When the weather turns chilly or you’re in need of a comforting meal, nothing quite hits the spot like a steaming bowl of hamburger potato soup. This classic recipe combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a savory broth. The result is a hearty and satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or serving at gatherings, this hamburger potato soup is both versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. With its creamy texture and robust flavors, it’s no wonder that hamburger potato soup has been a beloved comfort food for generations. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your diet in a delicious and filling way. So, grab your favorite pot and let’s dive into making this delightful soup that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are countless reasons why hamburger potato soup deserves a permanent place on your recipe list. First and foremost, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of preparation. The combination of ground beef and potatoes provides a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, ensuring that you stay full and energized long after your meal. Additionally, the soup’s versatility allows you to customize it to your liking – add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, or incorporate different types of cheese for an extra layer of richness.
Another standout feature of this hamburger potato soup is its comforting and nostalgic quality. There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. This recipe captures that essence perfectly, offering a taste that is both familiar and deeply satisfying. Moreover, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it accessible for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing individual servings, the soup scales easily to meet your needs. Finally, the leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, allowing you to enjoy multiple meals from a single pot. All these factors combined make hamburger potato soup a beloved dish that you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the vegetables start to soften, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and add the diced potatoes. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Final Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and corn kernels. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the peas are heated through and the corn is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with diced mushrooms or lentils to create a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the soup for some heat. Incorporate a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to enhance the spiciness.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in an additional cup of shredded cheese towards the end of cooking for an extra cheesy soup. You can also top each bowl with a slice of cheese that melts into the hot soup.
- Different Vegetables: Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors and varied textures.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Hamburger potato soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, you can freeze hamburger potato soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the potatoes might change slightly after freezing.
Q: What can I use instead of ground beef? A: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different twist. Each option will slightly alter the flavor but still provide a satisfying and hearty soup.
Q: How can I thicken the soup if I prefer a creamier consistency? A: To thicken the soup, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the soup thickens. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup and returning it to the pot can also achieve a thicker texture.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper, more robust flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables.
- Prevent Grease Separation: To avoid greasy soup, drain excess fat from the ground beef before adding the vegetables. Alternatively, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Perfect Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes as they hold their shape better in soups compared to starchy varieties like Russets.
- Layering Flavors: Sautéing the vegetables until they’re well caramelized adds a sweet, rich depth to the soup. Don’t rush this step!
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley towards the end of cooking to brighten the flavors and add a fresh aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty hamburger potato soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the soup. For an extra touch, top the soup with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, add some croutons or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds as a garnish. For dessert, consider something light and refreshing like a fruit sorbet or a simple mixed berry salad to complete the meal. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious soup with family and friends, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dining occasion.
