Potato Hamburger Soup: A Comforting & Easy Recipe

Potato hamburger soup: just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, comforting aromas, and a bowl brimming with hearty goodness. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent slaving in the kitchen! This is the kind of meal that practically makes itself, offering a delicious and satisfying experience with minimal effort. Have you ever craved a dish that tastes like home, a warm hug in a bowl? Then you’ve come to the right place.

While the exact origins of potato hamburger soup are a bit murky, its essence lies in the resourceful spirit of home cooking. It’s a dish born from the desire to create a filling and flavorful meal using readily available ingredients. Think of it as a culinary melting pot, blending the simplicity of a classic potato soup with the savory richness of ground beef. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

People adore this soup for its incredible versatility and comforting nature. The creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and flavorful broth create a symphony of textures and tastes that appeal to everyone. It’s also incredibly convenient! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this soup is a true kitchen champion. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences – add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
• Hamburger buns, toasted (for serving)

Preparing the Soup Base

1. First, let’s get our soup base going! Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for our soup. Don’t rush it! We want those veggies nice and tender.
2. Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup! Make sure to crumble the beef really well so you don’t end up with large chunks.
3. Time for some serious flavor! Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant. This blooming of the spices really enhances their flavor and adds depth to the soup. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Simmering the Soup

1. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Stir to combine everything. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
2. Add the cubed potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The potatoes will thicken the soup slightly as they cook, giving it a nice, hearty texture.
3. Stir in the frozen corn and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through. You can use fresh corn and peas if you prefer, but frozen works just as well and is super convenient.
4. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Ladle the potato hamburger soup into bowls.
2. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Get creative! The toppings are where you can really customize the soup to your own taste.
3. Serve with toasted hamburger buns for dipping. This is the “hamburger” part of the soup! The toasted buns are perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
4. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful potato hamburger soup! This soup is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Use different meat: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for extra protein.
• Slow cooker version: Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Why this recipe works:

This potato hamburger soup recipe is a winner because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and spices creates a hearty and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion. The potatoes add a creamy texture and help to thicken the soup, while the toppings add a touch of freshness and flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and customize the soup to your own taste.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 350-450

Protein: 25-35g

Fat: 15-25g

Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions:

This potato hamburger soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side of crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple salad. It’s also a perfect meal to bring to a potluck or share with friends and family.

Make Ahead Tips:

You can easily make this soup ahead of time. Simply prepare the soup as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand as it freezes. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some substitutions you can make:

• Olive oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil, or butter can be used instead.
• Onion: Yellow, white, or red onion can be used.
• Carrots: Parsnips or sweet potatoes can be used instead.
• Celery: Fennel or bell peppers can be used instead.
• Ground beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground sausage can be used instead.
• Dried thyme: Dried oregano or dried marjoram can be used instead.
• Dried rosemary: Dried sage or dried savory can be used instead.
• Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead.
• Red pepper flakes: Cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be used instead.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can be used instead.
• Beef broth: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water can be used instead.
• Diced tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree can be used instead.
• Tomato sauce: Tomato paste can be used instead (use less and add more broth).
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Russet potatoes, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes can be used instead.
• Frozen corn: Canned corn or fresh corn can be used instead.
• Frozen peas: Canned peas or fresh peas can be used instead.

Troubleshooting:

Soup is too thick: Add more broth or water to thin it out.

Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.

Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to taste. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Potatoes are not cooking evenly: Make sure the potatoes are cut into uniform sizes. If they are still not cooking evenly, you can partially cook them in the microwave before adding them to the soup.

Vari

Conclusion:

This potato hamburger soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe you’ll find yourself making this again and again. The hearty combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and leaves you feeling completely content.

But what truly elevates this soup to must-try status is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack will take it to the next level. Want to add a bit of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick.

And the serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth, is always a welcome addition. A simple side salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Or, for a truly complete meal, serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches – a classic pairing that’s sure to bring back childhood memories.

Looking for variations? Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas to boost the nutritional value and create a more colorful dish. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can even add lentils or beans for extra protein. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect solution for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and easy to make. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and create a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible potato hamburger soup. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Don’t be shy – let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!