Warm, creamy, and packed with tender potatoes and savory ground beef—this is the kind of soup that feels like a full meal in every spoonful. In under an hour, you get something thick, rich, and satisfying that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe Summary
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Temperature: Medium simmer
- Texture: Thick, creamy, chunky with tender bites
- Flavor: Savory, slightly buttery, cozy and rich
- Avoid This Mistake: Don’t boil too hard—potatoes can break down too fast
Why You’ll Love It
This soup brings serious comfort with very little effort. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for colder days or when you want something grounding.
- Rich and creamy without complicated steps
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- One-pot recipe = easy cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with toppings and add-ins
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions (for garnish)
If you want more inspiration, check out these easy ground beef dinner recipes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Tip: Break it into small crumbles for better texture. - Sauté aromatics
Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds. - Add potatoes & broth
Pour in beef broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil.
Micro-tip: Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. - Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. - Make it creamy
In a small pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes. - Add milk
Slowly whisk milk into the roux until smooth. For another cozy meal idea, try this one-pot spaghetti recipe - Combine everything
Pour the creamy mixture into the soup and stir well. - Add cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Tip: Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping. - Season & finish
Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. - Serve warm
Garnish with green onions and extra cheese if desired.
Pro Tips
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture
- Don’t skip the roux—it thickens the soup perfectly
- Let the soup sit 5 minutes before serving for better consistency
- Taste after adding cheese before adjusting salt
- Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much
Variations
Healthy Version
Use lean ground beef or turkey and lighter milk.
Budget Version
Reduce cheese or skip it—still hearty and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly Version
Keep flavors mild and blend part of the soup for a smoother texture.
High-Protein Version
Add extra beef or mix in cottage cheese.
You can also explore these keto-friendly dinner ideas
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Reheat: Low heat + splash of milk or broth
- Freezing: Possible, but texture may change
- Tip: Stir well to bring back creaminess
FAQ
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown beef first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet.
Can I skip the roux?
Yes, but the soup will be thinner.
How do I thicken it more?
Mash some potatoes or add more cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Carrots, corn, or peas work great.
Classic Ground Beef Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic.
- Add diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Pour the mixture into the soup and stir well.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Serve warm with green onions on top.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture
- Add a splash of milk when reheating
- Don’t boil aggressively to avoid mushy potatoes
- Tastes even better the next day
For another comforting dish, check out this slow cooker cowboy casserole
This Is the Kind of Soup That Feels Like Home
That thick, creamy texture… the soft potatoes… the rich, savory beef in every bite. It’s warm, filling, and deeply comforting—the kind of recipe you make once and then crave again and again.
Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or when you just want something that feels like home.
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