup

The crockpot is a fantastic tool for preparing this easy creamy potato hamburger soup, offering a hands-off approach that allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. This method is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty family meal ready and waiting without constant attention.

Cook on Low for Hours

For the most tender potatoes and a deeply developed flavor, cook your creamy potato hamburger soup on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. This slow, gentle simmer allows the ingredients to break down slightly, creating a richer broth and incredibly tender vegetables and beef. Ensure the lid is securely in place to retain heat and moisture. Periodically, you can give it a gentle stir if desired, but it’s not strictly necessary. This slow cooking process is ideal for creating truly satisfying comfort food.

Cook on High for Faster Results

If you’re pressed for time but still want the convenience of a slow cooker, you can cook the easy creamy potato hamburger soup on the HIGH setting. This will significantly reduce the cooking time to approximately 3-4 hours. While the flavors may not be quite as deeply integrated as with low cooking, you will still achieve a wonderfully tender ground beef soup with cooked potatoes. Always check the tenderness of the potatoes and vegetables before serving, regardless of the setting, to ensure they are fork-tender. The crockpot makes this simple weeknight dinner remarkably easy, adapting to your schedule.

Stovetop Steps for Cooking Soup

For those who prefer a quicker route or don’t own a slow cooker, preparing this easy creamy potato hamburger soup on the stovetop is equally effective. This method offers more control over the cooking process and allows you to enjoy your hearty family meal in less time, making it an ideal simple weeknight dinner solution.

Boil Then Simmer until Tender

Once all your prepared ingredients (browned beef, onions, garlic, potatoes, broth, frozen vegetables, and spices) are combined in a large stockpot, bring the soup to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This initial boil helps to quickly heat all the ingredients and begin the cooking process for the potatoes. As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. The key is to maintain a steady, gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil to prevent the potatoes from breaking down too much and to allow the flavors to meld. Continue simmering for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This stovetop method ensures your ground beef soup develops a rich flavor and a perfectly cooked texture, ready for the creamy finishing touches. You can always check a Wikipedia page about soup for general cooking insights.

Make Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup Thick

One of the defining characteristics of this easy creamy potato hamburger soup is its delightful, comforting thickness. Achieving the perfect consistency is simple and ensures that every spoonful is rich and satisfying. This step transforms your hearty family meal from a broth-based dish into a truly creamy potato soup experience, elevating the comfort food factor significantly.

Mix Cornstarch with Cold Milk

To thicken your soup, you’ll create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold milk (or cold water if preferred). It’s crucial to use cold liquid, as hot liquid will cause the cornstarch to clump immediately. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This slurry is a highly effective, gluten-free thickener, making it suitable for those looking for gluten-free options for their ground beef soup.

Stir into Soup until Thickened

Once your soup has finished cooking (either in the crockpot or on the stovetop) and the potatoes are tender, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup while continuously stirring. Continue to stir gently for 2-3 minutes. As the soup returns to a gentle simmer, you will notice it gradually beginning to thicken. The heat activates the cornstarch, creating that desirable creamy texture. If you desire a thicker consistency, you can repeat the process with another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold milk, adding it gradually until your easy creamy potato hamburger soup reaches your preferred thickness. This method ensures a smooth, lump-free result every time, making your simple weeknight dinner truly special.

Finish Your Creamy Hamburger Soup Perfectly

The final touches are what truly transform this dish into an easy creamy potato hamburger soup masterpiece. Adding the cheese at the very end ensures a velvety smooth finish and injects that undeniable comfort food flavor that makes this hearty family meal so appealing. This step brings all the delicious elements together for a cohesive and deeply satisfying experience.

Melt Velveeta Cheese Smoothly

After your soup has reached its desired thickness with the cornstarch slurry, it’s time for the secret ingredient to ultimate creaminess: Velveeta cheese. Reduce the heat to low, if it isn’t already. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese directly into the hot soup. The gentle heat will help the cheese melt gradually and smoothly without separating. Avoid high heat during this step, as it can cause the cheese to become oily or lumpy. Stir continuously as the cheese melts to ensure it fully incorporates into the soup, creating an incredibly smooth and rich texture for your creamy potato soup.

Stir until Soup is Ready

Continue stirring until all the Velveeta cheese has completely melted and is fully integrated into the soup. This should only take a few minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might need a little more salt or pepper, depending on the saltiness of your broth and Velveeta. Once the cheese is melted and the soup is uniform in texture and flavor, your easy creamy potato hamburger soup is officially ready to be served. It’s now a perfectly balanced ground beef soup, rich and creamy, ready to provide warmth and satisfaction as a simple weeknight dinner. For more insights into cheese soups, visit Wikipedia.

Serving Your Easy Creamy Hamburger Soup

Once your easy creamy potato hamburger soup is perfectly cooked, thickened, and infused with rich cheesy goodness, it’s time to serve up this incredible hearty family meal. A well-presented dish enhances the dining experience, making this comfort food even more enjoyable. Consider these simple additions to complete your simple weeknight dinner.

Pair with Crusty Bread

There’s nothing quite like dipping a piece of crusty bread into a warm bowl of creamy potato soup. A fresh baguette, sourdough, or even a simple loaf of Italian bread works wonderfully. The bread acts as a perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth and ground beef, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft potatoes and creamy base. Garlic bread or cheese bread can also elevate the experience, making your easy creamy potato hamburger soup even more satisfying.

Add Fresh Herbs as Garnish

Garnishing your soup not only adds a touch of elegance but also fresh flavor. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives provides a vibrant color contrast and a burst of herbaceousness that brightens the overall profile of your ground beef soup. These fresh elements cut through the richness of the creamy soup, offering a refreshing counterpoint that makes each spoonful more dynamic and appealing.

Simple Salad for a Side

To complete your meal, consider serving a simple green salad on the side. A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh, crisp element that complements the hearty nature of the soup. It’s a great way to add some extra vegetables and a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish, turning your easy creamy potato hamburger soup into a well-rounded and delightful simple weeknight dinner. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on Instagram!

Store Leftover Potato Hamburger Soup

This easy creamy potato hamburger soup is so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! However, if you do, it’s a fantastic dish that reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying another simple weeknight dinner. Proper storage ensures your hearty family meal remains fresh and flavorful.

Fridge Storage: Up to Three Days

Once your creamy potato hamburger soup has cooled completely to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent bacterial growth), transfer it to airtight containers. Store these containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup and restore its creamy consistency, as it can thicken considerably in the fridge. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dinner option.

Freezing for Longer Enjoyment

For longer storage, easy creamy potato hamburger soup freezes remarkably well. Again, ensure the soup is completely cooled before freezing. Ladle individual portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Label with the date. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the rich flavor of this ground beef soup will still provide satisfying comfort food for a future meal. Freezing helps preserve this delicious simple weeknight dinner.

Change Up Your Creamy Soup Flavors

While the classic easy creamy potato hamburger soup is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. This hearty family meal is incredibly versatile, allowing for creative twists that can transform it into a new simple weeknight dinner experience while maintaining its core comfort food appeal.

Try Lighter or Vegetarian Swaps

For a lighter version, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian creamy potato soup, omit the meat entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use a vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully plant-based. Consider adding a can of drained and rinsed lentils or kidney beans for protein if going vegetarian. These simple changes allow everyone to enjoy a version of this delightful soup.

Make it Spicy with Peppers

If you love a little heat, it’s easy to transform your ground beef soup into a spicy sensation. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your other seasonings. For a more pronounced kick, dice and sauté a jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions and garlic. For a smoky heat, a dash of chipotle powder or a can of diced green chiles can be stirred in. Always taste as you go to achieve your preferred level of spiciness, ensuring your easy creamy potato hamburger soup delivers the perfect amount of warmth.

Load it Up with Toppings

Toppings are a fantastic way to add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Beyond fresh herbs, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang and creaminess. Crispy fried onions, crumbled bacon bits (for non-vegetarian versions), or even a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese make excellent additions. For an extra potato-y experience, a swirl of mashed potatoes can also add richness. These creative additions can turn your simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.

Gluten-Free Potato Hamburger Soup Tips

For those following a gluten-free diet, enjoying a hearty family meal like easy creamy potato hamburger soup is entirely possible with a few simple considerations. Ensuring all your ingredients are naturally gluten-free or certified as such will allow everyone to indulge in this comforting ground beef soup without worry.

Check Broth for Hidden Gluten

One of the most common sources of hidden gluten in soups is the broth. Many conventional beef broths or bouillon cubes contain wheat-derived ingredients or are processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products, leading to cross-contamination. Always read the ingredient label carefully and look for brands specifically certified as “gluten-free” broth. This small step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your gluten-free creamy potato soup. Alternatively, making your own beef broth from scratch is a foolproof way to ensure it’s gluten-free and enhances the flavor of your simple weeknight dinner.

Use Gluten-Free Thickeners

When it comes to thickening your easy creamy potato hamburger soup, cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice. As detailed earlier, creating a cornstarch slurry with cold milk or water is an effective and safe method. Avoid using flour (which contains gluten) as a thickener unless it is a specifically labeled gluten-free flour blend. If using Velveeta cheese, it is generally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to double-check the packaging for any specific allergen warnings if you have severe sensitivities. With these careful checks, you can confidently prepare a delicious and truly gluten-free creamy potato hamburger soup that everyone can enjoy as a satisfying comfort food.