Hamburger Potato Soup is a rich, creamy soup made with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and a variety of seasonings. It’s a cozy dish that combines the flavors of savory beef and creamy potatoes. The soup’s creamy base is often made with a combination of milk, cream, or broth, creating a smooth, hearty texture.
Typically, Hamburger Potato Soup can be prepared in about 40-50 minutes. The cooking time is relatively quick, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal. You can also make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a couple of days, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
This hamburger potato soup has become a go-to recipe, especially when craving something filling yet easy to make. The simple ingredients combine to create a deliciously creamy base with just the right amount of flavor. From first-time cooks to seasoned chefs, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored with different seasonings or veggies. It’s a recipe that continues to be a hit and is enjoyed time and again, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
Why You’ll Love It Hamburger Potato Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: This hamburger potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender potatoes, savory hamburger, and rich broth, it’s a warm, satisfying meal that’ll fill you up. The balance of ingredients makes every bite both hearty and comforting.
- Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple this soup is to prepare. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
- Versatile and Customizable: The best part about this soup is how versatile it is. Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. Whether you prefer a little heat or extra cheese, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste.
Ingredient Notes for Hamburger Potato Soup
When making a flavorful Hamburger Potato Soup, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a creamy, hearty dish. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:
- Ground Beef: This is the base of the soup, giving it a rich, meaty flavor. Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. The beef is browned first to build the soup’s savory depth.
- Potatoes: Potatoes add texture and heartiness to the soup. Use starchy varieties like Russet potatoes, which will soften and blend into the soup, creating a creamy consistency.
- Onion: Onions bring sweetness and savory flavor. They’re sautéed with the beef to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Garlic: Garlic is a key aromatic that boosts the soup’s flavor, adding a subtle kick of warmth and richness. Sauté it with the onion for maximum flavor extraction.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth provides the liquid base for the soup, infusing it with a rich, meaty flavor. You can substitute it with chicken broth, but beef broth is preferred for this dish’s depth.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk makes the soup creamy and smooth, giving it a velvety texture. It balances the richness of the beef and potatoes.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess, making the soup feel indulgent without being too heavy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps thicken the soup, giving it a creamy, stew-like consistency. It’s added gradually, creating a smooth texture.
- Butter: Butter is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness and flavor to the base of the soup.
- Salt: Salt is essential to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients, but use it sparingly. You can always adjust the seasoning later.
- Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and depth to the soup, balancing the rich flavors of the beef and cream.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor to the soup. It enhances the overall warmth and color of the dish.
- Thyme: Thyme is an aromatic herb that pairs well with beef and potatoes. It infuses the soup with a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the ingredients.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Hamburger potato soup is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef and potatoes in a rich, creamy broth. To enhance the flavor, use fresh ingredients and season it well. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can give the soup a unique taste, making it more enjoyable for all.
One way to personalize hamburger potato soup is by adding vegetables like carrots or celery. This not only boosts the flavor but also makes the soup more nutritious. Experimenting with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, will create a new texture and flavor profile in every bite.
For a thicker consistency, you can use a bit of flour or cornstarch. Alternatively, blend part of the soup to make it creamy. This technique allows the flavors to meld together, creating a smooth and comforting base. You can adjust the thickness to your preference by adding more broth or milk.
Hamburger Potato Soup Variation
To make this soup even more versatile, try adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn. You can also swap the beef broth for chicken broth for a lighter version. For extra creaminess, top the soup with shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits before serving.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Soup
Serve this hearty soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. A side of crusty bread or crackers pairs perfectly for dipping, making the meal even more satisfying. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick lunch or cozy dinner.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some grated cheese over the soup before serving. This adds a rich flavor and makes the soup even more comforting. Enjoy it hot for a fulfilling and warming experience on chilly days.
Storage Options
Store leftover Hamburger Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
FAQs About Hamburger Potato Soup
Can I make hamburger potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make hamburger potato soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed, to keep it creamy.
Can I use other types of meat in hamburger potato soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground beef in hamburger potato soup. These options offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
How do I make the soup thicker?
To thicken hamburger potato soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This will help the soup become creamier and richer.
Can I freeze hamburger potato soup?
Yes, hamburger potato soup freezes well for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Chessy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme (optional)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Method
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the potatoes and spices: Toss the chopped potatoes into the pot with the beef, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine everything well.
- Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the creamy base: While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens.
- Combine the creamy mixture: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the creamy milk mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the soup a rich and velvety texture.
- Final seasoning check: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you like, top it with shredded cheese and chopped green onions for extra flavor.