Easy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe to Try
Warm up with this hearty Potato & Hamburger Soup, a simple, flavorful recipe perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week! This comforting soup blends tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich broth that comes together effortlessly, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a bowl of pure comfort, this Potato & Hamburger Soup will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it easy to assemble anytime.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of potatoes and hamburger ensures you won’t be left hungry after a bowl.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfectly warms you up on chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
- Family Friendly: Mild flavors and a satisfying texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients ensures your Potato & Hamburger Soup bursts with flavor and perfect texture. Each component adds layers of taste, from the savory beef to the tender potatoes, resulting in a comforting bowl of soup that feels homemade.
- Ground Hamburger: Use fresh ground beef for rich, meaty flavor and a hearty texture.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down slightly, thickening the soup while providing satisfying bites.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth that complements the meat and vegetables.
- Beef Broth: The foundation of your soup’s rich and savory liquid base.
- Carrots and Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add crunch and natural sweetness.
- Tomato Paste: Boosts umami and gives the soup a subtle tangy richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Milk or Cream (optional): For a creamier version, adds extra richness and smoothness.
Variations for Potato & Hamburger Soup
One of the best things about this Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to adjust ingredients or flavors to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the bowl.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle some Parmesan on top for a rich, melty finish.
- Greens Upgrade: Toss in fresh spinach, kale, or parsley near the end for added color and nutrients.
- Chunky Tomato: Add diced canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a more rustic, chunky texture.
How to Make Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Hamburger
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat and adding the ground hamburger. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This develops a deep, savory base for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant flavors.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in diced potatoes and tomato paste, coating the veggies and meat in a rich, slightly tangy layer. This step helps build the soup’s hearty body and enhances the overall depth of taste.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour beef broth over the mixture, making sure the ingredients are fully covered. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Once the potatoes are tender, season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or cream just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets work best because they soften nicely and help thicken the soup.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Brown the hamburger in batches if needed to get a good sear and extra flavor.
- Skim Excess Fat: Remove some grease after browning meat if you prefer a less oily soup.
- Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Simmer Gently: Cooking at a low simmer keeps ingredients tender without falling apart.
How to Serve Potato & Hamburger Soup
Garnishes
Enhance your Potato & Hamburger Soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor that brightens each spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad to round out your meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or hollow out a bread bowl for a fun twist that doubles as edible serving ware—perfect for impressing guests or making family dinners more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Potato & Hamburger Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully; portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add extra broth or water to loosen if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, though it might be less rich, so consider adding extra seasoning or a splash of broth to boost flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the basic Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your beef broth and seasonings to avoid hidden gluten.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker texture, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water during the last few minutes of cooking.
What toppings go well with Potato & Hamburger Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon bits, or freshly cracked black pepper to enhance each bite.
Final Thoughts
This Potato & Hamburger Soup is pure comfort in a bowl, blending familiar ingredients into a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on any day. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding family or friends. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for cozy, satisfying dinners.
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Potato & Hamburger Soup
Warm up with this hearty Potato & Hamburger Soup, a simple and flavorful recipe perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week. This comforting soup blends tender russet potatoes, savory ground beef, classic vegetables, and a rich beef broth to create a satisfying dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for family meals or a soul-soothing treat, it’s ready in under an hour and customizable to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground hamburger (ground beef)
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (for creamier soup)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh spinach, kale, or parsley (added near the end)
- Diced canned tomatoes (in place of tomato paste for chunky texture)
Instructions
- Brown the Hamburger: Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add the ground hamburger. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks to develop a deep, savory base for your soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant flavors.
- Add Potatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in diced potatoes and tomato paste, coating the veggies and meat in a rich, slightly tangy layer. This helps build the soup’s hearty body and enhances overall flavor depth.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour beef broth over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are fully covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Finish and Season: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or cream just before serving.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for their starchy quality that thickens the soup.
- Brown the hamburger in batches if needed to get a good sear and extra flavor.
- Skim excess fat after browning the meat if you prefer a less oily soup.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Simmer the soup gently to keep ingredients tender without falling apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Potato Soup, Hamburger Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free Soup