Growing up, hamburger potato soup was always the ultimate comfort food in our household. Whenever the weather started turning chilly, my mom would whip up a big batch and the entire house would be filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. I can still remember coming home from school and being greeted by the simmering pot on the stove, eagerly anticipating that first spoonful.
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling cozy and content. And let me tell you, my mom’s recipe is the absolute best – she’s perfected it over the years and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Why This Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect hamburger potato soup
What sets this hamburger potato soup apart is the blend of seasonings and the way the flavors meld together. The key is to take the time to really brown the ground beef and let the onions and garlic get nice and caramelized. This creates a deep, complex flavor that’s the foundation of the soup. Additionally, using a combination of chicken and beef broth adds an extra layer of richness and complexity.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Potatoes – I like to use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect texture. The russets break down a bit more to thicken the soup, while the Yukon Golds hold their shape.
Ground beef – Make sure to use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the soup.
Onions and garlic – These aromatics are essential for building flavor.
Chicken and beef broth – The two broths balance each other out for a robust, well-rounded taste.
Cream or milk – This adds a luxurious creaminess to the base.
Seasonings – A blend of dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper brings it all together.
Step-by-Step hamburger potato soup Instructions
Preparing Your hamburger potato soup
This hamburger potato soup comes together relatively quickly, in about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven to make the whole batch. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by browning the ground beef in the pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4- Add the cubed potatoes and dried herbs. Give everything a good stir, then let the soup continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5- Stir in the cream or milk and let the soup heat through for 2-3 more minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6- Ladle the hot hamburger potato soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
Pro Tips for Success
Be sure to dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate. And don’t be tempted to skip that initial browning of the beef – it really does make a difference in the overall flavor.
If you find the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Serving and Storing Your hamburger potato soup
Perfect Pairings for hamburger potato soup
This hearty hamburger potato soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. I also love serving it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a cold beer would be the perfect accompaniment. Or for a cozy, comforting meal, a mug of hot apple cider or mulled wine would hit the spot.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover hamburger potato soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
You can also make this soup in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for hamburger potato soup
Creative hamburger potato soup Variations
For a twist on the classic, you could try adding some diced carrots or celery to the mix. Or switch up the protein and use Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef.
In the fall, you could incorporate roasted pumpkin or butternut squash. And in the spring, fresh peas or asparagus would be a lovely addition.
Making hamburger potato soup Diet-Friendly
To make this hamburger potato soup gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken it instead of regular all-purpose flour.
For a dairy-free version, substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for the cream or regular milk.
And for a low-carb take, you can swap out some of the potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced turnips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While I prefer the combination of russets and Yukon Golds, you can use all Yukon Golds or even red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to dice them into evenly sized cubes.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
A: To thicken the soup, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also try mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a fork or potato masher. For an extra creamy texture, stir in a bit more cream or milk at the end.
Q: Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
A: Definitely! Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, potatoes, and seasonings, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings of hamburger potato soup, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so I’d recommend starting with a cup or so per person.
Hamburger Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful hamburger potato soup that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring tender chunks of potato, ground beef, and a creamy, savory broth.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. – Pour in the broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. – Serve the hamburger potato soup hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.
Notes
For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade hamburger potato soup to warm you up on a chilly day. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I know it’ll quickly become a new family favorite. The blend of tender potatoes, savory beef, and rich, creamy broth is simply irresistible. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and be sure to share this recipe with your soup-loving friends and family!
