Growing up, Hamburger Potato Soup was a staple in our household. I can still remember the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen on those chilly winter evenings. Mom would be standing over the stove, carefully tending to the simmering pot, stirring in the browned ground beef, diced potatoes, and an array of aromatic veggies. The rich, creamy broth and the hearty chunks of potato were the perfect antidote to the cold outside.
As a kid, I’d eagerly await my bowl, my mouth already watering in anticipation. There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of tender potatoes, savory hamburger, and a velvety smooth soup base. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. And to this day, whenever I smell that familiar scent, it takes me right back to those cozy family dinners.
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Why This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Hamburger Potato Soup
This Hamburger Potato Soup recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between comforting, hearty flavors and a luxuriously smooth texture. The secret lies in the way the potatoes are prepared – we’ll be mashing a portion of them to create a luscious, creamy base, while leaving the rest in bite-sized chunks for fantastic texture. And the addition of a touch of heavy cream at the end takes this soup to the next level, making it rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground Beef: The backbone of this soup, providing savory, meaty flavor.
– Potatoes: A combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect blend of starchiness and creaminess.
– Onion: Diced onion adds aromatic depth and sweetness.
– Carrots: Carrots lend a subtle natural sweetness and beautiful color.
– Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Beef Broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.
– Cream: A touch of heavy cream at the end makes the soup silky smooth.
– Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Step-by-Step Hamburger Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Hamburger Potato Soup
This Hamburger Potato Soup is easy to make and comes together in about an hour. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, and a potato masher or ricer to get the job done. Let’s get started!
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4- Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5- Using a potato masher or ricer, mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a creamy base. Leave the remaining potatoes in chunky pieces.
6- Stir in the heavy cream and let the Hamburger Potato Soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro Tips for Success
– For an even richer flavor, use a combination of beef and Italian sausage.
– Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the savory notes.
– Customize the herbs and spices to your liking – try adding dried basil, oregano, or a pinch of cayenne.
– Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become too soft and mushy.
Serving and Storing Your Hamburger Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Hamburger Potato Soup
Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread, like a warm, buttery baguette or fresh-baked rolls, are classic companions. A simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables also make excellent accompaniments. And don’t forget the cornbread – it’s the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of that delicious soup!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Hamburger Potato Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The soup may thicken up a bit when frozen, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Hamburger Potato Soup
Creative Hamburger Potato Soup Variations
While this classic Hamburger Potato Soup is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a different flavor profile. You could also add diced bell peppers, corn, or even some kale or spinach for extra veggies. In the summer, you could lighten things up by using a mixture of potatoes and zucchini.
Making Hamburger Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Hamburger Potato Soup more diet-friendly, you can use a lower-fat ground beef or turkey, and substitute the heavy cream for a lighter version or even plain Greek yogurt. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free beef broth. And for a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or omit the meat altogether and use vegetable broth instead of beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, you can use any type of potato you have on hand. Russets will give you a fluffier, more starchy texture, while Yukon Golds or red potatoes will result in a creamier, more waxy consistency.
Q: How long does Hamburger Potato Soup take to make?
A: This Hamburger Potato Soup recipe comes together in about an hour, from start to finish. The active prep time is around 20-25 minutes, with the rest of the time devoted to simmering the soup on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Hamburger Potato Soup?
A: Yes, you can easily freeze leftover Hamburger Potato Soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How many servings does this Hamburger Potato Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings of Hamburger Potato Soup, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a serving size of around 1-1.5 cups is typical.
Q: What should I do if my Hamburger Potato Soup is too thin?
A: If your soup is a bit too thin for your liking, there are a few easy fixes. You can try mashing or pureeing a few more of the potatoes to thicken the broth. Alternatively, you can make a simple roux by melting a bit of butter in a separate pan, then whisking in an equal amount of flour. Stir this roux into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up.
Hamburger Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Hamburger Potato Soup is a cozy and comforting classic that’s easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups milk
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. – Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, milk, flour, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. – Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. – Serve the Hamburger Potato Soup hot, garnished with extra parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour.
– Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
– Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and I truly believe it will become a new family favorite in your home. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth is simply unbeatable. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for chilly weather.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon. Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and feel free to share any of your own tips or variations. Enjoy!
