Hamburger Potato Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for colder days. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Why We Love This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
This Hamburger Potato Soup is not only delicious, but it also holds a special place in many hearts. Its blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that warms you from the inside out. The combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables ensures that every bite is full of comfort. Additionally, the creamy texture brought by the cheese makes it feel indulgent without being overly complicated. Plus, it’s a great way to get your family to enjoy their veggies, especially if you have picky eaters at home. This recipe is one of those staple comfort foods that you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Ingredients about Hamburger Potato Soup
To make this delicious Hamburger Potato Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium russet potatoes)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup Directions
Creating your Hamburger Potato Soup is a straightforward process that you will love. Follow these directions to prepare your soup:
- Brown the beef: Start by heating a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Your goal is to brown the beef evenly, at which point you should drain any excess grease to keep your soup from being too greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: With the beef cooked, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these until the onion turns translucent, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows the flavors to deepen and sets the foundation for your soup.
- Add vegetables: Now, stir in the diced potatoes and chopped carrots. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley. Give it all a good mix to ensure the seasonings coat the vegetables and beef.
- Mix in broth: Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that everything is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. You will love the aroma wafting through your kitchen during this time!
- Make roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until it turns a light golden color. This forms a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Add cheese: Stir your roux into the simmering soup. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. If you find the soup too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or milk until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Final simmer: Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This last simmer allows all the flavors to meld. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This waiting period helps thicken the soup even more.
- Serve: When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with additional cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of parsley if you like a pop of color. Your Hamburger Potato Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Soup
Serving your Hamburger Potato Soup is just as simple as making it. You have a few options to enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas:
- Serve the soup hot and fresh from the pot in deep bowls. This allows everyone to enjoy the comforting warmth.
- Pair the soup with crusty bread or rolls. Dipping bread into the creamy soup adds an enjoyable texture.
- You can also offer toppings on the side, such as extra cheese, sour cream, or even croutons for a bit of crunch. These add-ons let guests customize their bowls and cater to varied taste preferences.
- For a balanced meal, consider serving a light salad on the side. A fresh green salad with a tangy dressing goes wonderfully with the rich soup.
Expert Tips: Hamburger Potato Soup
To make your Hamburger Potato Soup even better, here are some expert tips that can help you elevate the dish:
- Quality meat: Always choose a good quality ground beef. The 80/20 blend offers a good balance of lean meat and fat, which adds flavor without making the soup greasy.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: Chop your potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender at the same time.
- Cheese choice: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
- Texture preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes while still in the pot before adding the roux. This creates a creamier consistency.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can be a wonderful addition for brightness. Fresh parsley or chives stirred in just before serving adds a burst of freshness.
How to Store Hamburger Potato Soup
If you have any leftovers—a common occurrence with this hearty dish—here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the flavor when stored.
- Airtight container: Transfer the cooled Hamburger Potato Soup into an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh longer and prevents any odors from the fridge from seeping in.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a bit of space in the container because liquids expand when frozen.
Variation of Hamburger Potato Soup
Feel free to get creative with your Hamburger Potato Soup! Here are some variations to try:
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds nutrients and vibrant color.
- Spicy twist: To kick up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Different meats: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup. Season it well to keep the flavors rich.
- Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, use lentils or plant-based ground meat. Additionally, swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth.
FAQ about Hamburger Potato Soup
What is Hamburger Potato Soup?
Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy soup made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and cheese. It’s a comforting dish that combines savory flavors into a satisfying meal.
Can I make Hamburger Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just follow the cooking instructions and store it in the refrigerator after it cools. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different types of cheese in Hamburger Potato Soup?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist.
How can I make Hamburger Potato Soup healthier?
To make this soup healthier, consider using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey. You can also add more vegetables or use low-sodium beef broth.
Can I freeze Hamburger Potato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
Cooking this Hamburger Potato Soup is not just about making a meal; it’s about creating comforting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy every moment spent preparing and savoring this delicious dish!
Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium russet potatoes)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Brown it evenly and drain any excess grease.
- Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion turns translucent (about 3 to 4 minutes).
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chopped carrots, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley, and mix well.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Cooking
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it turns a light golden color to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thick.
- Stir the roux into the simmering soup, then add the cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
- Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, then let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese or parsley if desired.
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