Hamburger Potato Soup Easy Recipe

When the weather gets chilly and you crave comfort food that’s both filling and easy to make, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. And if you’re a fan of classic comfort food like hamburgers and potatoes, then this Hamburger Potato Soup is a game-changer! Combining the savory flavors of a burger with the creamy texture of potato soup, this recipe is the ultimate cozy meal. It’s rich, satisfying, and can be whipped up in no time, even on busy weekdays. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to meal prep for the week, this soup will hit the spot.

But let’s not beat around the bush-this isn’t just any regular soup. This is a one-pot wonder that is customizable to fit your taste and dietary preferences, while still staying hearty enough to please everyone around the table. So, let’s dive into how to create this easy hamburger potato soup that’s bound to become your new favorite recipe!

Hamburger Potato Soup Easy Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s take a look at how simple this actually is. Imagine a rich, creamy broth flavored with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and just the right mix of vegetables-yum! This recipe requires minimal ingredients but packs in a ton of flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe. Don’t worry-it’s all pretty basic, and you might already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean is best, but feel free to use whatever you’ve got)
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work great)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred)
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk, or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can go sharp for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter (this gives it that smooth, velvety texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season as you go!)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for a nice aromatic boost)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, but they add a nice touch of color and sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the beef and vegetables)

Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this incredible soup? Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Cook The Ground Beef

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary, then set the beef aside.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In the same pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened (about 3-5 minutes). This will create the perfect flavor base for your soup.

3. Simmer The Potatoes

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the beef broth. Stir well, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Add Dairy

   • Once the potatoes are cooked through, pour in the milk and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy consistency. You’ll see the soup start to thicken up at this point.

5. Finish With Peas And Beef

   • Return the cooked ground beef to the pot along with any juices, and stir in the frozen peas (if using). Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes so all the flavors meld together.

6. Season And Serve

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme as needed. Serve hot with extra cheese or some crusty bread on the side. And there you go-your creamy, comforting hamburger potato soup is ready to enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Now let’s take a moment to dig deeper into some of the key ingredients that make this soup both flavorful and hearty:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! The beef is what gives this soup its classic burger flavor. If you prefer leaner cuts, you can use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative.
• Potatoes: The potatoes not only add substance to the soup but also help thicken the broth, creating that creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly great for soups because they hold their shape and have a smooth, buttery flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: The cheese isn’t just for flavor-it’s what gives the soup that velvety, rich creaminess. If you prefer, you could swap out cheddar for something like Monterey Jack for a milder taste or Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth brings depth and richness to the soup, complementing the ground beef. It’s the base that ties everything together. If you’re avoiding beef, you can easily swap in chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter version.

Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips that’ll take this soup to the next level:

• Use a Starchy Potato: Stick with starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold. They break down more easily and create a naturally creamy texture in soups.
• Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step. Browning the beef until it’s well-caramelized enhances the overall flavor of the soup. The little crispy bits stuck to the bottom of the pan add so much depth.
• Add a Splash of Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy soup, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream. This will make the soup ultra-smooth and decadent.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. A dash of hot sauce right before serving can also give the soup an exciting kick.
• Let It Rest: As with many soups, this one tastes even better the next day. Let it cool, then refrigerate it overnight. When reheated, the flavors will be even more robust.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based ground beef alternative. You can still get the hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, a spoonful of salsa, or chili powder. You can also top it with crushed red pepper flakes for that spicy burger vibe.
• Cheese Lovers Dream: Add multiple types of cheese-think mozzarella, Parmesan, and gouda-for a truly cheesy experience. Experiment with different textures and flavors!
• Add More Veggies: To make the soup even more nutritious, throw in some carrots, celery, or even corn. You can customize it depending on what you have in the fridge.

Final Words

Hamburger Potato Soup is more than just a bowl of soup-it’s a full-on comfort food experience. It’s one of those recipes that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as a solo lunch, it’s satisfying, hearty, and guaranteed to make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket.