creamy potato and hamburger soup

Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup: A Tasty Recipe

Find the ultimate comfort food recipe that turns simple ingredients into a delicious creamy potato and hamburger soup. This homemade soup recipe adds warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

This soup is packed with lean ground beef, tender Russet potatoes, and a rich creamy broth. It’s a perfect mix of nutrition and taste. You’ll enjoy how fast you can make this hearty meal. It serves up to 8 people in just 50 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Quick and easy one-pot meal
  • Nutritious with balanced protein and vegetables
  • Freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep
  • Adaptable recipe with multiple serving suggestions
  • Budget-friendly comfort food option

Why This Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Will Become Your Favorite

Finding the perfect hearty soup recipe can change your meal planning. This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a standout. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.

Perfect Comfort Food for Any Season

Imagine a warm, rich soup for any time of year. This creamy soup is full of flavor and warmth. It’s also healthy, with just 240 calories per serving.

Budget-Friendly One-Pot Meal

This soup is easy on your wallet. It uses 1 pound of lean ground beef and simple ingredients. It makes 8 servings, making it a great choice for families.

  • Total cooking time: 25-30 minutes
  • Serves: 8 people
  • Calories per serving: 240
  • Recommended ground beef: 90% lean

Family-Friendly Recipe Everyone Will Love

This soup pleases everyone. It has tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy base. Pro tip: Add veggies like kale or peas for more nutrition and taste.

“A soup that brings the family together is more than just a meal – it’s a memory in the making.” – Home Cooking Enthusiast

This creamy potato and hamburger soup will be a favorite in your kitchen. Its delicious taste and versatility make it a must-have.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Soup

To make a tasty potato soup, pick the right ingredients. They should work well together for a fulfilling meal. The right mix can turn a simple soup into a special meal.

Quality Ground Beef Selection

For the best potato soup, use lean ground beef with a 93/7 fat ratio. This keeps your meal tasty without too much grease. Lean beef also makes the soup’s texture better, letting other flavors stand out.

  • Recommended beef: 93% lean ground beef
  • Quantity: Approximately 1.5 pounds
  • Cooking tip: Brown beef thoroughly before adding to soup

Best Potatoes to Use

Choosing the right potatoes is key for your soup’s texture. Russet potatoes are best because they have a lot of starch. This starch helps thicken the soup naturally.

Potato TypeCharacteristicsSoup Performance
RussetHigh starchExcellent thickening
Yukon GoldMedium starchCreamy texture
Red potatoesLow starchHolds shape well

Vegetables and Seasonings

Adding a mix of vegetables and seasonings makes your potato soup amazing. Use frozen veggies for ease and nutrition.

  • Frozen mixed vegetables: 2 cups
  • Minced garlic: 3 cloves
  • Diced yellow onion
  • Basic seasonings: salt, black pepper, dried parsley

The secret to a great soup lies in balancing flavors and using fresh, quality ingredients.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Preparing a delicious soup for dinner needs the right kitchen tools. Your creamy hamburger potato soup will come together smoothly with a few essential tools. These tools make cooking simple and enjoyable.

Here are the key kitchen tools you’ll need to create this hearty soup:

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for cooking and simmering your soup
  • Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and mix ingredients
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts
  • Whisk: For creating a smooth, creamy base

When making this easy soup recipe, having the right equipment is key. A sturdy large pot allows you to brown ground beef, sauté vegetables, and create a rich soup base efficiently.

“The right tools transform cooking from a chore into a delightful experience.”

Your kitchen arsenal doesn’t need to be extensive. Most home cooks already have these basic tools. The key is having a reliable pot, good cutting tools, and utensils that make stirring and mixing comfortable.

Pro tip for your soup for dinner: Choose a heavy-bottomed pot that distributes heat evenly. This prevents scorching and ensures a perfectly cooked meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making creamy potato and hamburger soup at home is simple. This recipe will guide you through each step. You’ll end up with a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Preparation

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

Start by choosing good-quality ground beef. Here’s how to begin:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Brown the ground beef until no pink remains
  • Drain excess fat from the meat
  • Add finely diced onions and minced garlic
  • Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant

Adding Vegetables and Broth

Now, add layers of flavor to your soup:

  • Dice potatoes into bite-sized cubes
  • Add potatoes, carrots, and celery to the skillet
  • Pour in beef broth
  • Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs
  • Simmer until vegetables become tender

Creating the Creamy Base

The creamy texture is key to a great soup:

  • Whisk cornstarch into milk
  • Gradually add the mixture to the soup
  • Stir in cubed Velveeta cheese
  • Cook until cheese melts completely
  • Adjust seasoning to taste

“A perfect soup is all about balancing flavors and creating a creamy, comforting texture.” – Chef’s Tip

Your creamy potato and hamburger soup is ready. It serves 6 and takes about 55 minutes to make. It’s perfect for family dinners.

Slow Cooker vs Stovetop Methods

There are two great ways to make this tasty one-pot meal: using a slow cooker or the stovetop. Each method has its own benefits, making it easy to cook based on your schedule and taste.

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker makes cooking this soup easy and stress-free. Just a little effort, and you get a warm, flavorful meal ready for you.

  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours
  • Or use high for 3-4 hours
  • Perfect for those with busy lives
  • Guarantees tender meat and veggies

Stovetop Preparation

If you’re short on time, the stovetop method is quick and tasty. It lets you control the cooking and add flavors as you go.

  • Simmer in a big pot
  • Ready in about 20-30 minutes
  • Great for when you need a meal fast
  • Easy to adjust ingredients

“The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – whether you choose slow cooker or stovetop, deliciousness is guaranteed!” – Home Cooking Enthusiast

No matter your choice, your soup will be full of flavor and good for you. Just keep the heat steady and stir now and then to avoid sticking.

Tips for Perfect Soup Consistency

Making the perfect creamy potato soup is all about finesse. The right consistency can turn a simple soup into a memorable meal. Let’s look at some key techniques to get your soup just right.

Achieving the Right Thickness

Choosing the right potatoes and thickening methods is crucial. Russet potatoes are best for a thick base. They break down well, thickening the soup naturally.

  • Use a potato masher to crush some potatoes directly in the soup
  • Create a cornstarch slurry for instant thickening
  • Add heavy cream for extra richness

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Seasoning is key to a great potato soup. Start with a little and add more as you go.

SeasoningQuantityFlavor Impact
Garlic Powder2 tbspRobust depth
SaltTo tasteEnhances overall taste
Black Pepper1 tspMild heat

“The secret to an outstanding soup is balancing flavors and achieving the perfect consistency.” – Professional Chef

Pro tip: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking. A dollop of sour cream can add a tangy finish to your creamy potato soup.

Customization Options and Variations

Make your comfort food recipe your own by trying new ingredients and twists. Your creamy potato and hamburger soup can be tailored to fit any taste or diet.

  • Ground chicken for a leaner choice
  • Turkey for a lighter protein option
  • Plant-based crumbles for vegetarian fans

Try these veggie swaps to add new flavors to your comfort food:

  • Swap mixed veggies for seasonal ones
  • Add fresh corn for a sweet touch
  • Dice bell peppers for extra nutrition

Play with cheese and creaminess to enhance your soup:

  • Change Velveeta cheese amounts for richness
  • Stir in sour cream for a tangy kick
  • Try different cheese blends

“Cooking is about personalizing recipes to match your unique taste preferences” – Professional Chef Recommendation

Nutritional tip: Each protein swap keeps the soup’s nutritional value. It still has about 25 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Preparing soup for dinner doesn’t end with cooking. Proper storage and reheating can help you enjoy your delicious hamburger potato soup for days to come. Learning the right techniques will keep your soup tasting fresh and appetizing.

Hamburger Potato Soup Storage Tips

Refrigerator Storage Recommendations

Your creamy soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Follow these key guidelines:

  • Use airtight containers to preserve freshness
  • Cool the soup completely before refrigerating
  • Store in shallow containers for faster cooling

Freezing Your Soup

While potato-based soups can be tricky to freeze, you can still preserve your soup with some careful preparation:

  1. Use flat, freezer-safe Ziplock bags for storage
  2. Freeze for up to 3 months
  3. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy portions

Reheating Best Practices

“The secret to great leftover soup is gentle reheating” – Culinary Expert

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup for dinner again, use these reheating methods:

  • Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
  • Microwave: Use 50% power, stir midway through heating
  • Add a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture

With these storage and reheating tips, your easy soup recipe will taste just as delicious the second time around!

Conclusion

Your creamy potato and hamburger soup is more than just a meal. It’s a mix of nutrition and taste that makes dinner special. With about 400 calories and 26g of protein per serving, it’s good for you too.

This soup is great because you can change it up easily. You can make it for a family dinner or a quick meal. Try using cauliflower for a low-carb version or coconut milk for dairy-free.

Learning to make this soup is like gaining a cooking skill. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and you can change it to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and every bite of this comforting soup.

FAQ

How long does it take to make this Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup?

Cooking time varies. In a slow cooker, it’s 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. On the stovetop, it’s about 45-60 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes! You can use ground chicken for a lighter option. The recipe is flexible, letting you swap meats based on your taste or what you have.

Are there ways to make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or add more veggies like mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

Add more broth to thin it or a cornstarch-milk mixture to thicken. Russet potatoes thicken it naturally. For a thicker soup, add extra cheese or less broth.

What are the best vegetables to use in this soup?

You can use many veggies. Frozen mixed veggies are in the recipe, but you can also add peas, carrots, green beans, or corn. Pick what your family likes or what you have.

How long can I store this soup in the refrigerator?

Store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Cool it first, then reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool it completely before freezing in containers. It lasts 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

What can I serve with this soup to make a complete meal?

Serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a simple salad. Crackers or cornbread add extra texture for a full meal.

Tried This Delicious Recipe Yet ?

0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.