When the days get cooler or you’re craving something warm and filling, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy hamburger potato soup. This dish combines tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a rich, cheesy broth that’s both savory and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe has it all.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables provide a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- One-Pot Wonder: Whether you use a crockpot or cook on the stove, this soup is a breeze to prepare, with minimal cleanup.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of Velveeta cheese and milk creates a silky, rich broth that makes each spoonful irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious creamy hamburger potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef: The star of the show, providing protein and a hearty base for the soup.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 1 large garlic clove, minced: Enhances the savory notes.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
- 6 cups peeled & diced Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes give the soup a hearty texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups frozen vegetables: Choose your favorites—carrots, peas, or corn work well.
- 3 tsp dried basil: Adds an herby fragrance and flavor.
- 2 tsp dried parsley flakes: Brings a touch of freshness.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: This makes the soup creamy and rich.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the soup.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed: The creamy, melty cheese that adds richness to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onions and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease. This ensures that the soup doesn’t become overly greasy while maintaining all the flavor.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot or Stockpot
Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to a crockpot or stockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, basil, and parsley. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
If you’re using a crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If cooking on the stove, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
3. Prepare the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth. This step helps thicken the soup, creating that creamy texture we love. Stir the milk mixture into the soup.
4. Melt the Cheese
Once the milk and cornstarch have been stirred into the soup, add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted into the broth, creating a rich, cheesy base for the soup.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese has melted and the soup is thick and creamy, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with some extra parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Hamburger Potato Soup
Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables
This recipe calls for frozen vegetables, which are convenient and often just as nutritious as fresh. However, you can easily substitute fresh vegetables if you have them on hand. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Customize Your Soup
One of the great things about this soup is its versatility. You can switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Try adding corn, carrots, green beans, or even spinach for added nutrition.
Make It Spicier
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a little kick without overpowering the creamy, cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
This soup can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that your chicken broth and Velveeta cheese are gluten-free. You can also substitute the cornstarch for another thickener if needed.
FAQ About Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup reheats wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Freeze Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup?
Because this soup contains dairy, it can be a little tricky to freeze. The texture may change slightly, but if you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing it without the milk and cheese. Then, when you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup and add the milk and cheese as you reheat it.
What Should I Serve with Hamburger Potato Soup?
This soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll would be perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth.
Nutritional Information
While this soup is deliciously comforting, it’s also packed with nutrients:
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a good source of protein and iron, which are essential for energy and overall health.
- Potatoes: These starchy vegetables are high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Velveeta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and is a source of calcium.
- Frozen Vegetables: Offer vitamins and minerals to boost the overall nutrition of the dish.
Perfect for a Busy Weeknight or a Cozy Weekend Meal
Creamy hamburger potato soup is the kind of meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight, yet comforting enough to enjoy on a lazy weekend. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy Velveeta cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make for a great lunch the next day.
Add This Recipe to Your Rotation
Once you make this creamy hamburger potato soup, you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for fall and winter, but honestly, it’s delicious all year round. The best part? It’s simple to make, and the ingredients are affordable and likely already in your pantry.
So, the next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, give this recipe a try. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
