Welcome to a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness that’s sure to warm you from the inside out-Creamy Hamburger Soup. Imagine a dish that’s the perfect blend of tender beef, rich vegetables, and a creamy base that soothes and satisfies, making it an ideal choice for those chilly nights or a casual family dinner.
This soup is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together the classic flavors of a hamburger, but in a way that’s more flavorful and filling. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting into the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, yet provides that indulgent feel you’re looking for.
Let’s dive into how you can make this creamy dream a reality in your kitchen!
Creamy Hamburger Soup Recipe
This creamy hamburger soup is a crowd-pleaser, simple enough to whip up for a weeknight meal yet delicious enough to impress at dinner parties. With savory beef, vegetables, and a velvety broth, it’s like a hamburger in soup form-perfect for those who want to combine the best of both worlds.
Ingredients Needed
To get this delicious dish cooking, you’ll need the following:
- Ground Beef: The star of the show. Choose lean ground beef to keep things lighter, or go for fattier cuts if you’re craving a richer, more flavorful base.
- Onion: Chopped finely. Onions bring that savory depth to the broth that enhances the beef and vegetables.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic touch that transforms this soup from basic to flavorful.
- Carrots: Sliced into rounds or diced, they add a sweet, earthy taste and some color to the soup.
- Celery: A classic soup vegetable. It brings a mild, savory note with a slight crunch that contrasts well with the creaminess.
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes create a hearty base and soak up all the wonderful flavors from the broth.
- Beef Broth: The foundation of your soup. Use low-sodium beef broth for more control over salt levels, or go with regular broth for a richer taste.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup creamy and luxurious, turning a simple dish into something decadent.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tang and deepens the flavor of the broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A few splashes elevate the beefy flavor and adds a touch of umami.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic, but essential to bring all the flavors together.
- Dried Thyme: A small amount gives your soup that herby background note that adds sophistication.
- Cheese (Optional): Grated cheddar or Parmesan on top can elevate the dish even further, providing an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Cooking Instructions
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Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid an overly greasy soup.
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Sauté Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
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Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the broth is flavorful.
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Incorporate Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are tender, usually around 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
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Cream It Up
- Lower the heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly and absorb the cream’s richness.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, and perhaps a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: The type of ground beef you choose can change the flavor and texture of the soup. Leaner beef (90/10 or 85/15) gives a lighter taste but isn’t as rich as fattier beef. A fattier beef (70/30 or 80/20) provides a juicier, more flavorful broth, but you’ll have to drain excess fat for a cleaner, less greasy soup.
- Carrots & Celery: These classic aromatics not only add flavor but contribute to the texture and balance of the soup. The sweetness of the carrots balances the savory depth of the beef, and the celery gives it that satisfying crunch.
- Heavy Cream: This is your ticket to a luscious, creamy consistency. While you could substitute with milk or half-and-half, nothing compares to the richness that heavy cream delivers. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie version, you could use whole milk, but the soup will lose some of that dreamy creaminess.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes as they cook. Overcooking them can turn them into mush, so aim for tender, but still intact pieces.
- Brown the Beef Well: This step is critical. Browning the ground beef adds caramelized flavors that infuse the broth and create a richer soup.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Want a bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Craving more herby notes? Add a bit of rosemary or basil.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you’ve got some homemade beef broth in your fridge or freezer, go ahead and use it! It’ll add an incredible depth of flavor that store-bought broth can’t quite match.
Recipe Variations
- Add Beans: For more protein and fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or kidney beans to the soup. This variation makes it more filling and adds a different texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils to make a vegetarian version that still packs in plenty of flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to complement the veggie flavors.
- Spicy Hamburger Soup: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup while cooking for a spicy twist. You could also stir in some chili powder for a warm, smoky undertone.
- Cheesy Hamburger Soup: If you’re a cheese lover, stir in a generous handful of shredded cheddar or even mozzarella while the soup is simmering for a gooey, cheesy texture throughout.
- Low-Carb: To make a lower-carb version, you can skip the potatoes and instead add cauliflower florets or zucchini slices. Both options give you that heartiness without the extra carbs.
Final Words
This creamy hamburger soup is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy experience in a bowl. With its hearty ingredients, comforting textures, and that rich creamy base, it’s a recipe that’ll have your family coming back for seconds (or thirds). Plus, it’s so versatile. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or want to make it vegetarian, this dish easily adapts to your personal preferences.
It’s one of those soups that’s perfect for when you need something easy, delicious, and filling. And it’s flexible enough for all kinds of creative variations-you’ll never get bored of it!