Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family meals. With its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients like ground beef, russet potatoes, and Velveeta cheese, this soup is both satisfying and flavorful.

The combination of savory seasonings, mixed vegetables, and tender potatoes makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug.

Whether made in a crockpot for easy convenience or simmered on the stove, this recipe promises a delicious, filling meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and mixed vegetables creates a well-balanced, filling meal that’s perfect for hunger after a long day. The richness of the Velveeta cheese adds a creamy, indulgent texture that makes every spoonful comforting.

Rich, Flavorful Broth: The blend of seasonings like basil, parsley, and garlic, along with chicken broth, infuses the soup with deep, savory flavors that complement the other ingredients perfectly. The cheese melts into the broth, creating a velvety, smooth consistency that’s irresistible.

Easy and Convenient: This recipe can be made in a crockpot, allowing for a “set it and forget it” approach, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Alternatively, it can be simmered on the stove for a quicker prep, offering versatility for any cooking style.

Comforting and Cozy: There’s something special about a bowl of creamy soup, especially during colder months. This dish brings the ultimate comfort food vibes, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture, mild flavors, and cheesy goodness make this soup a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to family meal that everyone can enjoy.

Customizable: While the recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables, it can easily be adapted to include your favorite veggies, giving you the freedom to make it your own. The addition of crusty bread on the side makes it even more satisfying.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef or Pork – Adds a savory base and protein, making the soup hearty and filling.

Russet Potatoes – Peeled and diced, they provide a creamy texture as they cook down into the broth.

Velveeta Cheese – Cubed, this processed cheese melts smoothly into the soup, creating a rich, creamy consistency.

Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables – A colorful, nutritious addition, adding texture and flavor.

Dried Basil & Parsley – These herbs enhance the soup’s flavor profile with aromatic, earthy notes.

Milk & Cornstarch – Used to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy, smooth finish.

Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Ingredients:

1½ pounds ground beef or pork

6 cups peeled diced russet potatoes

1½ cups milk

1 peeled diced white onion

1 minced garlic clove

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

8 ounces Velveeta cheese in cubes

6 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

3 teaspoons dried basil

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

Cook the beef and onion in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.

Drain off and discard any grease, then transfer the beef mixture into a crockpot.

Fry the garlic in the same skillet until golden and then stir this into the beef mixture.

Also add the potatoes, vegetables, broth, parsley, and basil.

Cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

If you don’t have a crockpot, you can also simmer this on the stove in a large pot with a lid until the potatoes are tender.

Whisk the milk and cornstarch together, then stir this into the soup along with the Velveeta.

Cover and cook until the Velveeta has melted, then serve the soup hot, perhaps with some warm crusty bread on the side.

Notes:

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Meat Options: You can use either ground beef or ground pork, depending on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter option.

Potato Variations: While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starchy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite.

Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Velveeta cheese, you can use another type of melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, though the consistency and flavor may vary slightly.

Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or other frozen varieties like corn, peas, or carrots to suit your taste.

Crockpot Tips: If using a crockpot, ensure to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours for the best results. Check occasionally to ensure the potatoes are tender.

Thickening the Soup: The milk and cornstarch mixture helps thicken the soup, but you can adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on how thick you prefer the soup. For a lighter texture, use less cornstarch.

Stovetop Method: If you’re not using a crockpot, simmer the soup in a large pot on the stove until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the milk and cornstarch. Reheat and add the milk mixture when ready to serve for the creamiest texture.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

This can make the soup lower in fat while still providing protein.

Is it necessary to use Velveeta cheese, or can I use a different type of cheese?

While Velveeta gives the soup its characteristic creamy texture, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese slices.

Keep in mind that different cheeses will result in slightly different flavors and textures.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, and it can enhance the flavor of the soup.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the potatoes and fresh vegetables are tender.

What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent.

Mix it with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when needed.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra milk or broth to adjust the consistency, as soups can thicken upon cooling.

Can I use a different type of meat, like ground chicken or turkey, instead of beef or pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the soup may vary slightly.

How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make this soup vegetarian, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives and replace the dairy milk and cheese with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese.

Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically be kept for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I freeze this soup for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup for longer storage.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.

Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.