Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting recipe made with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and creamy cheese. This easy one-pot soup is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why We Love This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Hamburger Potato Soup stands out for several reasons. First, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge. This makes it an accessible recipe for anyone, regardless of cooking experience. You don’t need any fancy techniques—just basic chopping and stirring.
Additionally, the versatility of this soup means it can accommodate various tastes. Whether you prefer it extra cheesy or with a touch of heat from spices, you have options to customize your bowl. This soup is filling too! Perfect for families or anyone needing a hearty meal without spending a lot of money.
Moreover, Hamburger Potato Soup is excellent for meal prep. Make a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have lunches ready to go for the week. It freezes well, ensuring you always have a delicious option available on weeks when you’re short on time.
Ingredients about Hamburger Potato Soup
For this satisfying and warming dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a rich base for your soup, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and texture.
How to Make Hamburger Potato Soup Directions
To prepare Hamburger Potato Soup, follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
Brown the Beef: Start by placing a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook this mixture for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on the beef and onion, ensuring the meat browns evenly and the onions become translucent.
Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step helps keep the soup from becoming greasy, allowing the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
Add Carrots and Broth: Next, toss in the sliced carrots along with the beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Turn up the heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
Simmer for Tenderness: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow this to cook for about 3-5 minutes. This gives the carrots a slight head start in cooking, ensuring they’re tender when the soup completes.
Incorporate Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. At this point, continue to simmer for an additional 12-15 minutes. Use a fork to check the doneness of the potatoes and carrots; they should be tender enough to bite into easily.
Prepare the Milk Mixture: While the vegetables are cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole milk until smooth. This mixture serves to thicken your soup without any lumps.
Add Butter and Milk Mixture: After the potatoes and carrots have finished cooking, stir in the tablespoon of butter until it melts. Gradually pour in the milk mixture while continuously stirring the soup. This ensures that it thickens evenly and doesn’t clump.
Cook Until Thickened: Allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes over low heat. During this time, it will thicken beautifully, transforming into a comforting meal.
Add Cheese: Finally, take off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it melts smoothly into the soup, adding richness and flavor that brings the dish together.
Serve Hot: Once everything is nicely melted and combined, you’re ready to serve your Hamburger Potato Soup immediately.
How to Serve Hamburger Potato Soup
Serving Hamburger Potato Soup is as delightful as making it. Start by ladling the hot soup into bowls. For added flair, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top. The melted cheese will create an inviting, gooey layer that elevates the presentation.
If you’re looking to add a touch of freshness, consider garnishing the soup with chopped green onions. They provide a pop of color and a pleasant crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Accompany your soup with some crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. The combination of warm soup and fresh bread is simply unmatched. Enjoy your bowl with family and friends, making sure there’s enough to share!
Expert Tips: Hamburger Potato Soup
To enhance your experience with Hamburger Potato Soup, consider these expert tips:
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. If you prefer lean meat, go for ground turkey as a substitute.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas or corn for additional flavors and textures. Sweet corn can add a nice sweetness to balance the savory components.
Thicken to Preference: If you like a thicker soup, increase the amount of flour in your milk mixture. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can alter the soup’s flavor.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during the cooking process.
Don’t Rush: Allowing your soup to simmer on low heat for a bit longer enhances the flavors. Let the ingredients meld together for a satisfying taste.
How to Store Hamburger Potato Soup
Storing Hamburger Potato Soup is straightforward. Allow the soup to cool down if you have leftovers, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to portion the soup. If you choose bags, make sure to lay them flat in the freezer for easier stacking and storage. The soup can stay in the freezer for about 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If necessary, add a little more milk or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
Variation of Hamburger Potato Soup
One of the best parts about Hamburger Potato Soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you might want to explore:
Cheesy Broccoli Variation: Add fresh or frozen broccoli florets during the last stages of cooking for a vibrant color and added nutrients.
Spicy Jalapeño Addition: If you love a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños while browning the beef. This adds a flavorful spice that can elevate the entire dish.
Italian Twist: Incorporate Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes for a twist. This gives the soup a robust flavor, reminiscent of your favorite Italian dishes.
Sweet Potato Substitute: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Sweet potatoes will add a hint of sweetness and increase the soup’s nutritional value.
Vegan Version: If you’re looking for a vegan option, use lentils or mushrooms in place of ground beef. Coconut milk can serve as a creamy replacement for the whole milk, and vegetable broth will substitute beef broth.
FAQ about Hamburger Potato Soup
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for Hamburger Potato Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. The soup will still turn out delicious with this substitution.
How do I reheat Hamburger Potato Soup after freezing?
Reheat the thawed soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a little more milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Can I omit the cheese in Hamburger Potato Soup?
Yes, you can omit the cheese if you want a lighter soup. The soup will still be flavorful thanks to the other ingredients.
How long can Hamburger Potato Soup be stored?
You can store Hamburger Potato Soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Hamburger Potato Soup?
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a warm baguette for dipping.
Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Leaves A good source of antioxidants and vitamins.
- 1 cup Chopped Cucumber Hydrating and low in calories.
- 1 medium Banana Adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 1/2 lime Juiced For a zesty flavor and vitamin C boost.
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Chop the cucumber into smaller pieces.
- Peel the banana and set it aside.
- Squeeze the juice from half of the lime.
- Place the spinach, chopped cucumber, banana, and lime juice into a blender.
- Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or ice cubes if too thick.
- Taste test the smoothie to see if adjustments are needed.
- Pour into a glass or portable cup and serve immediately.
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