Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

A warm, comforting bowl of soup is one of life’s simple pleasures. This Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a meal that is both filling and easy to prepare. This creamy soup combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. With its creamy texture and comforting taste, this soup will soon become a family favorite.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. This step is key for smooth cooking, ensuring that everything is ready to go once you start.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through, and there’s no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat if necessary. This will keep the soup from becoming greasy.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. The garlic will add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the soup.

4. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to build the soup base. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced potatoes, thyme, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Add Dairy and Simmer

Once the potatoes are tender, add the milk and heavy cream to the soup. Stir gently to combine. If you like a creamier texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, but leave some intact for texture. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier base.

Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken just slightly.

6. Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re adding cheddar cheese for a cheesy, creamy finish, stir it into the soup now. The heat will melt the cheese and create a velvety texture throughout the soup. This step is optional, but if you love cheesy soups, you won’t regret it.

7. Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add extra salt and pepper as desired. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

8. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. I recommend a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, extra shredded cheese, or even some crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a touch of color and freshness.

Variations & Tips

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or extra beans, such as kidney or pinto beans, to add protein and texture.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also include some chili powder or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
• Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Parmesan, to vary the flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well into the soup for a smooth texture.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrients. These can be added when you add the potatoes.
• Make It Even Creamier: If you love a super creamy texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer some of the soup to a blender and puree it before returning it to the pot.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Potato Soup is an excellent choice for a family meal or a cozy night in. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable to suit your tastes. With its creamy, savory flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that can feed a crowd or make enough leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day.

Yield: 8

Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

Print

A warm, comforting bowl of soup is one of life's simple pleasures. This Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a meal that is both filling and easy to prepare. This creamy soup combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. With its creamy texture and comforting taste, this soup will soon become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
   
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   
3. Make the Soup Base:
   Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, milk, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
   
4. Simmer:
   Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
   
5. Make the Roux:
   While the soup is simmering, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this helps thicken the soup).
   
6. Add Roux to Soup:
   Gradually add the roux to the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The soup will start to thicken as you stir.
   
7. Season and Finish:
   Season the soup with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
   
8. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Variations: You can add bacon for an extra smoky flavor or some diced carrots for added texture.

Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher to create a creamy texture.

Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or use lower-fat milk to reduce calories.