Name: Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; Cooked chopped bacon (optional, amount not specified); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 large stick of celery, diced; 4 large potatoes, diced into 1/4 inch pieces; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken broth; 3 cups whole milk; 2 cups grated cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (optional, to supplement drippings)

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, every spoonful offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of soup that brings family and friends together, satisfying appetites and lifting spirits no matter the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cast iron pot with green handles sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, the left image shows one layer of cooked ground beef, dark brown and crumbly, spread evenly across the bottom. A wooden spoon with

This Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a rich, creamy texture that makes this soup unforgettable.

Lean ground beef: The backbone of the soup, providing a hearty and savory flavor base.
Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic (minced): Gives an inviting aroma and subtle kick to the soup.
Carrot (diced): Brings a touch of sweetness and bright color.
Celery (diced): Offers a mild, fresh crunch and balances the soup.
Potatoes (diced into 1/4 inch pieces): The star ingredient, providing creamy texture and substance.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a gentle spice.
Dried basil: Brings a fragrant, herbal note to the soup.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious consistency.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness.
Grated cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for a rich, cheesy finish.

How to Make Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat and cook the lean ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl and drain off most of the grease, leaving behind a tablespoon or two for extra flavor if you like. This step ensures your beef is perfectly cooked and ready to meld into the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pot with the beef drippings, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. If there isn’t enough fat left from the beef, add a splash of olive or vegetable oil. Sauté these ingredients gently until the onions become soft and translucent, stirring frequently to lift the tasty browned bits from the pot’s bottom. This process builds a rich, layered flavor base crucial to the soup’s character.

Step 3: Season and Thicken

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried basil over your sautéed vegetables and stir well. Then, add the flour and stir continuously, cooking for about 2 minutes. The flour helps create a thick, velvety texture that will coat every ingredient in creamy goodness as the soup cooks.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-low heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened nicely, which should take about 20 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and to keep everything cooking evenly.

Step 5: Combine Meat and Milk

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot along with any chopped bacon you might want to add for extra smoky flavor. Pour in the whole milk and keep the soup at a low simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This step adds a creamy richness that makes the soup feel indulgent and satisfying.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt smoothly into the soup. The cheese enriches the flavor and texture, creating a velvety, irresistible finish that defines this Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy soup showing layers of small chunks of light yellow potatoes, small orange carrot pieces, and small bits of brown ground meat evenly mixed in a pale beige broth. The bowl sits on a round wooden board on top of a thick cream knitted cloth with two slices of crusty white bread placed behind it. A gold spoon is on the right side of the bowl, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl, consider topping the soup with freshly chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor contrast. These thoughtful garnishes bring freshness and a fun crunch that complement the creamy soup beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Potato Hamburger Soup alongside crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These accompaniments add balance and make your meal more complete, turning an everyday dinner into a satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and fresh herbs on top. Or, impress guests by serving it in hollowed-out mini bread bowls. Both options make your Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe look as delightful as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy your homemade soup for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but keep in mind that the potatoes might soften further after thawing. Package portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth if it thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating is also convenient, warming in short intervals and stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that will still give the soup plenty of flavor, though it may be slightly less rich than beef.

Is it necessary to use whole milk?

Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy milk option like oat milk. Just expect a slight difference in richness and flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or adding more vegetables and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, you can enjoy a tasty vegetarian version.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup ends up thinner than you’d like, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the simmering soup, cooking until it thickens.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is the classic choice for this recipe because of its sharp, creamy flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky cheese for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a homemade bowl of Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe that brings warmth and comfort like no other. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup is sure to win hearts and become a cherished favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share the happiness one spoonful at a time.