There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe brings together tender ground beef, velvety potatoes, and a touch of sweet corn all simmered in a luscious creamy broth. It’s the kind of recipe that combines simplicity and richness in the most satisfying way, making every spoonful a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup promises to be a star at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays an essential role in crafting the texture, depth, and color of the soup. From the lean ground beef that adds hearty protein, to the russet potatoes that give a creamy body, every component comes together to create that perfect comfort food vibe.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The savory backbone of the soup, providing rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity undertone and preventing sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky richness that perfectly balances savory and creamy notes.
- 1 medium onion (chopped small): Adds sweetness and a mild bite that melts into the broth as it cooks.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped small): For a splash of color and a tender, slightly sweet crunch.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped small): Adds that distinctive fresh, slightly herbal aroma and crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic depth that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings fragrant complexity and Mediterranean charm.
- 2 tablespoons flour: The secret to that creamy, luscious consistency without heaviness.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together in a savory broth.
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami magic and a slight tangy kick to enhance the soup’s layers.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star for creaminess—rich and velvety, it elevates the soup’s texture beautifully.
- 2 medium-to-large Russet potatoes (peeled & diced): Soft, starchy, and perfect for soaking up all the cozy flavors.
- 3/4 cup corn (frozen or fresh): Sweet pops of flavor and color that bring brightness to each spoonful.
- Seasoning salt & pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches to enhance and balance the soup’s flavor.
How to Make Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as you go to ensure no big chunks remain. This step develops deep, savory flavor from the beef and forms the base that will carry all the other ingredients. After about 8 to 10 minutes, your browned beef will be ready.
Step 2: Remove Beef and Prepare the Pot
Once the beef is browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Pour off most of the fat remaining in the pot but keep a little for cooking your vegetables—it adds flavor and helps the next ingredients caramelize well.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the olive oil, butter, chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking softens the veggies and unlocks their natural sweetness, creating the savory foundation your soup needs. The aromas developing here are truly inviting!
Step 4: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and then sprinkle the flour over the veggies. Cook everything together for about a minute, stirring almost constantly. This step allows the flour to cook out its raw taste and helps thicken the soup later on.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Scrape Up the Goodies
Slowly add the chicken or beef broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour evenly. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir to lift the flavorful browned bits that stuck while cooking the beef and veggies. These bits are packed with umami and add a delightful depth to your soup’s flavor.
Step 6: Add Cream, Seasonings, and Main Ingredients
Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, diced potatoes, corn, and the browned ground beef back into the pot. Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. This balance ensures the potatoes cook perfectly without the soup boiling over or scorching.
Step 7: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Cook the soup with the pot’s lid slightly ajar for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the potatoes to become fork-tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in that comforting, creamy texture you’re after in this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Finally, season the soup generously with seasoning salt and freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. This finishing step ties all the flavors together for a satisfying, perfectly seasoned soup that you’ll want to savor bite after bite.
How to Serve Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate this soup from hearty to gourmet in seconds. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a fresh pop of color and brightness. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits make wonderful comforting toppings that add texture and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a full meal, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or flaky biscuits takes things to the next level. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich creaminess perfectly, balancing out the meal with light and fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an edible container that’s sure to impress guests. Another fun idea is to ladle the soup into individual ramekins and top with a small puff pastry for a flaky roof. Whatever the occasion, this soup is versatile enough to dress up or down.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before storing to keep that creamy texture from separating too much.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but because of the cream and potatoes, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even heating. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and restore its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still works well in this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe. Just brown it the same way, but keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey may cook a little faster.
What type of potatoes are best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely during cooking and add creaminess to the soup. You could also use Yukon Golds for a slightly firmer texture and buttery flavor.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative. The soup might taste a bit different but will still be delicious and creamy.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this recipe leans on savory and creamy flavors without significant heat. However, if you like spice, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give it a gentle kick.
How thick is this soup meant to be?
This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe has a rich, thick broth that coats the spoon beautifully but isn’t overly heavy. The potatoes and cream create a velvety texture that’s hearty yet smooth, perfect for a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe becomes one of your favorite go-to comfort foods on chilly days. It’s straightforward to make, packed with delicious ingredients, and wonderfully satisfying with each spoonful. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, homemade bowl of cozy goodness that’s sure to delight everyone around your table.
