When it comes to cozy, satisfying meals, Hamburger Potato Soup is a must-make! Packed with lean ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory herbs, this hearty soup is the perfect dish for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
One of the best things about this soup? It stays warm in a slow cooker, making it ideal for busy nights when you need dinner ready when you are. Plus, I’m sharing tips for storage, freezing, and choosing the best potatoes to make this soup extra delicious!
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Want a Creamier Version?
For a rich and velvety twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk right before serving. If you’re a cheese lover, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top makes it even better!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 3 lbs. potatoes (Russet or red potatoes work best)
- 8 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup
1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
2️⃣ Prep the Vegetables:
Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.
3️⃣ Sauté for Extra Flavor:
Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
4️⃣ Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and add the potatoes. Stir in the garlic powder, parsley, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5️⃣ Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal!
How to Store & Freeze Hamburger Potato Soup
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Freezing Instructions:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Tip: If you’ve added dairy (like heavy cream), the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Best Potatoes for Hamburger Potato Soup
Choosing the right potatoes can make all the difference in the texture and consistency of your Hamburger Potato Soup. Since potatoes break down differently when cooked, it’s important to pick a variety that complements the hearty nature of this dish. Russet potatoes are a great choice if you prefer a soup with a slightly thicker consistency, as they are high in starch and tend to break down more, naturally thickening the broth. Their fluffy texture creates a rich and velvety feel in every bite. On the other hand, red potatoes hold their shape well and provide a firmer, creamier texture, making them a great option if you prefer chunkier bites of potato in your soup. Yukon Gold potatoes fall somewhere in between offering a buttery, smooth texture while still holding up nicely after simmering. If you enjoy a mix of textures, you can combine different types of potatoes for the best of both worlds! No matter which variety you choose, cutting the potatoes into even, bite-sized cubes ensure they cook uniformly, resulting in a perfectly balanced, comforting bowl of soup.
Hamburger Potato Soup is everything you want in a comforting, homemade meal—hearty, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking up a cozy dinner, this soup will quickly become a family favorite!
Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to serve it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Pennsylvania Dutch Ham Pot Pie Recipe
APPAREL FOR THE FOODIES & GRILLERS
Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. lean ground beef
- 3 Lbs. potatoes
- 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven on your stove top over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots, celery and onion.
- Add the diced carrots, celery and onion to the pot with the ground meat and sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the chicken or beef stock, add the diced potatoes. Add the garlic powder, parsley, bay leaves and fresh thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.