A rich and comforting creamy hamburger potato soup made with ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and a velvety broth. Step-by-step instructions for an easy homemade family dinner.
Introduction
Creamy hamburger potato soup is a hearty, budget-friendly comfort food made with simple pantry ingredients. It combines ground beef, soft potatoes, vegetables, and a creamy broth into a filling meal perfect for cold evenings or quick family dinners. This recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted for thickness and richness based on preference.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (hamburger meat)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for light heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté vegetables
In the same pot, add butter. Once melted, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add potatoes and broth
Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir well. Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Prepare creamy base
In a small bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will thicken the soup.
Step 5: Add beef back into the pot
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Simmer and season
Let the soup simmer for another 5–10 minutes. Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Step 7: Add cheese (optional)
If using cheddar cheese, add it now and stir until melted and creamy. This step enhances the richness of the soup.
Step 8: Final consistency check
If the soup is too thick, add a little extra milk or broth. If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it reaches desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad. The soup thickens as it cools, so it is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips for Best Results
- Use starchy potatoes for a creamier texture
- Do not boil aggressively after adding milk to prevent curdling
- Cheese adds richness but can be skipped for a lighter version
- Leftovers taste even better the next day