Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic 🍲🥔🧀

1. Introduction

When the temperature drops and you’re craving something warm and satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of hamburger potato soup. This classic comfort food combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes in a creamy, cheesy broth that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this hamburger potato soup recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The potatoes provide a hearty base while the ground beef adds protein-packed richness. The addition of cheddar cheese creates a velvety smoothness that makes each spoonful utterly irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to making an exceptional hamburger potato soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor)
• 4 cups potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced (for added crunch and flavor)
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended for better control of seasoning)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded)
• 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing the vegetables)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (adds color and freshness)

For those looking for recipe inspiration or variations, check out this classic hamburger potato soup recipe from AllRecipes that offers some great alternative approaches.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions first, cooking for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the celery and diced potatoes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The goal is to lightly soften the vegetables and develop their flavors – about 5 minutes total. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions become translucent and the kitchen fills with that wonderful savory aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the vegetables cook, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. For the best flavor, allow the beef to develop a nice brown crust – this is where all that delicious umami flavor comes from. Once fully cooked (no pink remaining), carefully drain the excess fat using a colander or by tilting the pan and using a spoon to remove it. This step is crucial to prevent your soup from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the browned ground beef to the pot with your sautéed vegetables. Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your potato cubes.

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Step 4: Add Creaminess

Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to low before adding the dairy. Slowly stir in the milk to prevent curdling, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and incorporated. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters when serving this comforting hamburger potato soup. Ladle it into deep bowls while it’s piping hot. The perfect garnish makes all the difference – sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and a bright flavor contrast. For added texture, consider topping with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon bits, or crispy fried onions.

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread for dipping, or for a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the salad helps cut through the richness of the soup. For a heartier option, grilled cheese sandwiches make the perfect companion to this comforting dish.

5. Storage Tips

This hamburger potato soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out as the potatoes tend to absorb liquid when stored.

For longer storage, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy single servings. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

6. Creative Variations

One of the best things about this hamburger potato soup recipe is how easily it can be customized:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a spoonful of hot sauce for those who like heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese along with the cheddar for an ultra-rich, velvety texture.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top with sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon just before serving.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning and substitute mozzarella for the cheddar cheese.

7. Nutrition Information

This hamburger potato soup is not just delicious but also provides balanced nutrition. One serving (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:

• 350 calories
• 18g protein
• 25g carbohydrates
• 20g fat
• 3g fiber
• 15% Daily Value of calcium
• 10% Daily Value of iron

The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the ground beef offers high-quality protein and iron. The cheese contributes calcium and additional protein. For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese, though this may slightly affect the richness of the soup.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hamburger potato soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients except the milk and cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best type of potato to use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well while becoming perfectly tender. Russet potatoes will work but may break down more, creating a thicker soup. Red potatoes also work well if you prefer firmer potato pieces.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Diced carrots, corn, or green beans would all be delicious additions. Just adjust cooking times as needed – harder vegetables like carrots should be added with the potatoes, while quicker-cooking veggies can be added later.

My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
Simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Heat gently while stirring to incorporate the additional liquid.

9. Conclusion

This hamburger potato soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its perfect balance of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese broth, it’s a meal that will warm you from the inside out. The simple preparation makes it accessible for weeknight dinners, while the rich flavors make it special enough for weekend gatherings.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with the many possible variations, you’re guaranteed a delicious result every time. The leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. And with the ability to freeze portions, you can enjoy this comforting soup whenever the craving strikes.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to make a pot of this soul-warming hamburger potato soup. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have discovered a new go-to recipe for chilly days, busy nights, or anytime you need a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your most-requested meals!

Delicious Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy and hearty Hamburger Potato Soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich broth, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 cups potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
2. Add diced celery and potatoes to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
3. In a separate skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains and a brown crust develops. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the cooked ground beef to the pot with vegetables. Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Stir in milk (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the milk and cheese.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
• Add other vegetables like carrots or peas for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: hamburger potato soup, ground beef soup, potato soup recipe, comfort food, hearty soup, cheddar cheese soup