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The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup – Rich, Comforting & Loaded with Ground Beef

When you think of the perfect cozy meal—something warm, creamy, hearty, and deeply comforting—The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup instantly comes to mind. This upgraded version brings even more richness and satisfaction thanks to the addition of ground beef, which adds savory depth and protein to the classic potato soup you already love. This recipe turns simple, humble ingredients into an indulgent bowl of comfort: tender potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, a velvety cream base, perfectly seasoned beef, and just the right touch of herbs and spices. The result is a luxurious, spoon-able soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of recipe you want on cold nights, rainy weekends, family dinners, or anytime you crave something soothing yet incredibly flavorful. The beauty of this soup lies in how uncomplicated it is. You don’t need fancy techniques—just a pot, fresh ingredients, and a little patience as everything comes together into a thick, creamy masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish with bread, pairing it with a salad, or enjoying it solo, this soup is always a hit. Let’s bring this rich, comforting bowl to life!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef lean
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 4 –5 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 large carrot diced (optional but recommended)
Broth & Dairy
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk optional for extra richness
Thickener
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
  • Oil or Butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
Garnishes (Optional)
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Green onions
  • Parsley
  • Cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Potato masher (optional)
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot.
  2. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon.
  3. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Onion, Celery & Carrot
  1. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot.
  2. Cook 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Spices
  1. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook 1 minute to bring out the aroma.
Step 4: Add Flour
  1. Sprinkle flour over the mixture.
  2. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux that thickens the soup later.
Step 5: Add Broth & Potatoes
  1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking.
  2. Add the diced potatoes and stir to combine.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
  1. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
Step 7: Thicken the Soup
  1. Use a potato masher to mash a few potato chunks directly in the pot.
  2. This naturally thickens the soup while keeping some texture.
Step 8: Add Cream
  1. Turn heat to low.
  2. Stir in heavy cream (and milk if using).
  3. Mix gently until the soup turns silky and creamy.
Step 9: Adjust Seasoning
  1. Taste and add more salt, pepper, paprika, or chili flakes if needed.
Step 10: Serve
  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with shredded cheddar, parsley, or cracked pepper.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store 3–4 days in airtight containers.
Add broth or milk when reheating if soup becomes too thick.
Freezer
Freeze before adding cream for up to 2 months.
Add cream after reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Stovetop on low heat
Microwave 1–2 minutes
Stir well to restore creaminess.
🥄 Variations
Cheesy Potato Soup: Add 1–2 cups cheddar.
Smoky Version: Add smoked paprika.
Extra Veggies: Add corn, peas, spinach, or bell peppers.
Spicy Beef Potato Soup: Add jalapeños or cayenne.
Healthy Version: Replace cream with milk or evaporated milk.
Chunky Style: Leave more potato pieces unmashed.
Herb Lovers: Add rosemary, parsley, or bay leaf.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes—works perfectly and lowers calories.
2. What potatoes are best?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes create the best creamy texture.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use cornstarch instead of flour.
4. Can I add cheese inside the soup?
Absolutely—cheddar melts beautifully.
5. Why did my soup become too thick?
Potatoes absorb liquid. Just add broth or milk to thin it.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk for a creamy result.
7. Can I blend the soup?
Blend partially for smoothness or fully for a silky finish.
8. Can I use precooked beef?
Yes—but sauté it briefly to warm and flavor the soup.
9. What goes well with this soup?
Bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or biscuits.
10. Can I meal prep this?
Yes—this soup stores and reheats wonderfully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup with Ground Beef is the definition of cozy comfort. Rich, hearty, and satisfying, it transforms simple ingredients into a warming bowl of goodness that's perfect for fall, winter, or any time you want something indulgent yet simple.
The combination of tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned beef, soft vegetables, and a velvety cream base delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s thick without being heavy, creamy without being overwhelming, and familiar in the most comforting way. This soup invites you to slow down, enjoy each spoonful, and appreciate how wonderful homemade comfort food can be.
Whether you're cooking for your family or treating yourself, this recipe brings warmth, joy, and nourishment—truly the ultimate potato soup.