Velvety Beef & Spud Magic: A Comforting Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, hearty meals that classic hamburger & potato casserole effortlessly delivers.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this.

Every forkful promises warmth and rich flavors that comfort the soul.

Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

The aroma promises pure culinary happiness.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing Tips For Creamy Potatos

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 3 months for quick, delicious meals later.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore creamy texture and prevent scorching.
• Portion and Label: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before freezing, marking containers with the date and contents for easy meal planning and tracking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 406 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Hamburger & Potato: Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and substantial protein for the main dish.
• Diced Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with its robust and warming essence.

• Beef Broth: Creates a savory foundation and helps cook ingredients smoothly.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickening agent to give the soup a creamy consistency.
• Velveeta Cheese: Delivers ultra-smooth, melty texture and intense cheesy flavor.

• Potatoes: Offers hearty, filling element and provides comforting starchy texture.
• Mixed Vegetables: Introduces nutritional variety and colorful visual appeal.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finishing touch and subtle herbal note.

Handy Tools For This Comfort Recipe

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Colander: Essential for draining excess grease from the meat.
• Crockpot or stockpot: Ideal for slow cooking and combining all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, spices, and cornstarch.
• Knife and cutting board: Needed for dicing onions and chopping parsley.
• Small bowl: Useful for mixing cornstarch with liquid to create thickening mixture.

Cook Creamy Hamburger & Potato Step-By-Step

• Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet until meat is nicely caramelized and onions are translucent.

• Pot Setup

Transfer beef mixture to a large cooking vessel, creating a flavorful base for the hearty dish.

• Liquid and Vegetables

Pour in broth and add chopped potatoes and mixed vegetables, creating a colorful and nutritious blend.

• Seasoning Boost

Sprinkle in your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the overall taste profile of the meal.

• Simmering Magic

Allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting flavors meld and vegetables become tender and delicious.

• Creamy Transformation

Whisk cornstarch with a bit of liquid to create a smooth thickening agent for the soup.

• Cheese Finale

Stir in soft cheese cubes, letting them melt and create a luxurious, velvety texture throughout the dish.

• Serving Perfection

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped herbs for a beautiful presentation.

• Leftover Love

Store any remaining soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator, ready to be gently reheated for another delightful meal.

Flavor Ideas For Hamburger Potato Comfort

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist on the classic recipe.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to add extra nutrition and color to the soup.
• Replace Velveeta with sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder to give the soup a warm, slightly spicy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in portioned containers for quick weeknight meals that taste even better the next day.

How To Serve Creamy Hamburger & Potato

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and added freshness that elevates the soup's appearance and flavor.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttered sourdough or a rustic baguette to soak up the rich, creamy broth and make the meal more satisfying.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Transform into Casserole: Spread the soup into a baking dish, top with crispy breadcrumbs or shredded cheese, and bake until golden for a delightful variation on the original recipe.

Hearty Hamburger & Potato Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Simmering comfort defines this creamy hamburger & potato delight recipe with hearty Midwestern roots. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheese sauce blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly share with family.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
• 6 cups (900 g) peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
• 8 oz (226 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups (360 mL) milk
• 2 cups (280 g) frozen vegetable mix
• 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 3 tsps dried basil
• 2 tsps dried parsley flakes

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and onions turn translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Flavor Infusion: Drain excess fat, return beef to skillet, and quickly sauté minced garlic to release aromatic notes without scorching.
3. Crockpot Assembly: Transfer beef mixture to crockpot, add diced potatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, thyme, black pepper, and salt, ensuring ingredients are well-submerged.
4. Simmering Stage: Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to harmonize.
5. Thickening Process: Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then gradually incorporate into the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and develop a creamy consistency.
6. Cheese Integration: Fold in cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until completely melted and thoroughly blended.
7. Final Touches: Adjust seasonings to taste, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
8. Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate within 2 hours in airtight containers or freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in refrigerator before gentle reheating on stovetop or microwave.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are translucent to develop deep, rich flavor foundations without burning.
• Fat Drainage Strategy: Use a colander to remove excess fat, preserving meat’s texture and reducing unnecessary greasiness in the final dish.
• Potato Cooking Tip: Submerge potatoes completely in broth to guarantee even cooking and optimal tenderness throughout the meal.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Add Velveeta gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted cheese clumps.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 861 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg