Hamburger Potato Soup

There’s something about a bowl of my delicious Hamburger Potato Soup that just feels like home. This hearty soup, made with simple ingredients like ground beef, russet potatoes, and Velveeta cheese, is perfect for those colder months when you’re craving something creamy and cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting soup for a cozy weekend, this Hamburger Potato Soup recipe is sure to become your new favorite soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Have you tried potato soup with ground beef? It’s a total game changer! Hamburger Potato Soup combines the flavors of tender ground beef, rich broth, and creamy, cheesy potatoes, making it a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults alike. My picky teens even love it!

This version of hamburger soup is not just comforting but also easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. It’s a great way to use up ground meat like beef, chicken, or turkey, and the result is a thick, cheesy soup that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread. Sourdough is my favorite!

Looking for more hearty hamburger recipes? Try my delicious Cowboy Soup.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup

Making Hamburger Potato Soup is super easy. Makes sense, because ain’t nobody got time for any other kind of recipe around these parts! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to make it.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the ground beef and vegetables. Olive oil adds a subtle richness to the soup.
• Ground Beef: The star of this recipe, ground beef provides the hearty, meaty flavor that makes this soup so satisfying. Lean ground beef is best to reduce excess fat.
• Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and break down slightly as they cook, helping to thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the soup.
• Carrots: Diced carrots contribute a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the soup, providing a fragrant base.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors in my hamburger potato soup.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of herby goodness to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the savory broth base for the soup, providing a rich, flavorful liquid.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup, balancing out the savory flavors.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup, giving it that creamy consistency.
• Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta melts smoothly into the soup, making it extra creamy and cheesy.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions can be added on top for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and carrots. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Cook the beef mixture until the meat is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are translucent. If you’re using a higher-fat content ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease before proceeding.

Step Two: Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for about two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step allows the garlic to infuse the beef with its flavor.

Step Three: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste from the flour. This step is important because the flour will help thicken the soup as it cooks.

Step Four: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. These bits add flavor to the broth and make the soup richer. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step Five: Add the diced potatoes, milk, and Velveeta cheese to the pot. Stir continuously as you bring the soup back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer (while continuing to stir occasionally) for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes and the carrots are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

Step Six: Once the soup is done, serve it hot. You can top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for some added texture and color. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Hamburger Potato Soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand!

• Ground Meat: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground chicken or ground turkey. Both options make a lighter version of hamburger soup while still delivering on flavor. I’ve made this soup with ground turkey many times!
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or sweet corn. These additions can provide extra nutrients and flavors.
• Broth: While chicken broth is my favorite, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth as well. Beef broth will give a richer flavor, while vegetable broth keeps the soup lighter.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of processed cheese, you can substitute with shredded cheddar cheese, or even try a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Thickening: If you like your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked, or add a bit more flour at the beginning.

Best Tips

• Chop Carrots Small: Dicing the carrots small is crucial to ensure that they have time to become tender during the cooking process.
• Drain Excess Fat: If you’re using a fattier ground beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. This helps to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
• Deglaze the Pot: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the bottom of the pot when you add the chicken broth. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom are full of flavor and help to enrich the broth.
• Stir Continuously: When you add the milk and cheese, make sure to stir continuously to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure the cheese melts smoothly.
• Simmer on Low Heat: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the potatoes cook evenly without falling apart.

How to Store Hamburger Potato Soup

Storing Hamburger Potato Soup is super easy. Here’s how to do it properly.

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if it has thickened in the fridge.
• Freezer: This soup can also be frozen for up to three months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove top over medium heat.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid curdling the milk or causing the cheese to separate. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hamburger Potato Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef, onions, and carrots in a large skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.

What kind of potatoes should I use for Hamburger Potato Soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the broth. However, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape better.

Can I use something other than Velveeta cheese?

Yes, if you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute with shredded cheddar cheese or a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that other cheeses might not melt as smoothly as Velveeta. Don’t knock the Velveeta until you’ve tried it. Velveeta cheese makes the best potato soup, in my opinion!

How can I make this soup healthier? 

To make a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and substitute the whole milk with a lower-fat option. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots, celery, or other veggies of your choice.

Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day! This tasty combo of tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and rich broth, is a hearty meal that’s sure to warm your belly. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this Hamburger Potato Soup recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete

More Comforting Soups

• Instant Pot Potato Soup
• Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup
• Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
• Navy Bean and Ham Soup