Potato and Hamburger Soup is my weeknight salvation. It’s a creamy, comforting pot that feeds a crowd. It travels cleanly into busy days. As a chef, I build practical meal-prep routines. I lean on pantry-friendly ingredients and a gentle simmer. That coax depth and warmth from simple flavors. This potato soup features seasoned ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, and cheddar. It fits tight schedules without sacrificing taste. It’s budget-friendly, freezes beautifully, and reheats like a dream. Build it in a slow cooker or on the stove. Finish with a luxurious kiss of cream. Read on for swaps, tips, and make-ahead ideas to make this your go-to family favorite.
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Potato and Hamburger Soup: what makes this recipe special
I reach for Potato and Hamburger Soup when the clock is sprinting. Dinner feels like a tag-team busy day, but this pot keeps calm. This creamy pot is a warm hug. Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar meet in rich broth. I love that it uses pantry staples and still feels special. It travels well, freezes beautifully, and fits halal or dairy preferences with easy swaps. Best of all, it gives you cozy, homemade vibes without hours in the kitchen. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for weeknights and family dinners alike.
This recipe scales with your life. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting, it tastes like a slow-cooked treasure but starts with pantry staples. You can brown the beef ahead. Chop veggies during a lull, then let the pot do the heavy lifting. By dinner, you’ll serve a cozy bowl that kids adore and adults appreciate after long days. Halal-friendly beef? Easy. Dairy swaps? Simple. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always a win.
Step-by-step appeal
Step-by-step appeal helps you visualize dinner in minutes. The flow is simple and forgiving, perfect for busy days.
(Optional) A quick overview of why it works for busy schedules
Brown the beef ahead, load the slow cooker, and walk away. When you return, dinner is ready.

Potato and Hamburger Soup Ingredients
I’m sharing the exact lineup I reach for when I start Potato and Hamburger Soup. Each item helps this cozy pot come together with minimal fuss.
- 1 lb ground beef (halal-certified) — I brown it well to deepen flavor and drain fat.
- 1 medium onion, chopped — adds sweetness and a base for flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic punch that wakes the pot.
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) — creamy texture helps the soup feel luxurious.
- 2 medium carrots, diced — a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped — gives crunch and depth.
- 4 cups beef broth — the savory backbone for the soup.
- 1 tsp salt — enhances all the flavors (adjust later).
- ½ tsp black pepper — a gentle kick, not a punch.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika — a subtle smoky warmth.
- 1 tsp dried parsley — bright herb note.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) — makes it creamy and velvety.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese — melts into the pot for cheesy goodness.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional) — thickens if you like.
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, green onions, or crispy turkey bacon bits — finish with flair.
Notes: Exact quantities are available for printing at the bottom of the article. Substitutions: to lighten this, use half-and-half or milk alternatives; for dairy-free, try a dairy-free creamer and dairy-free cheese; ensure gluten-free options if using cornstarch.

How to Make Potato and Hamburger Soup
Step 1-4: Brown beef, add vegetables, simmer with potatoes and broth, finish with cream and cheese
- In a skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker or a pot.
- I stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté briefly until fragrant.
- I add potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
- Cover and cook on Low 6–7 hours (High 3–4 hours) until potatoes are tender. I stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese; heat until cheese melts and the soup is creamy. If you want a thicker soup, whisk in a cornstarch slurry and simmer 10–15 minutes more.
Potato and Hamburger Soup Tips for Success
- Brown the beef well for depth of flavor; drain fat to prevent greasiness and to keep the soup clear and bright.
- Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped veggies to speed prep.
- For thicker cheddar flavor, add extra cheese at the end, off the heat.
- Taste and adjust salt after thickening, since dairy can mute seasoning.
- Keep a sprinkle of fresh herbs or green onions handy to finish with brightness too.
Potato and Hamburger Soup Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (6-quart works) or a large pot for stovetop.
- Skillet for browning beef; if unavailable, use a heavy skillet.
- Cutting board and sharp knife for prepping veggies.
- Wooden spoon and tongs for stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons; whisk or small bowl for cornstarch slurry.
- Optional: silicone spatula for scraping.
Potato and Hamburger Soup Variations
- I swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in Potato and Hamburger Soup to keep halal options intact.
- My dairy-free version uses creamer or non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese in Potato and Hamburger Soup for a lighter, allergy-friendly bowl.
- For color and texture, I add corn, peas, or green beans to Potato and Hamburger Soup.
- To add subtle sweetness, I swap potatoes for sweet potatoes in Potato and Hamburger Soup.
- I spice it up with jalapeño or cayenne for a gentle kick in Potato and Hamburger Soup; I tailor heat to family taste.
Why You’ll Love This Potato and Hamburger Soup
This Potato and Hamburger Soup delivers ease, speed, and satisfying flavor in one pot. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and family-approved, with a creamy texture that feels special yet simple. The halal-friendly beef version keeps dietary needs in mind, and the dish scales up for larger families or leftovers. It’s the kind of comforting meal busy moms and professionals reach for when time is tight but taste matters. It truly nourishes life.
Serving Suggestions
Potato and Hamburger Soup shines on weeknights, and these serving ideas help us savor every comforting bite today.
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread and a crisp green salad
- Finish with extra shredded cheese and chopped green onions
- Pair with a sparkling water or apple cider for a cozy contrast
Potato and Hamburger Soup Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights
- I love this plan because it keeps Potato and Hamburger Soup practical on hectic nights.
- Brown the beef until deeply browned; drain fat and cool before refrigerating.
- Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; store in airtight containers.
- Peel and dice potatoes and store in cold water to prevent browning.
- Assemble the slow cooker base the night before; use a bag or container, then refrigerate.
- Next day, dump the base into the slow cooker; finish with cream and cheese.
- Freeze portions for up to two months; cool completely and seal airtight.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge; reheat gently on stove or microwave.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy rotation.
- Prep toppings ahead: green onions and extra cheese to sprinkle on top.
FAQs
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes. A stovetop method works beautifully for Potato and Hamburger Soup: brown the beef until cooked, drain fat, then simmer with onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth until the potatoes are tender, about 45–60 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese at the end for that same creamy texture you love from the crockpot version. Finish with a little salt if needed and enjoy a comforting bowl in less time.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool the soup completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. This potato and hamburger soup reenters your weeknights cozy and ready to serve.
Is this recipe halal-friendly?
Yes. The recipe uses halal-certified beef and can be prepared accordingly. Verify all pantry items—broth, cream, and cheese—meet halal standards if you’re serving a strict halal diet, and you can enjoy this comforting soup with peace of mind.
I reach for this Potato and Hamburger Soup when life feels busy and the clock is loud. A creamy hug in a clay pot, it comes together with simple pantry staples and generous yellows of cheese that melt into happiness. I love how it scales from weeknights to weekend gatherings, and how leftovers turn into tomorrow’s lunch with almost no effort. The slow simmer gives depth, while the finish with cream and cheddar feels like a little luxury. It’s home in a bowl, nourishing, comforting, and honestly, a tiny victory after a long day. I hope you taste the warmth.
Print
Potato and Hamburger Soup delivers Creamy Hearty 5-Delish.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Potato and Hamburger Soup is a creamy, hearty crockpot comfort dish featuring tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar. This easy, 6-serving soup simmers slowly for rich, warming flavor and finishes with cream for luxurious texture. Perfect for weeknights and family dinners, it is budget friendly, freezes well, and reheats beautifully. Top with extra cheese or green onions for a cozy bowl that satisfies every appetite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (halal-certified)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, green onions, or crispy turkey bacon bits
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then transfer to your crockpot.
- Add onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts and soup becomes creamy.
- For a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and crusty bread.
Notes
- Can be prepared on the stovetop: simmer beef, vegetables, and broth until potatoes are tender (45–60 minutes).
- For gluten-free, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- Adjust salt to taste after thickening.
- Leftovers refrigerate well up to 3–4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Milk alternatives: use half-and-half or cream substitutes; texture may differ.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Potato and Hamburger Soup, creamy potato soup, crockpot soup, hamburger soup, cheesy potato soup, comfort food, family dinner, weeknight meal, halal beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese