When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich flavors and heartwarming sensation of a homemade soup. Our Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe is a perfect blend of nourishing ingredients and savory goodness, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, cozy evenings, or meal prep for the week. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and a creamy broth, this soup is not just delicious but also incredibly wholesome.
Delicious Homemade Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe – Perfect for Family Dinners
Growing up in a family that cherished cooking together, this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup was a staple at our family gatherings. Originating from my grandmother’s kitchen, it has traveled through generations, bringing warmth and joy to our dinner table. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory, a symbol of love and comfort.
Shopping List
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Onion (1)
- Garlic (3 cloves)
- Potatoes (4 cups diced)
- Beef broth (4 cups)
- Milk (2 cups)
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded)
- Frozen corn kernels (1/2 cup)
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup)
- Carrots (1/2 cup diced)
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
- Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
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)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes, and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add milk, shredded cheese, corn, peas, carrots, thyme, and rosemary. Cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and vegetables are cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your health. Ground beef provides essential proteins, while potatoes and vegetables deliver vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The combination of these ingredients makes this soup a balanced meal option.
Recipe Notes:
- For a Keto-friendly version, replace potatoes with cauliflower and use heavy cream instead of milk. Omit corn and peas.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize the soup with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon.
The Secrets Behind the Perfect Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Quality of Ingredients: The foundation of any great dish lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this soup, choose fresh, high-quality ground beef, and opt for organic vegetables if possible. The freshness of the ingredients significantly impacts the flavor of the soup.
- Perfectly Browned Beef: The key to unlocking the rich flavor in this creamy hamburger potato soup is browning the ground beef correctly. Brown the beef over medium-high heat until it’s nicely caramelized. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup that is irreplaceable.
- Balancing Flavors: The balance of savory beef with the natural sweetness of onions and carrots, the earthiness of potatoes, and the richness of the cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile. Don’t rush the cooking process; let each ingredient contribute its unique taste.
- Consistency is Key: The soup should be creamy but not overly thick. Achieve this by adjusting the amount of broth and milk based on the desired consistency. If the soup is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer; if it’s too thick, add a bit more broth.
- Herbs and Seasoning: The right blend of herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper, can elevate the soup from good to great. Be sure to season in layers, adjusting according to taste as the soup cooks.
- Low and Slow Cooking: After combining all the ingredients, let the soup simmer on a low heat. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and rich taste.
- Cheese Matters: The type and quality of cheese used can make a big difference. Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its ability to melt smoothly and add a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, the right garnish can add not just visual appeal but also an additional layer of flavor. Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese just before serving can enhance the overall taste experience.
Remember, the secret to the perfect Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup lies in the attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the love with which it is prepared. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Serving suggestions for Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup can elevate the dining experience and add a delightful touch to your meal. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Fresh Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad. A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the soup and add a refreshing element to the meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of the warm, melty cheese and the creamy soup is a comfort food classic.
- Roasted Vegetables: Offer a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which complements the savory soup.
- Toppings Bar: Create a little toppings bar with various options such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and croutons. This allows guests to customize their bowl of soup.
- Baked Potato: Serve a simple baked potato on the side. The soup can even be used as a topping for the potato, creating a delicious and filling meal.
- Cheese Toasts: Make some cheese toasts by grilling slices of baguette topped with cheese until golden and crispy. These make a great accompaniment to the soup and are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Wine Pairing: For an adult gathering, pair the soup with a glass of wine. A light-bodied red wine or a full-bodied white wine can complement the flavors of the soup nicely.
- Dessert Pairing: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a lemon sorbet, to cleanse the palate after the rich soup.
- For Kids: If serving to children, consider pairing the soup with fun-shaped pasta or offering it with cheese quesadillas cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
These serving suggestions are designed to complement the rich and hearty flavors of the Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, making your meal even more enjoyable and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe:
- Can I make this soup in a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply increase the quantity of vegetables like mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely before freezing and store in airtight containers. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in a microwave.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Certainly! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients except for the milk and cheese, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the milk and cheese just before serving.
- What type of potatoes works best for this soup? Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for this soup as they break down slightly during cooking, which helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese can add a unique flavor to the soup.
- How can I thicken the soup if it’s too runny? If the soup is too thin, you can make a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir it into the soup. Simmer for a few minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? To make a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and consider using low-fat milk.
- Is this soup spicy? This recipe is not spicy, making it kid-friendly. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- What can I do if my soup is too salty? If the soup turns out too salty, add some diced potatoes or a little more milk to help balance the flavors. You can also increase the quantity of the soup by adding more broth and vegetables.
Warm, creamy, and filled with flavor, this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to satisfy.
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