There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy potato hamburger soup on a cold day. This hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious cream-based broth that’s absolutely irresistible. What’s even better? You can make it in your crockpot, stovetop, or even an Instant Pot—making this versatile hamburger soup recipe perfect for any busy weeknight.

This creamy potato hamburger soup is the ultimate weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a regular rotation staple in your kitchen.

Why This Hamburger Soup Recipe Stands Out

Many people claim they don’t enjoy ground beef in soup, but that’s usually because they haven’t tried the right recipe. This creamy potato hamburger soup changes minds instantly. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures—tender potatoes that partially break down to create a naturally thick, creamy base, hearty ground beef, and a blend of fresh herbs that tie everything together beautifully.

Unlike tomato-based hamburger soups, this version showcases the comfort of cream-based broths enhanced with dried basil and parsley. The result is a warming, satisfying soup that feels like home in a bowl. The addition of Velveeta cheese (or your preferred cheese) creates that signature creamy texture without requiring heavy cream, making it more accessible for a weeknight meal.

Key Ingredients for Success

Protein & Base:

1½ pounds lean ground beef
6 cups chicken broth
1 medium white onion, diced
1 large garlic clove, minced

Potatoes & Vegetables:

6 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

Seasonings & Cream:

3 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1½ cups milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are essential for this recipe. Unlike waxy potatoes like red potatoes, Russets naturally break down and release starch during cooking, which thickens your soup and creates that creamy, luxurious texture. This natural thickening means you won’t need as many dairy ingredients, keeping the soup balanced and flavorful.

Brown the Meat Properly

Take time to brown your ground beef and onions thoroughly in a large skillet before transferring to the crockpot or stockpot. This step builds flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a deeper, more savory base for your soup. Drain any excess grease to keep the final dish from being too heavy.

Infuse with Garlic

After removing the beef and onions from the skillet, add your minced garlic and cook it until fragrant and lightly browned. This small step significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of your hamburger soup, adding depth that might otherwise be missing.

Cook Low and Slow (If Using Crockpot)

The extended cooking time in a crockpot allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while potatoes soften and begin to break down. This gradual cooking process also makes the ground beef incredibly tender. While you can use a stovetop or Instant Pot, the low-and-slow method produces the most authentic, deeply flavorful result.

Add Dairy at the End

This is crucial for maintaining the soup’s creamy texture and avoiding any curdling. Whisk cornstarch into your milk first—this prevents lumps and helps thicken the soup naturally. Only add this mixture after all the vegetables have finished cooking. The residual heat will gently incorporate the cream without compromising its quality.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (15 minutes)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook, breaking apart the meat as it browns, until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Add your minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer the entire mixture to your crockpot or stockpot.

Step 2: Build the Base (5 minutes)

Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, dried basil, and dried parsley flakes to the pot with your beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

For Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and starting to soften slightly.

For Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are very tender.

For Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow natural release for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Cream Base (5 minutes)

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until completely smooth with no lumps. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering soup while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and helps the soup thicken evenly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese (5 minutes)

Cube your Velveeta cheese and add it to the soup. Stir frequently as it melts, ensuring even distribution throughout. Continue stirring occasionally until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is silky and smooth.

Customization Ideas

This creamy potato hamburger soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables for fresh ones, or choose your family’s favorites. Some delicious combinations include:

Carrots, corn, and peas (classic combination)
Broccoli and cauliflower for added vegetables
Green beans for a lighter variation
Celery and diced bell peppers for extra flavor complexity

You can also experiment with cheese options. While Velveeta creates the smoothest, creamiest texture, you can substitute sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover creamy potato hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes beautifully—simply freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the texture becomes too thick.

Final Thoughts

Creamy potato hamburger soup is the definition of comfort food made simple. With minimal prep work and flexible cooking methods, this recipe accommodates any lifestyle. The natural creaminess from broken-down potatoes combined with tender ground beef and aromatic herbs creates a deeply satisfying meal that costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, this hamburger soup recipe delivers every single time. One spoonful and you’ll understand why this has become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.