This creamy potato and hamburger soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with hearty potatoes and juicy ground beef, making it super satisfying.
On chilly days, I love curling up with a big bowl of this soup. It’s so easy to make, and you can even sprinkle cheese on top for extra yum! Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can swap it with ground turkey for a leaner option. Both work well in this soup, but ground turkey will give it a lighter taste.
Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes as they become creamy when cooked. You can use Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite. If you’re short on potatoes, consider adding cauliflower for a twist.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes this soup velvety, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. For a non-dairy alternative, try coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Fresh Parsley: I love garnishing with fresh parsley for color and a slight freshness. If you don’t have parsley, fresh chives or green onions can also brighten the dish.
How Do I Get My Soup Just Right Texture?
The texture of this soup is all about cooking the potatoes so they become tender and creamy. Start by ensuring your potatoes are evenly diced. This way, they’ll cook uniformly.
- Add the potatoes after sautéing the vegetables to ensure they absorb all the flavors.
- Simmer the soup until the potatoes break easily with a fork. This should take about 20 minutes.
- When you stir in the heavy cream, do it gently. This helps maintain the creamy texture rather than making it grainy.
How to Make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy potato and hamburger soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 40 minutes. It’s a quick and heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Meat:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This is where the smells start to get delicious!
3. Combine All the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced potatoes along with the beef broth, dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil while giving it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will give the potatoes time to become tender and soak up all that great flavor.
5. Add Cream and Final Touches:
After the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through and make it creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef for Other Meats?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork in this recipe. Just note that leaner meats like turkey may require a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as they can be less rich than beef.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and feel free to add more vegetables or beans for protein!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is versatile. You can add or substitute vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender before adding the cream.
