There’s something about a warm, hearty soup that makes everything feel right in the world. Whether it’s a crisp fall day, a cold winter evening, or you’re just craving comfort food on a regular Tuesday, soup is a perfect choice. Among all the comforting options, a creamy potato and hamburger soup stands out. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, with creamy potatoes, savory beef, and plenty of flavor to keep you coming back for more.
This easy creamy potato and hamburger soup is a fantastic way to combine simple ingredients into a rich and filling dish. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it-just a bit of time and a few ingredients, and you’ll have a dish that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s super customizable and can be made to suit various dietary needs and preferences. So, let’s dive in!
Easy Creamy Potato And Hamburger Soup Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple but packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. The combination of potatoes and hamburger meat creates a rich, satisfying base, while the creaminess of the broth adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients. Most of them are common pantry staples, which makes this recipe even more convenient.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star protein of this dish. Ground beef provides a savory, meaty depth to the soup.
- Potatoes (4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes): The heart and soul of this soup. The potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors and give the soup its creamy texture.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a mild sweetness and savory flavor when cooked.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic goes a long way in adding a rich, aromatic depth.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Provides color and a slight sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Forms the base of your soup, giving it that rich, beefy flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For that creamy, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and flavor while sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with beef and potatoes.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh touch to the finished dish.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get down to the fun part: cooking! The steps here are easy, and the whole process is about bringing together all those flavors in perfect harmony.
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion and garlic, and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Set everything aside so you can easily grab them as you cook.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining butter. Toss in the diced onions and garlic. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Add the carrots and cook for another 2 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Simmer the soup: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Add the diced potatoes and thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add the cream: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the heavy cream. This will give the soup that creamy texture that makes it so comforting. Stir everything well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building the flavors and texture:
- Ground beef: When choosing ground beef, go for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures a good balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef can work, but might not provide the same depth of flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and break down nicely during cooking, making the soup creamy. Yukon gold potatoes are waxier, so they hold their shape a bit better and create a slightly different texture, but either works well.
- Beef broth: This forms the foundation of your soup, so the better quality, the better the flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
- Heavy cream: The key to making this soup luxurious and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but heavy cream will give you the richest, smoothest texture.
Expert Tips
To take your soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Make it ahead of time: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat gently when ready to serve.
- Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot after they cook. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add a cheesy twist: For an extra layer of comfort, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. The cheese melts into the soup and makes it even creamier.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic.
Recipe Variations
While this classic version is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make this soup your own!
- Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely vegetarian version.
- Low-carb option: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower. It mimics the texture of potatoes and works wonderfully in creamy soups.
- Cheesy potato soup: For an indulgent twist, stir in a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup at the end, creating a rich, cheesy potato soup.
- Spicy version: Add a can of diced green chilies or a bit of chipotle powder to bring some smokiness and spice to the soup.
Final Words
This creamy potato and hamburger soup is one of those dishes that will quickly become a staple in your home. It’s cozy, filling, and oh-so-satisfying. With the versatility of ingredients and the ability to tweak the recipe to your liking, it’s a great go-to for busy nights or when you just need some comfort food.
What makes this soup especially great is that it’s packed with flavors from simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family, a group of friends, or just yourself, this soup is perfect for any occasion.