Hamburger Potato Soup: A Comforting & Delicious Recipe

Hamburger Potato Soup: Just the name conjures up images of cozy nights, comforting flavors, and a bowl brimming with pure deliciousness, doesn’t it? Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this hearty soup is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. I’m thrilled to share my version of this classic comfort food with you!

While the exact origins of Hamburger Potato Soup are a bit murky, its roots are firmly planted in the tradition of resourceful home cooking. It’s a dish born from the desire to create a satisfying and affordable meal using readily available ingredients. Think of it as a culinary hug from generations past, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes this soup so universally loved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The savory, browned hamburger provides a rich, meaty base, while the tender potatoes offer a creamy, comforting counterpoint. Add in the sweetness of carrots, the subtle bite of onions, and a blend of herbs and spices, and you have a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking! Whether you prefer a thinner broth or a thicker, creamier consistency, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
• Sour cream, for topping (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for topping (optional)
• Bacon bits, for topping (optional)

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to be nicely browned, but not burnt.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. This is important because you don’t want a greasy soup!
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This simmering step is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful soup.

Adding the Potatoes and Corn

1. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
2. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Stir in the frozen corn. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the corn is heated through.

Finishing Touches and Serving

1. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer and creamier soup. This is totally optional, but it adds a lovely touch.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and bacon bits, if desired. These toppings really take the soup to the next level!
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this Hamburger Potato Soup even more amazing:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the onions.
• Use different types of potatoes: Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or red potatoes all work well in this soup.
• Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef and onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it in an Instant Pot: Brown the beef and onions using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except the heavy cream and toppings). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and serve with your favorite toppings.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add a thickening agent: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Use fresh herbs: Instead of dried Italian seasoning, you can use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare it as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Freeze it for later: This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the key ingredients and why they work so well in this soup:

• Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize the amount of grease in the soup. However, you can use any type of ground beef you like. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
• Onion: A yellow onion is my go-to for this soup, but you can also use a white onion or even a sweet onion. The onion adds a savory flavor and aroma to the soup.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Beef Broth: I recommend using low-sodium beef broth so you can control the amount of salt in the soup. You can also use homemade beef broth if you have it on hand.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup. Be sure to use undrained diced tomatoes, as the juice adds flavor and moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel): This adds a little bit of heat and flavor to the soup. If you don’t like spicy food, you can use mild Rotel or omit it altogether.
• Italian Seasoning: This is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
• Potatoes: I prefer using Yukon gold potatoes for this soup because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. However, you can also use russet potatoes or red potatoes.
• Frozen Corn: Frozen corn is a convenient and affordable way to add sweetness and texture to the soup. You can also use fresh corn if it’s in season.
• Heavy Cream: This is optional, but it adds a richness and creaminess to the soup. You can also use half-and-half or milk, but the soup won’t be as creamy.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic topping for potato soup. It adds a sharp and cheesy flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the soup.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the soup.
• Bacon Bits: Bacon bits add a smoky and salty flavor to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

This Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve it with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, and hot sauce, so everyone can customize their soup.
• Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and festive presentation.
• Make it a part of a soup and salad bar for a party or gathering.

Conclusion:

This Hamburger Potato 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. From the savory ground beef to the tender potatoes swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth, every spoonful is an explosion of deliciousness. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation, and here’s why: it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is endlessly customizable to suit your preferences.

Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feeling adventurous? Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Southwestern kick. Craving something a little richer? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for added protein and heartiness. You could even throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or corn for extra vegetables and a pop of color. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving suggestions are just as versatile. A crusty loaf of bread or some warm, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a scattering of fresh chives, or a swirl of hot sauce are all fantastic toppings that will elevate your soup to the next level. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. And don’t forget the kids – they absolutely adore this soup! It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without any complaints.

But the real magic of this Hamburger Potato Soup lies in its ability to bring people together. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of cozy nights by the fire, family gatherings, and shared laughter. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day or simply providing a delicious and easy meal any time of year.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? What did your family think? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I am sure that this will become one of your favorite recipes.

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