When the cold winter wind blows, nothing beats the smell of homemade hamburger potato soup. It’s a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for busy parents or anyone who loves to cook.
This soup is more than food; it’s a tradition that brings families together. It combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich broth. You’ll find seven tasty variations of this classic recipe in the following pages.
Key Takeaways
- Hamburger potato soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines ground beef, potatoes, and a flavorful broth.
- This versatile recipe can be prepared in multiple ways, offering a range of delicious options to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
- The soup is an economical and family-friendly meal that can be enjoyed throughout the year, providing a nourishing and hearty option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
- With a prep time of just 55 minutes and the ability to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, this soup is a convenient and practical choice for busy home cooks.
- The soup is packed with nutrition, containing 427 calories, 8g of carbohydrates, 26g of protein, and 32g of fat per serving, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option.
Discovering the Comfort of Hamburger Potato Soup
Hamburger potato soup is a favorite for many families. It’s a mix of tasty flavors and textures that makes it perfect for cozy meals. Ground beef, creamy potatoes, and veggies come together to make a warm and nourishing soup.
Why This Soup Became a Family Favorite
This soup is loved for its flexibility and taste. It’s a comfort food recipes dream and a hearty meal ideas hit. It’s also a family-friendly meals winner because it’s nutritious and easy to make.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Hamburger potato soup is packed with nutrients. It has protein, carbs, and vitamins from ground beef, potatoes, and veggies. Each bowl has about 350 kcal, making it a healthy and budget-friendly dishes choice.
Budget-Friendly Meal Solution
This soup is also budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and veggies. It makes six servings, great for meal prep or sharing. Its cost and ability to feed many make it a top family-friendly meals pick.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Base
Making a tasty hamburger potato soup starts with picking the right ingredients. The main parts are ground beef, Russet potatoes, beef broth, onions, garlic, and carrots.
For the ground beef, a 90/10 lean to fat ratio is best. It gives great flavor and texture without being too greasy. The Russet potatoes make the soup creamy and smooth. Onions, garlic, and carrots add depth and complexity to the taste.
Adding Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices can make the soup even better. A thickener like tapioca starch or flour helps get the right consistency. Choosing a good broth, whether beef or chicken, is also important for flavor.
By mixing these key ingredients well, you can make a hamburger potato soup that’s comforting and nutritious.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground Beef | 1 lb, 90/10 ratio |
Russet Potatoes | 4 large, peeled and cubed (about 2 lbs) |
Beef Broth | 4 cups |
Yellow Onion | 1 medium, diced |
Carrots | 2 large, diced |
Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
Thickener (Tapioca Starch or Flour) | ¼ cup |
Remember, the type of potato can change the soup’s texture. Russet potatoes make it creamy, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes give a different shape and texture.
Classic Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe
Dive into a bowl of creamy hamburger potato soup – a favorite comfort food. It’s full of savory flavors and a creamy texture that warms you up.
Base Ingredients and Measurements
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4-6 cups cubed potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or cream) and flour/cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, allowing it to thicken for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency
For an extra creamy texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially puree some of the potatoes in the soup. This will create a thicker, more velvety consistency. Also, adjust the amount of flour or cornstarch to get your desired creaminess.
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Total Shares | 139 |
Total Prep Time | 20 minutes |
Total Cook Time | 30 minutes |
Total Yield | 8 servings |
“This creamy hamburger potato soup recipe is a true comfort food classic. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious.”
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Variation
If you love the taste of a cheeseburger, you’ll adore this cheesy bacon ranch version of hamburger potato soup. It combines the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger into a warm, comforting soup. It’s sure to become a hit with your family.
This version adds shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and ranch seasoning. The cheese is added last to ensure it melts smoothly. This makes the potatoes and ground beef even more delicious.
This twist brings a richer, more indulgent taste to your table. The ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor, while the bacon bits add a smoky crunch.
Looking for a cozy meal or a change from your usual hamburger potato soup? Try this cheesy bacon ranch version. It’s a tasty take on a classic bacon cheeseburger soup.
“The cheesy bacon ranch hamburger potato soup is an absolute delight! The flavors blend together seamlessly, and it’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.” – Wanda
Slow Cooker Version for Busy Days
When time is tight, a slow cooker version of hamburger potato soup is a lifesaver. It lets you enjoy a tasty meal with little effort. Just prep it ahead of time.
Morning Prep Instructions
Begin by browning 1 lb. of lean ground beef in a skillet. Drain the fat, then move the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook the 1 small onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks until they’re soft. Add them to the slow cooker.
Include the 15 oz. can of Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes, 12 oz. bag of frozen mixed vegetables, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper as well.
Timing and Temperature Guidelines
Now, add the 32 oz. beef broth and mix well. Cover the cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, mix in the 1 oz. packet of Lipton onion soup mix and 1 cup of milk.
The slow cooker blends the flavors perfectly. It makes the potatoes tender and the soup balanced. This make-ahead meal is ideal for busy days. It’s a comforting and easy easy soup recipe that’s quick to prepare.
Vegetable-Loaded Hamburger Soup
Make your classic hamburger potato soup even better by adding lots of veggies. This hamburger vegetable soup has celery, peas, green beans, and corn. It’s full of flavor and good for you.
Adding more veggies makes this vegetable beef soup very filling. It’s great for a healthy, comforting meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies or adding more nutritious soup to your diet.
Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 245 |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Protein | 16g |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Cholesterol | 38mg |
Sodium | 692mg |
Potassium | 923mg |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugars | 4g |
Vitamin A | 3670IU |
Vitamin C | 24.2mg |
Calcium | 79mg |
Iron | 4.6mg |
This version of hamburger potato soup is tasty and full of nutrients. It’s a smart way to make your favorite soup healthier. You still get to enjoy the yummy flavors of hamburger and potatoes.
“This hearty hamburger vegetable soup is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. The extra vegetables make it so satisfying and filling.”
Storage Tips and Reheating Methods
Proper storage and reheating are crucial for enjoying make-ahead soup like our Hamburger Potato Soup. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy its comforting flavors for a long time.
Freezing Guidelines
Store Hamburger Potato Soup in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Omit cream or cheese before freezing to avoid graininess. Add these ingredients when reheating your leftovers.
- Use airtight plastic bags, plastic containers, or freezer-safe food storage containers to freeze the soup.
- Leave about 1/2 to 1 inch of headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Freeze the soup flat in a freezer bag for quicker defrosting when needed.
Best Practices for Leftovers
To reheat your frozen Hamburger Potato Soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. This keeps the soup’s texture and flavor intact.
If the soup is too thick, add a bit of broth or milk. For creaminess, mix in fresh cream or shredded cheese.
By using these storage tips and reheating methods, you can enjoy your homemade Hamburger Potato Soup anytime. It’s a great choice for leftovers and freezer-friendly meals.
Creative Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Make your hamburger potato soup even better with different toppings and serving ideas. Add crispy bacon bits or tangy diced pickles to turn a simple soup into a hearty meal.
Begin by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt into the soup. Add some chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for freshness. For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Crunchy bacon bits
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Diced pickles
- Jalapeños
- Crushed crackers
For a bigger meal, pair the customizable soup with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a fresh garden salad. There are many ways to make this comforting dish unforgettable.
“Soup is not just food, but an experience. The right toppings and accompaniments can elevate a simple dish into something truly special.”
Conclusion
Hamburger potato soup is a delicious, comforting meal that you can make your own. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights.
There are many ways to make this soup, from creamy to cheesy bacon ranch. It’s a great choice for any home cook. You can try different versions to find your favorite.
Whether you like it slow-cooked in a crockpot or loaded with veggies, this soup is easy to make. It’s all about the right mix of lean ground beef, potatoes, and spices. This makes it a nourishing and comforting meal.
Start exploring the world of hamburger potato soup and let your creativity shine. Try different toppings and sides to make it your own. With a bit of effort, this versatile soup recipe can become a favorite comforting meal for your family’s family dinner ideas or a simple, yet tasty, easy soup variation.