Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and our Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect choice for a satisfying and hearty meal. This recipe combines tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese to create a deliciously comforting soup that will become a family favorite. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 50 minutes, this dish is both quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering soup that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Incorporate Vegetables: Once the potatoes are tender, add the frozen corn, frozen peas, and diced carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and tender.
5. Make it Creamy: Pour in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk to reach your desired texture.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 83mg
• Sodium: 785mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 26g

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Hot and Fresh: Serve the soup hot for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Accompaniments: This creamy soup pairs well with crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad. A slice of warm, buttery bread or a simple green salad complements the soup perfectly.
3. Soup Bowls: Use deep, sturdy bowls to serve the soup. This helps keep the soup hot and allows for generous portions.
4. Toppings: Consider adding extra toppings such as additional shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
5. Spice Level: Adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or more black pepper for extra spice.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the soup is completely cooled before transferring it to the container to avoid condensation.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigerating or freezing, you can add a bit more milk or broth to reach the desired consistency.
4. Avoid Reheating Multiple Times: To maintain the best texture and flavor, try to reheat only the portion you plan to eat rather than reheating the entire batch multiple times.
5. Texture Changes: Be aware that the texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and reheating, especially the creaminess. Stirring the soup well and adjusting the consistency with additional milk or broth can help.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup remains delicious and enjoyable every time you serve it.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick of heat. You can also stir in some hot sauce to taste.

3. Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor with additional herbs such as fresh basil, oregano, or dill. Adding a bay leaf during the simmering process can also infuse the soup with a deeper flavor.

4. Creamier Texture: For an even richer soup, replace the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. You can also use a combination of cream and milk for a balanced texture.

5. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack. Adding a blend of cheeses can create a unique flavor profile.

6. Loaded Soup: Add cooked bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier soup. These additions can provide extra flavor and texture.

7. Sweet Potatoes: Swap out some or all of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. This adds a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients to the soup.

8. Vegetable Mix: Incorporate other vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or celery. You can sauté these vegetables with the onions and garlic for added depth of flavor.

9. Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk or a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond or soy milk) and reduce or omit the cheese to create a lighter version of the soup.

10. Southwestern Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn for a southwestern-inspired variation. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

These variations allow you to customize your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time and seasoning as needed based on the meat you choose.

2. Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh potatoes? While you can use instant potato flakes or granules as a thickening agent, they won’t provide the same texture as fresh diced potatoes. For the best results, use fresh potatoes.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) for the regular milk. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess of the soup.

5. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin? If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by simmering it uncovered to reduce the liquid. For a creamy texture, you can also blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or corn. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the milk and cheese.

7. How can I make this soup spicier? To add heat, include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped jalapeño pepper. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce to adjust the spiciness to your liking.

8. Is it necessary to use beef broth, or can I use other types of broth? You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth based on your preference. Each type of broth will slightly alter the flavor of the soup.

9. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef for this recipe? Yes, pre-cooked ground beef can be used. Just add it to the pot along with the other ingredients and skip the initial browning step.

Our Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of ground beef with creamy cheese and tender vegetables. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a cold day, this soup is sure to satisfy. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy every warm and hearty spoonful of this delightful soup!