Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup: A Comforting Classic

When the smell of Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup spread through my kitchen, I was thrilled. This recipe combined 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef¹ with 6 cups of diced Russet potatoes¹, creating a perfect comfort food. Mike, my husband who doubted any ground beef soup, loved its hearty flavor and creamy texture. This was thanks to 2 cups of frozen veggies and 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese¹.

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It offers 24 grams of protein per serving¹ and plenty of vitamins and minerals. For those on Keto, swapping potatoes for cauliflower and using heavy cream makes it diet-friendly. My creation is simple, versatile, and a nod to the beauty of homemade cooking.

Key Takeaways:

• A hearty meal featuring a blend of lean ground beef, Russet potatoes, and vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings¹.
• Cooking alternatives available, including a slow cooker method for optimal flavor melding².
• Customizable for various dietary needs, with a Keto-friendly option substituting starchy potatoes with cauliflower².
• Suitable for freezing, ensuring a homemade soup is always on hand for up to 3 months².
• Malleable to taste preferences, with a variety of cheeses to choose from, enhancing the soup’s creamy profile².
• Potential for health-conscious adjustments, such as using ground turkey and lowering the cheese content for a lighter option².
• Simple storage and reheating, keeping the family fueled with delicious leftovers that maintain their flavor and texture².

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Introduction to Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

Diving into a bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup is comforting. Its robust flavors and smooth texture make it the perfect comfort food. This hearty soup blends traditional ingredients with a homemade touch, making every spoonful nutritious and tasty.

What Makes It a Comfort Food?

This comfort food brings warmth with ground beef, thick potatoes, and rich dairy. The ground beef offers a full flavor, while potatoes add thickness and energy³. Heavy cream and cheddar cheese create a creamy soup with a tangy twist from the sour cream³. Every bite is filled with flavors that comfort and satisfy.

Brief History of the Dish

This homemade soup has a deep history, being a staple in family gatherings. It was made to use available ingredients and enhance flavor over generations. Today, variants might use ground turkey or sausage, catering to all tastes³. Its flexibility shows why this recipe is loved across cultures.

Learn more about this tasty dish and get the full recipe on this comprehensive guide.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty creamy potato and hamburger soup, know the key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture, making this soup a mealtime hit.

Fresh Potatoes

Picking the right potatoes is key. Use fresh Russet potatoes for their starchiness, which thickens the soup. You’ll need about 6 cups diced. If you can’t find fresh, 3 15-oz cans of diced New potatoes work too⁴⁵. Yukon gold potatoes are another option for a different texture, as they’re waxier and keep their shape while cooking⁶.

Ground Hamburger Meat

For the soup, lean ground beef is best, aiming for a 93/7 mix to keep it light but tasty. You can switch beef out for ground pork or chicken if you like. Use about 1½ pounds to make sure the soup is filled with protein⁴.

Dairy Components

Dairy makes the soup creamy and rich. Use 1½ cups of milk, choosing whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess. Velveeta cheese, about 8 ounces, adds flavor. Or, pick another melting cheese like cheddar. Mixing these dairy parts well creates a creamy, indulgent potato and hamburger soup⁴.

Combining these main ingredients makes a wonderful creamy potato and hamburger soup. Using fresh, high-quality items will keep your soup comforting and healthy.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Soup

Learning to make a tasty homemade soup, like creamy potato and hamburger soup, starts with the right cooking methods. These steps bring out the best flavors and textures for a warm meal. Let’s look at the key techniques that make this easy recipe a hit.

Sautéing vs. Boiling

Sautéing lays the groundwork for our soup’s flavor. It begins with frying bacon until it’s crispy, taking about 8 minutes⁷, and then browning the beef quickly, about 5 minutes. We cook onions and garlic until they’re clear, adding more taste. Unlike sautéing, boiling is for the potatoes. They simmer until soft, about 20 minutes. This makes sure the potatoes get all the yummy broth and spice flavors, mixing perfectly into the soup’s creamy texture.

Importance of Seasoning

Seasoning is key to bringing the flavors together. We use onion powder, dried parsley, sea salt, dried basil, and black pepper. Adding these spices at different cooking times makes every bite flavorful. And we adjust the seasoning again after putting in the milk and cheese, for a perfectly balanced taste.

The great thing about this easy soup recipe is not just the simple cleanup. It’s also how you can change the seasoning and ingredients. This flexibility makes it a great option for any cook wanting to show off with a delicious, creamy potato and hamburger soup⁸.

Flavor Enhancements

To enjoy a hearty soup’s full flavors, choosing the right herbs, spices, and vegetables is key. A dish like creamy potato and hamburger soup is not only easy to make. It also offers a burst of flavors that make it a beloved comfort food.

Herbs and Spices

Adding dried basil and thyme⁹ creates a fresh, earthy taste. This taste perfectly matches the hearty ground beef¹⁰⁹. A touch of paprika¹⁰ adds gentle warmth and color, making every spoonful appealing and tasty. These seasonings are flexible, so you can tweak them to get the flavor you love.

Adding Vegetables

Adding carrots, peas, and corn boosts the soup’s nutrition and brings in fun textures and flavors. These veggies blend well with the creamy broth, making each bite enjoyable. For an extra flavor boost, try sautéing the veggies for 5-7 minutes⁹ before adding them to the soup. Sautéing brings out their sweetness, making the soup even more satisfying.

Making the perfect soup is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about knowing how potatoes¹⁰⁹, beef, herbs, and veggies come together for a tasty comfort dish. Creamy potato and hamburger soup is great for a cold night or a family meal. It offers a warm, comforting taste with every bite.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start making creamy potato and hamburger soup by getting the ingredients ready.

Preparing the Ingredients

First, cook 1 lb of lean ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Then, add a diced medium onion and three cloves of minced garlic. Cook them until they smell great. This first step adds deep flavors to the soup. Next, put the cooked beef mix into a crockpot or a big pot on the stove.Learn more about making this simple soup.

Simmering the Soup

Add four large diced potatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Also, add diced carrots, celery, salt, and pepper as you like. If using a slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This makes sure the potatoes soften and the flavors blend well¹¹¹².

To make the soup creamy, mix 1/4 cup of flour with 2 cups of whole milk and gradually add it to the soup. Finally, put in 1/2 pound of Velveeta cheese, stirring until it melts and blends in. This thickens the soup and makes it richer and creamier.

This potato soup is filling and satisfies different tastes. It stays good in the fridge for 3 days or the freezer for 3 months without losing its taste or quality¹².

Tips for Achieving Creaminess

Want to make a creamy soup like the favorite creamy potato and hamburger soup? Getting the texture right is very important. Your homemade soup should feel creamy but not too rich. Using smart ways to thicken it and choosing the right dairy matters a lot.

Choosing the Right Dairy

Picking the right dairy will make your soup creamy and delicious. Use whole milk, cream, or half-and-half to add richness. Yukon Gold or Russets potatoes work best for creamy potato soup¹³. Add some shredded cheese at the end for extra thickness and a zesty flavor boost.

Thickening Methods

If you’re new to cooking, learning to thicken soup is key. Make a roux with flour and pan drippings before adding broth to thicken your soup. Or, mix cornstarch and water, also known as a slurry, and add it to your simmering soup for quick thickness¹⁴.

If your soup is too runny, adding instant mashed potato flakes works great. They mix in well without changing the soup’s taste¹⁵.

Know these tips and use them wisely. You’ll easily make amazing creamy potato and hamburger soup that’s hit for any event.

Variations of the Recipe

Making changes to our favorite comfort food, creamy potato and hamburger soup, is fun and rewarding. You can make it fit various diets, whether it’s vegetarian or keto-friendly. There are many options to try.

Vegetarian Options

If you want a meat-free version of this hearty soup, use a plant-based meat substitute. Switch to vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian¹⁶. Adding carrots and celery to the creamy base makes every bite both tasty and healthy¹⁷.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

Changing the recipe for dietary needs doesn’t mean losing flavor. Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for less carbs. This keeps the soup creamy, especially with whole milk and heavy cream¹⁸. If you can’t have dairy, try lactose-free milk or almond milk for the creaminess.

Changing the meat can also meet different dietary needs. Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. This keeps the comforting taste we all love¹⁶.

Pairing Suggestions

Making your creamy soup recipe like potato soup better involves careful pairing. Whether you’re having a cozy family meal or a fancy get-together, the right sides can make your one-pot meal truly memorable.

Best Accompaniments

Enjoying a hearty soup? Try it with warm, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough for fun dipping. If you prefer something lighter, a simple green salad with light vinaigrette is perfect. It adds a fresh taste and balances the soup’s rich flavor. For those who love rich flavors, grilled cheese or cheesy garlic bread are amazing. They match the soup’s creamy texture nicely.

Wine Pairings

Choosing the right wine can make your meal even better. A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, is great with creamy soup recipes. It enhances the soup’s flavors without overpowering them. If white wine is more your style, a full-bodied Chardonnay is a good choice. It’s smooth and complements the soup’s creaminess. These pairings can turn a simple meal into a special experience.

For more interesting pairing ideas, try adding dishes like French Onion Soup Rice. It mixes classic soup flavors with hearty rice.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

The creamy potato and hamburger soup fun doesn’t stop after dinner. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy this comfort food recipe for more days. Let’s talk about how to keep your homemade soup fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Techniques

Quick cooling is key for keeping your creamy potato and hamburger soup safe and yummy. Pour the soup into shallow dishes to cool it faster. Make sure it doesn’t stay at room temperature for more than two hours. Once it’s cool, keep it in the fridge, sealed well, for up to 3 days¹⁹. You can also freeze it. That way, it stays good for up to 3 months¹⁹.

Want to keep your soup tasty after storing? Visit Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup recipe for tips on ingredients and their amounts¹⁹.

Reheating Tips

Reheating your creamy potato and hamburger soup correctly is important. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. Heat it on the stove on low to keep it creamy. Don’t let it boil. Stir it now and then to keep it from sticking. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts and stir a lot to spread the heat evenly¹⁹. To fix soup that’s gotten too thick, just add a bit of beef broth¹⁹.

This easy soup recipe means you can have tasty meals on hand. Just store and reheat it right, and you can enjoy its cozy, delicious flavors over and over.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect creamy potato and hamburger soup can be tricky, even for skilled chefs. They may encounter common errors that affect the soup’s quality. Knowing these mistakes is key to making a dish that tastes great and feels satisfying.

Overcooking Potatoes

Don’t cook your potatoes too long when making potato soup. Overcooked potatoes become mushy, ruining your soup’s texture. Boil potatoes like Russets for 15-20 minutes and roast ones like Yukon Golds for 20-25 minutes²⁰. This keeps potatoes tender and your soup’s texture just right.

Skipping the Seasoning

Seasoning is crucial for bringing out your soup’s best flavors. Skipping it can make your soup taste bland, no matter how good the other ingredients are. Start by adding salt early to enhance the veggies’ flavors²¹. Cook onions until they’re soft before adding things like tomato paste for depth²¹. This avoids bitterness and adds a savory touch²¹. To ensure your soup is well-seasoned, taste and adjust as you go.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

This tasty journey shows the power of a simple soup. With long hours of slow cooking²²²³, flavors from beef²²²³, potatoes²²²³, and veggies combine beautifully²⁴. It’s a treat that proves how one-pot meals can be so special. Not just the beef or potatoes make it good²².

It’s also the blend of carrots, celery, and seasonings that makes every spoonful exciting²³.

Sharing with Friends and Family

Sharing this soup brings joy, whether it’s at big holidays or quiet dinners at home. Over a thousand social media shares show how much people love it²². It’s a way to connect with friends and family, building memories around the table. You can make it healthy with lean meats²² or rich with cheese and cream²². It’s not just food; it’s about creating traditions.

Making It a Family Tradition

This soup does more than fill you up; it warms the heart. It’s not just a recipe but a precious tradition for families. It’s about comfort, heartiness, and homemade goodness. I urge you to make this meal yours²⁴.

It’s simple to prepare, but so rewarding. When you enjoy this soup together, you’re building a legacy.

Ready to start cooking? Here’s a step-by-step guide to this comforting dish. Let this creamy potato and hamburger soup become a beloved part of your gatherings, perfect for any time.

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Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

A hearty, creamy soup with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich broth. Perfect for cold nights and easy to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups 960ml beef broth
• 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• 1 ½ cups 360ml whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups 170g shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

 

Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
• Drain excess grease, then add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).

Add Vegetables & Broth:

• Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Make the Creamy Base:

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, whisking continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
• Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Let it thicken for 2 minutes, then add to the soup.

Finish with Cheese & Cream:

• Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and creamy.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve warm with fresh parsley or extra cheese on top.

Notes

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.
• Storage: Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• For Extra Flavor: Add crispy bacon or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!