If you’re craving a bowl of something warm, filling, and delicious, then this hamburger potato soup recipe is just what you need. Combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Not only is it rich and comforting, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it the ideal meal for families and busy weeknights.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect hamburger potato soup, from choosing the right ingredients to simmering it to perfection. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find that this soup is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love Hamburger Potato Soup
Hamburger potato soup combines everything you love in a cozy meal—hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich, savory broth. It’s a comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out, making it a perfect choice for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal that’s both filling and easy to make.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of beef and potatoes in a creamy broth makes this soup the ultimate comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a meal prep option.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this soup by adding your favorite vegetables, extra cheese, or seasonings to make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and broth, this soup won’t break the bank.
Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
The key to making a flavorful hamburger potato soup lies in the right combination of ingredients. You don’t need many ingredients to create this hearty and satisfying soup, and you can always adjust or add a few extras based on your preferences. Below are the essential ingredients you’ll need, as well as some optional additions to elevate the flavor.
Key Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) | The hearty base of the soup. Ground beef provides flavor and richness. |
| Potatoes | 4 medium-sized | Adds substance to the soup and creates a creamy texture. |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Adds a savory, aromatic base for the soup. |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Enhances the flavor with a bold, savory kick. |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | The foundation of the soup’s liquid base. Adds rich flavor. |
| Milk or cream | 1 cup | Makes the soup creamy and rich. You can use heavy cream for an even creamier texture. |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances the flavors of the soup. |
| Pepper | To taste | Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup. |
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and extra texture to the soup.
- Celery: Adds crunch and fresh flavor.
- Cheese: Cheddar or parmesan can be added to the soup for a cheesy twist.
- Sour cream: Add a dollop on top for extra creaminess and tang.
- Spinach or kale: Add some greens to make the soup more nutritious.
- Bacon: For extra richness and flavor, crumble cooked bacon on top of the soup.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Choose Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creamy texture. You can leave the skins on for extra fiber or peel them if you prefer a smoother soup.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the amount of salt in the soup, especially if you’re adding cheese or bacon which are salty.
- Cream or Milk: If you’re looking to make a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or skim milk instead of heavy cream. For a richer version, use whole milk or heavy cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hamburger Potato Soup
Making hamburger potato soup is simple and straightforward. With just a few steps, you can have a rich, creamy, and satisfying bowl of soup ready to enjoy. Follow these instructions to create the perfect hamburger potato soup:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat the pan: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
- Add the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in the potatoes: Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine them with the beef mixture.
- Pour in the broth: Add the beef broth, ensuring the potatoes are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the potatoes: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Dairy for Creaminess
- Incorporate the milk or cream: Once the potatoes are soft, add the milk or cream to the soup, stirring well to combine. This will give the soup a creamy texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Season the soup: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you’d like to add extra flavor, now’s the time to add cheese or any optional seasonings you like.
4. Simmer and Blend (Optional)
- Simmer together: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- For a thicker consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot, or you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot for a creamy texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Serve hot: This soup is best served hot with some bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Hamburger Potato Soup
To make sure your hamburger potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips that will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup:
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
- Best Potatoes: For a creamy texture, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery texture and hold their shape well, while Russets break down slightly when cooked, making the soup creamier.
- Keep the Skin On (Optional): You can leave the skin on for added fiber and texture, or peel them if you prefer a smoother soup.
2. Adjust the Thickness
- Thicker Soup: To make the soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher right in the pot, or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. This creates a creamy consistency while still leaving some chunks for texture.
- Thinner Soup: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add a little more beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Enhance the Flavor with Herbs and Spices
- Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, oregano, or a bay leaf to the soup while it’s simmering to add depth of flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Spices: You can experiment with a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A small amount of ground mustard or smoked paprika also adds an extra layer of flavor.
4. Use Ground Beef with the Right Fat Content
- For the best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean meat, 20% fat). This gives the soup a rich, beefy taste without being too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 ground beef is fine, but it may result in a slightly drier soup. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef.
5. Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess
- Cheddar: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic topping for this soup, adding extra creaminess and a savory bite. Stir some into the soup just before serving for a cheesy, creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese: For an extra-rich soup, add cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. It will melt into the broth and make the soup even creamier.
6. Serve with the Right Sides
- Bread: Serve your hamburger potato soup with crusty bread or buttered rolls for dipping. You can also serve with garlic bread or cheese toast for added flavor.
- Salad: A fresh side salad with crisp greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
7. Leftovers and Freezing
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
8. Customize with Extra Veggies
- Carrots and celery can be added along with the potatoes for more flavor and texture. Simply chop them finely and add them in when you add the potatoes and broth.
- Spinach or kale can also be added in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Potato Soup
What Is the Best Thickener for Potato Soup?
The best thickener for potato soup depends on the texture you desire. Here are a few options:
- Mashed Potatoes: One of the easiest ways to thicken potato soup is by mashing a portion of the cooked potatoes and stirring them back into the soup. This creates a creamy texture while keeping some of the potato chunks for texture.
- Flour or Cornstarch: A simple mixture of flour or cornstarch with water can be added to thicken the soup. Make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese: For a rich and creamy texture, adding heavy cream or cream cheese can thicken the soup while giving it a smooth, velvety feel.
What Is Cowboy Soup Made Of?
Cowboy soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with a combination of ingredients that often include:
- Ground beef or sausage as the protein base.
- Potatoes, corn, and beans (like kidney or black beans) for a filling, rustic texture.
- Onions, tomatoes, and garlic for a rich flavor base.
- Broth (usually beef or chicken) and spices (like chili powder, cumin, and paprika) to bring everything together.
It’s a versatile soup that can be adjusted with different vegetables or seasonings depending on your preference.
What’s the Difference Between Hamburger Stew and Hamburger Soup?
The main difference between hamburger stew and hamburger soup is the consistency:
- Hamburger Soup: Typically has a broth-based consistency, with more liquid and vegetables. It is more like a soup, with a thin to medium consistency.
- Hamburger Stew: Has a thicker, more hearty consistency and is often served with less liquid. It’s more like a stew because it’s thicker, with larger chunks of vegetables and meat, and the broth is more concentrated.
How to Thicken Hamburger Potato Soup?
To thicken hamburger potato soup, try one of the following methods:
- Mash Some Potatoes: Mash a portion of the potatoes and stir them back into the soup. This will naturally thicken the broth without losing the potato flavor and texture.
- Use a Thickening Agent: Add a flour slurry (flour mixed with water) or cornstarch slurry for a quick and effective thickening method.
- Add Cream or Cheese: Stir in some heavy cream, cream cheese, or shredded cheddar to add both thickness and a creamy texture.
- Simmer for Longer: Simply allowing the soup to simmer longer can reduce the liquid and help it thicken naturally as the potatoes break down.
Conclusion
Hamburger potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy broth. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing it for meal prep. This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly customizable, so feel free to experiment with extra vegetables, cheese, or seasonings to make it your own.
By following the tips and tricks in this recipe, you’ll be able to create a rich, creamy soup that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to warm you up on a cold day, hamburger potato soup will surely hit the spot.