If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of potatoes and sweet corn swimming in a rich, velvety broth loaded with savory ground beef and vegetables, all brought together with a luscious creamy touch. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying soup that balances hearty flavors and smooth textures perfectly, making it the kind of dish you want to dive into on crisp evenings or whenever you need some soul-soothing goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy items for this soup — just straightforward, trustworthy ingredients. Each one plays a vital part, whether it’s the savory depth from ground beef, the natural sweetness of carrots and corn, or the rich creaminess that turns this into a true comfort classic.
- Lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté veggies with a subtle fruity touch.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps build a flavor-packed base.
- Onion (chopped small): Brings natural sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down.
- Carrots (peeled & chopped small): Offer sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery (chopped small): Adds earthy crunch and balances flavors with its subtle bitterness.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes that linger.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts and rounds out the taste.
- Flour: Thickens the soup to a silky, comforting texture.
- Chicken or beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami punch and deepens complexity.
- Heavy/whipping cream: Creates the rich, creamy mouthfeel that makes this soup irresistible.
- Russet potatoes (peeled & diced): The star ingredient, providing tender chunks with fluffy interiors.
- Corn (frozen or fresh): Adds bursts of sweet crunch that brighten every spoonful.
- Seasoning salt & pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning—adjust to taste.
How to Make Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat and adding the lean ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing those flavorful browned bits to develop—it should take about 8-10 minutes. This step builds the savory backbone of your soup.
Step 2: Remove Beef and Prepare the Pot
Once the beef is beautifully browned, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess fat. Leave just a touch of that fond in the pot, but discard most of the fat to keep the soup from getting greasy and allow the veggies to shine.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables in Butter and Oil
Add the olive oil, butter, chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Let them cook gently for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This veggies-mix is like the flavor base and will give your soup layers of complexity.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Italian Seasoning, and Flour
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute to release those wonderful aromas. Then sprinkle in the flour and continue stirring almost constantly for about one minute—this helps thicken the soup later on and creates a velvety consistency.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Scrape the Pot
Gently pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour lumps and lift those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add intense flavor, so make sure you give the pot a good scrape!
Step 6: Combine Worcestershire Sauce, Cream, Potatoes, Corn, and Beef
Now stir in Worcestershire sauce for that lovely depth, followed by the heavy cream which makes the soup luxuriously creamy. Add the diced potatoes and corn, then return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer so it cooks gently but steadily.
Step 7: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Let the soup cook with the lid slightly opened for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should be tender by the time you’re done, absorbing all those fantastic flavors.
Step 8: Season to Perfection
Finish by generously seasoning with seasoning salt and pepper to taste. This final step balances the flavors and ensures every spoonful is perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of a thoughtful garnish. Sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or freshly chopped green onions on top. A dollop of sour cream or a handful of fresh parsley can also brighten the soup visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even some simple garlic toast. If you want to add a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to impress guests or ladle it into pretty mugs for a cozy night in. You can even layer some crumbled cheese and toppings on individual portions for a fun “build-your-own” style experience around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the texture of potatoes may soften a bit upon thawing. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separating. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive its creamy texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just brown it well to develop that savory base.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the creaminess will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works surprisingly well with this recipe.
Is it okay to use frozen corn?
Yes! Frozen corn is convenient and just as tasty as fresh. Add it straight into the soup without thawing—it will cook perfectly during the simmering step.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth. You can also add beans for protein.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Check tenderness by stabbing a potato piece with a fork—it should slide in easily without resistance. This tells you the soup is ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a big bowl of homemade soup that warms you from the inside out, and this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe delivers just that. The layers of flavor and creamy texture make it a perfect go-to for chilly evenings or anytime you want comfort in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—it’s exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
