Hamburger and Potato Soup Recipes ranks high on the list of comfort classic food. With its creamy, flavorful broth, chunks of tender potatoes, and savory ground beef, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through several variations of hamburger and potato soup. From the classic creamy version to recipes featuring green beans, tomatoes, and mashed potatoes, you’ll discover a range of delicious soups that are perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. Plus, we’ll answer common questions about this versatile dish in our FAQ section.
Why You’ll Love These Hamburger and Potato Soup Recipes
Hamburger and potato soup is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hearty, one-pot meal. Here’s why these recipes are a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Most of these recipes require minimal prep and cook time, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Affordable: Ground beef and potatoes are budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Customizable: You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste, making it easy to adapt these soups to different diets or preferences.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Basic Hamburger and Potato Soup
Before diving into the recipe variations, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for a basic version of hamburger and potato soup.
Soup Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for added flavor)
- 2 tbsp flour (to thicken the soup, optional)
Recipe 1: Classic Creamy Hamburger and Potato Soup
The classic creamy hamburger and potato soup is rich and comforting, with a creamy broth that pairs perfectly with the tender potatoes and savory beef. This recipe uses milk and cheese to give it a rich, smooth texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and cook for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add Milk and Cheese (Optional):
- For a creamy version, stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Recipe 2: Hamburger and Green Bean Potato Soup
This variation adds green beans for a pop of color and extra nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes and Green Beans:
- Stir in 4-5 diced potatoes and 1 cup of chopped green beans. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Recipe 3: Hamburger and Potato Soup with Tomatoes
For a slightly tangier and heartier soup, this version incorporates diced tomatoes, adding a rich depth of flavor to the broth. The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, then drain the fat.
- Add Onions, Garlic, and Potatoes:
- Add 1 diced onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 4-5 diced potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) and 4 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender:
- Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika for seasoning.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Recipe 4: Creamy Mashed Potato Hamburger Soup
This unique twist on hamburger and potato soup incorporates mashed potatoes, making the soup ultra-creamy and comforting. It’s an excellent way to use leftover mashed potatoes, or you can make a fresh batch just for this soup. Follow this guide to make the perfect creamy buttery mashed potato.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of garlic until softened. Add 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add Mashed Potatoes:
- Stir in 2 cups of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot.
- Optional Add-Ins:
- For extra flavor, stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with green onions or crispy bacon bits.
Recipe 5: Crockpot Hamburger and Potato Soup
For those days when you want to set it and forget it, this crockpot version of hamburger and potato soup is perfect. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat, then drain the fat.
- Prepare the Soup in the Crockpot:
- Transfer the browned ground beef to a slow cooker. Add 4-5 diced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 4 cups of beef broth.
- Add Seasonings:
- Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. You can also add 1 cup of frozen vegetables for extra nutrition (carrots, peas, or corn).
- Cook on Low:
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Finish with Cream (Optional):
- For a creamy version, stir in 1 cup of milk or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and fresh herbs for garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Hamburger and Potato Soup Recipes
Here are a few tips to ensure your hamburger and potato soup turns out perfect every time:
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape better than russets and add a creamy texture to the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on your cooking time to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy.
- Make It Healthier: Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs About Hamburger and Potato Soup
1. Can I make hamburger and potato soup in advance?
Yes! Hamburger and potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
2. Can I freeze hamburger and potato soup?
You can freeze hamburger and potato soup, but be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I serve with hamburger and potato soup Recipes?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits.
4. How can I thicken my hamburger and potato soup Recipes?
To thicken the soup, you can use a flour slurry (mix 2 tablespoons of flour with water) or mashed potatoes. Stir either option into the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Can I use other types of ground meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of beef for a lighter version of the soup.
Conclusion
Hamburger and potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and versatile. Whether you prefer a classic creamy version, a veggie-packed variation with green beans, or a creative twist with tomatoes or mashed potatoes, these recipes will satisfy your cravings. Try one today and enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness!