Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Upgrade

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup serves as the perfect dish for any day, especially when you’re craving comfort food. With its hearty combination of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy base, this soup is both fulfilling and delicious. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers profound flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. People of all ages enjoy it, and it’s an excellent way to bring the family together around the dinner table.

The recipe is adaptable to your tastes, whether you want to ramp up the creaminess or keep it lighter. Plus, it offers plenty of scope for creativity. You can use what you have on hand or mix in your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, this soup proves to be a standout comfort dish that is sure to elevate your culinary experience.

How to Make Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Making this delicious soup is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. Just follow these easy steps to create a comforting bowl of Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup.

Ingredients

4 slices Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and richness to the soup; substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
1 lb Ground Beef: Provides protein and serves as a savory base; lean ground beef or ground turkey can be used for a healthier variant.
1 medium Onion: Offers depth and sweetness when sautéed; shallots make a nice substitute for a more delicate flavor.
2 cloves Garlic: Enhances the soup’s aroma and taste; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
1 medium Carrot: Adds sweetness and vibrant color; swap for sweet potatoes to change the flavor profile.
2 stalks Celery: Provides a crunchy texture; omit or substitute with extra carrot if not available.
3 medium Potatoes: Acts as the heart of the soup; Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well, or use sweet potatoes for a twist.
1 tsp Salt: Essential seasoning that boosts flavor; adjust to your taste preferences.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that boosts flavor; adjust to your taste preferences.
1 tsp Dried Basil: Adds herbal notes; substituting with fresh basil gives a fresher flavor punch.
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup for a creamy texture; cornstarch is a great alternative for a gluten-free option.
4 cups Chicken Broth: Acts as the liquid base; vegetable broth can provide a vegetarian-friendly choice.
1 cup Whole Milk: Contributes to the creaminess; half-and-half adds richness while almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
1 cup Cheddar Cheese: Provides creaminess and depth; consider using Monterey Jack or vegan cheese alternatives for variety.

Directions

Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crisp, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain the excess grease and set the bacon aside on a paper towel.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it turns brown, roughly 5-6 minutes. You want to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone. Once done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside as well.
Sauté the Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes. Sauté the vegetables in the bacon grease until the onions are soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
Seasoning Time: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried basil, allowing these spices to bloom for about 2 minutes. This step is vital as it helps to deepen the flavors.
Make a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the mixture and stir continuously for 2 minutes. This helps to create a roux, which acts as a thickener for the soup.
Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to cook through.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the reserved bacon and ground beef, mixing them well into the soup. Then, add the whole milk and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Cheese, Please!: Just before serving, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted, creating a creamy and rich texture.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Serving this delicious soup can add to its comfort factor. Here are some ideas for how to serve it best:

Accompaniments: Serve the soup piping hot in bowls, topped with additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
Side Dishes: Pair it with a side of warm crusty bread, buttered rolls, or a classic green salad. These sides balance the richness of the soup.
Toppings: Consider offering toppings such as croutons, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like some heat.

Enjoy it with family or friends for a substantial meal that warms the soul!

How to Store Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Storing leftovers is easy with Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup. Here’s how to do it properly:

Cooling Down: Allow any leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, portion the soup into sealed freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still taste great.

When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more milk if needed to help restore creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Prepping Ingredients in Advance: To save time on a busy day, chop your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a new flavor dimension. Just add them in while you sauté the vegetables.
Keep It Creamy: For an extra creamy consistency, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk.
Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or omit it altogether and boost the vegetable content. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor.
Customize: You can add additional seasonal vegetables such as corn, peas, or bell peppers to make the soup your own.

Variation (if any)

While the original recipe is delicious as is, there are variations that you can try for different flavors:

Spicy Option: Added chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper can give the soup a delightful kick.
Cheesy Variety: Mixing different types of cheese, like Gruyere or Pepper Jack, can change the flavor profile significantly.
Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs, like dill or cilantro, for a fresher taste, especially in the summer months when they are in season.
Add Beans: For extra protein and texture, mix in canned beans like kidney or black beans.

FAQs

What can I serve with Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup?
This soup goes wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo.

Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is highly customizable. You can swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little milk or broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

How long will this soup last in the refrigerator?
If stored in an airtight container, the soup can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You can freeze it for 2-3 months for longer storage.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made in advance, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Enjoy preparing and savoring your Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup!