Homemade Potato and Hamburger Flour Soup

Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty bowl of Homemade Potato and Hamburger Flour Soup. This old-fashioned recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy flour-thickened broth to create a rich, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Simple pantry ingredients come together to make a budget-friendly soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or whenever you’re craving a bowl of homemade goodness.

The flour-based roux gives this soup a velvety texture without the need for heavy cream, while the potatoes and hamburger provide plenty of heartiness. Serve it with crusty bread or homemade biscuits for a complete family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pot meal
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Thick and creamy texture
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Perfect for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Ready in about an hour

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

• Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Flour Thickener

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk

Optional Garnishes

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Crumbled bacon
• Sour cream

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add the olive oil and ground beef.

Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the pot.

Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add:

• Diced potatoes
• Beef broth
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley
• Paprika

Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Make the Flour Roux

While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour.

Cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly, until lightly golden.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.

Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Add the Thickened Mixture

Slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the soup pot.

Stir constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Cook for another 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently.

The soup should become rich, creamy, and slightly thick.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with shredded cheese, green onions, bacon, or fresh parsley if desired.

Serve immediately.

Cooking Temperature Guide

Step	Temperature	Time
Brown Beef	Medium-High Heat	6–8 minutes
Cook Onion	Medium Heat	3–4 minutes
Simmer Soup	Medium-Low Heat	20–25 minutes
Make Roux	Medium Heat	2–3 minutes
Thicken Milk Sauce	Medium Heat	4–5 minutes
Final Simmer	Medium-Low Heat	5–10 minutes

Tips for the Best Potato Hamburger Soup

Use Starchy Potatoes

Russet potatoes naturally help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

Don’t Skip the Roux

Cooking the flour in butter removes the raw flour taste and creates a silky broth.

Stir Frequently

Once the milk mixture is added, stir often to prevent scorching.

Add Vegetables

Carrots, celery, peas, or corn make delicious additions.

Make It Extra Creamy

Add ½ cup heavy cream during the final simmer.

Variations

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Top with bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream.

Vegetable Hamburger Soup

Add carrots, celery, and frozen mixed vegetables.

Spicy Version

Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Country Style Soup

Use ground sausage instead of hamburger for a richer flavor.

What to Serve with Potato and Hamburger Soup

• Homemade biscuits
• Cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Side salad
• Crackers
• Grilled cheese sandwiches

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating

Warm over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Add a splash of milk if the soup becomes too thick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well and creates a lighter soup.

What potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal, but Yukon Gold potatoes provide excellent flavor and texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything except the flour mixture. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in the prepared roux before serving.

Why is my soup too thick?

Simply add additional broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.