Winter evenings always remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of a bubbling hamburger potato soup would instantly warm our hearts. This hearty meal isn’t just food—it’s a treasure of memories, comfort, and love wrapped in a single steaming bowl.
The hamburger potato soup is more than a recipe. It’s a culinary embrace that turns simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying comfort food. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a soul-warming meal, this soup brings families together around the dinner table.
With lean ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a velvety broth, this hearty meal delivers both nutrition and nostalgia. Each spoonful tells a story of tradition, warmth, and home-cooked goodness that transcends generations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hamburger potato soup is a versatile, nutrient-rich comfort food
- Requires only basic ingredients found in most kitchens
- Serves 6 people with approximately 504 calories per serving
- Takes just 60 minutes total to prepare and cook
- Offers balanced nutrition with protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins
Introduction to This Classic Comfort Food
Winter recipes bring families together, and few dishes capture the warmth of home like a hearty hamburger potato soup. This one-pot dish has roots in traditional American comfort cooking. It offers a perfect blend of meat and potatoes, turning a simple meal into a memorable family dinner.
Origins of a Heartwarming Meal
The classic hamburger potato soup came from rural kitchens. Resourceful cooks made filling meals with limited ingredients. Farmers and working families needed nutritious dishes for cold winters, making this soup a staple.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Combines ground beef with creamy potato base
- Single pot preparation for easy cleanup
- Adaptable to various dietary preferences
- Packed with essential nutrients
Nutritional Powerhouse
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Potassium | 749 mg |
Your family will love the delicious taste and nutritional benefits. This soup has a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. It delivers complete nutrition in every comforting spoonful.
Essential Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Soup
Making the perfect slow-cooked hamburger potato soup starts with top-notch ingredients. These ingredients turn this rustic dish into a soul food gem. The right mix of components is key to a great soup.
Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty soup:
- 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 6 cups of Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of frozen vegetable mix
- 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Every ingredient is important for the soup’s flavor. The lean ground beef adds protein, and Russet potatoes thicken the soup. Onions and garlic bring depth, and the vegetable mix boosts nutrition.
When making this comforting dish, remember quality matters. The slow-cooking process lets these ingredients blend perfectly. This creates a meal that warms your heart and soul.
Pro tip: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Also, take your time browning the ground beef. This step is key to a flavorful rustic dish.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Creating the perfect hamburger potato soup needs more than just great ingredients. The right kitchen tools make cooking smoother and more fun. In fact, 80% of people say the right tools improve their cooking.
Choosing the best thickener for potato soup means having the right equipment. The right tools are key to a delicious meal.
Essential Cookware
Your main cooking pot is very important for making hamburger potato soup. A large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is best for even heat and cooking.
- Large dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
- Heavy-bottomed soup pot
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Optional but Helpful Tools
These tools are not necessary but can make your soup better. They help find the best thickener for potato soup.
- Immersion blender for smooth texture
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Potato masher
- Kitchen scale
Measuring Equipment
When making your soup, precision is important. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.
| Measuring Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Liquid measuring cups | Measuring broths and milk |
| Dry measuring cups | Measuring flour for thickening |
| Measuring spoons | Precise seasoning and small quantities |
Pro tip: When looking for the best thickener for potato soup, flour is a classic choice. About ½ cup of all-purpose flour can give your soup the perfect consistency.
Preparation and Cooking Time Overview
Making a tasty hamburger potato soup is simpler than you think! It will take about 1 hour from start to finish. While Julia Child loved French onion soup, this recipe brings its own comfort and taste.
Here’s how much time you’ll spend making your soup:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chopping veggies
- Measuring out ingredients
- Getting your cooking tools ready
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking the ground beef
- Sautéing onions and garlic
- Letting potatoes and broth simmer
If you’re short on time, you can make this soup in a crockpot. Here are the slow cooking times:
- Low setting: 6-8 hours
- High setting: 3-4 hours
Tip: Being organized in the kitchen can save you time. Have everything measured and ready before you start. This makes the soup-making process smoother and more fun.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the ultimate hamburger potato soup needs focus and love for comfort food. It turns simple parts into a soup many say is the tastiest.
Preparing the Base: Building Flavor
Begin with a 6-quart Dutch oven and heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Cook 1 pound of lean ground beef (93% lean / 7% fat) until it’s golden brown. This step is key to getting deep flavors.
- Select high-quality lean ground beef
- Cook meat until thoroughly browned
- Drain excess fat for a cleaner taste
Adding the Main Ingredients
Your mirepoix is the flavor base. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes. Then, add 5 medium potatoes (or 8 small new potatoes) and 3 cups of beef broth.
Final Touches and Seasoning
The magic comes in the end. Mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy soup. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Potatoes | 5 medium |
| Beef Broth | 3 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. Each step brings you closer to making the most delicious soup in the world.
Tips for Perfect Consistency and Flavor
Making the perfect hamburger potato soup takes some skill. While many ask why it’s called westlake soup, we focus on making this classic dish just right. We use precision and care to get it just right.
To get the soup’s consistency just right, follow these tips:
- Chop vegetables like carrots evenly for even cooking
- Drain excess fat from ground beef to control richness
- Deglaze the pot to capture all flavorful browned bits
- Stir continuously when adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling
- Simmer on low heat to develop deep, complex flavors
Getting the creamy texture right is all about how you mix in the milk and cheese. Slow and steady wins the race when blending these. Start by lowering the heat and adding dairy slowly while stirring constantly.
| Technique | Impact on Soup |
|---|---|
| Uniform Vegetable Chopping | Ensures consistent texture and even cooking |
| Fat Draining | Reduces greasiness, improves overall taste |
| Deglazing | Captures maximum flavor from browned ingredients |
Remember, patience is key to making a great soup. Paying attention to these details will make your hamburger potato soup truly special.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Learning how to store and reheat your hamburger potato soup is key. It lets you enjoy your meal prep and leftovers without losing flavor or safety. The right storage methods keep your soup fresh and full of nutrients.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your hamburger potato soup in the fridge for the best taste. Here’s what to do:
- Cool the soup down before putting it away
- Use containers that keep air out to stop contamination
- Keep it in the fridge at 40°F or colder
- Eat it within 3-4 days
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, be gentle to keep the soup’s taste and texture. Here’s how:
- Put the soup in a pot or a safe container for the microwave
- Heat it on a low to medium setting
- Stir often to make sure the heat spreads evenly
- Pro tip: Add a bit of broth to keep it moist if it’s too thick
Freezing Tips
Freezing your soup makes meal prep even easier. Here’s how to freeze it:
- Use containers or bags that are safe for the freezer
- Leave some space for it to expand
- Freeze it for up to 3 months
- Thaw it in the fridge overnight
- Don’t refreeze soup that’s already been frozen
By using these tips, your hamburger potato soup becomes a great meal prep option. It stays good and tastes amazing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your hamburger potato soup a hit at family dinner with some creative serving ideas. A few simple touches can turn a basic soup into a standout dish. It becomes a special moment for everyone at the table.
Top your soup with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions. These add-ons not only enhance the taste but also let everyone make their own version. Serve it with a green salad or sourdough bread for a complete meal.
Try an interactive dinner by setting up a toppings bar. Offer sour cream, extra cheese, croutons, and herbs. It’s fun for everyone, even the picky eaters. This way, you can please everyone’s taste buds.
Choose side dishes that balance out the soup’s richness. A Southwest Salad or Caesar Salad adds a fresh touch. Air fryer garlic bread brings a crispy, savory element. The goal is to offer variety and balance for a perfect dinner.
FAQ
What is hamburger potato soup?
Hamburger potato soup is a warm, comforting dish. It mixes ground beef, potatoes, and veggies in a creamy broth. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for cold days and family meals.
What is the best thickener for potato soup?
Flour is the top choice for thickening potato soup. It makes the soup smooth and doesn’t change the taste much. Cornstarch and potato starch are also good, but they give different textures. It’s important to mix the thickener slowly to avoid lumps.
Is hamburger potato soup nutritionally balanced?
Yes, it’s a balanced meal. It has protein from beef, carbs from potatoes, and vitamins and minerals from veggies. This mix makes it a filling and healthy dish.
Can I make this soup with different types of meat?
Definitely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options instead of beef. Each will change the taste a bit but keeps the soup hearty.
How long can I store hamburger potato soup?
You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freeze it for up to 2-3 months for longer storage. Always cool it down first to keep it safe and fresh.
What was Julia Child’s favorite soup?
Julia Child loved French onion soup. While different, both soups show the comfort and flavor of classic recipes.
What makes hamburger potato soup a great family meal?
It’s great for families because it’s easy to make, tasty, and can be customized. It’s also a one-pot meal, making cleanup easy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Hearty Hamburger Potato Soup: A Comforting Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 bowls of soup 1x
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Hamburger Potato Soup, a comforting one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings. This easy-to-make soup combines lean ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that brings families together with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this soup is a timeless classic!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 6 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Add the Creamy Base:
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and milk until smooth. Slowly pour into the soup while stirring.
- Add Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously until melted.
5. Final Touches & Serve:
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until soup thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a little broth or milk.
- Variations: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also swap Velveeta for cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Pairings: Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 504 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 27 g
Keywords: hamburger potato soup