When it comes to comfort food, our Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup 🍲 stands out with its rich flavors and velvety texture. Ground beef 🥩 provides a hearty base, complemented by the soft, earthy potatoes 🥔 and a creamy broth that's simply addictive. What makes this soup unique is the addition of a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs 🌿, introducing a depth of flavor that's unexpected yet utterly satisfying. Each ingredient is chosen for its ability to contribute to the overall harmony of the dish, creating a soup that's not just food, but an experience. Perfect for chilly evenings, it's a bowl of comfort that promises warmth and satisfaction.
When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, comforting soup to warm you up. This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a velvety, creamy broth. It's a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household, perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or a satisfying meal after a long day.
The rich flavors of this soup are enhanced by a blend of dried basil and parsley, adding a touch of herbal freshness that complements the robust taste of the beef and potatoes. Velveeta cheese melts into the broth, creating a luscious, creamy texture that's irresistibly delicious. This soup is not only incredibly tasty but also simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
Here's a detailed list of the ingredients you'll need to make this delightful Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 1/2 pounds. This forms the savory base of the soup, providing a rich, meaty flavor.
- White Onion: 1 medium, diced. Adds a sweet and savory depth to the broth.
- Garlic: 1 large clove, minced. Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic, pungent taste.
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups. Serves as the base liquid for the soup, adding a savory depth.
- Russet Potatoes: 6 cups, peeled and diced. These potatoes become tender and soak up the flavors of the soup.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 2 cups. Use your favorite mix for added texture and nutrients.
- Dried Basil: 3 teaspoons. Adds a subtle herbaceous note.
- Dried Parsley Flakes: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the overall flavor with a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
- Milk: 1 1/2 cups. Used to create the creamy texture of the soup.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. Acts as a thickening agent to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Velveeta Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed. Melts smoothly into the broth, adding a creamy, cheesy element.
With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to start cooking this delicious and comforting soup. Let's move on to the detailed instructions on how to prepare it.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup. Each step ensures the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef, 1 diced medium white onion, and 1 minced large garlic clove. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a crockpot or a large stockpot. Add 6 cups of peeled and diced Russet potatoes, 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, 3 teaspoons of dried basil, and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
For crockpot cooking: Set the crockpot on low and cook for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. For stovetop cooking: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1 1/2 cups of milk until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the soup. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Stir in 8 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture. This should take about 5 minutes. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Step 6: Serve
Once the soup is creamy and well-mixed, it's ready to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting blend of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth. This soup is perfect for cozy evenings or as a hearty meal on a cold day.
In the next section, we will cover serving and storage tips, helpful notes, and variations of this recipe, including quotes from well-known chefs.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the pot. Serve it in large bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an added touch of color and flavor. A side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls pairs perfectly with this soup, allowing you to soak up every bit of the delicious creamy broth.
If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding extra milk or broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Helpful Notes and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup to your liking:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more of your favorite vegetables to the soup. Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers make great additions and add extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick that complements the creamy broth.
- Cheese Variations: While Velveeta cheese provides a smooth and creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Thicker Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the milk mixture. For a thinner soup, use less cornstarch or add more broth.
“The beauty of a good soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. This Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is a wonderful example of how humble ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious.” - Chef Ina Garten
This soup is not just a meal; it's an experience of warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones. Bon appétit!