Introduction
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the richness of ground beef with the heartiness of potatoes in a creamy, flavorful broth. This soup is a perfect option for a cozy family dinner or a cold winter evening. The combination of tender chunks of potato, savory ground beef, and a creamy soup base creates a satisfying and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
History of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
The origins of Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup can be traced back to traditional American home cooking, where simple and wholesome ingredients are used to create satisfying and nourishing meals. This soup is a popular choice in many households due to its ease of preparation and delightful flavors. Over the years, variations of this classic recipe have emerged, with each cook adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
The key ingredients required to make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup include ground beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, beef broth, milk, flour, butter, and a blend of seasonings. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this soup so delicious. The combination of protein from the beef, starch from the potatoes, and aromatics from the vegetables creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and satisfying.
What Tools You’ll Need
Cutting and Prepping
– Cutting board
– Chef’s knife
– Vegetable peeler
– Vegetable scrubbing brush
– Mesh strainer
– Peeler
To start preparing your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, you will need a cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for slicing and dicing the vegetables. A vegetable peeler will come in handy for peeling the potatoes, while a scrubbing brush will help clean them thoroughly. Additionally, you’ll need a mesh strainer to rinse the vegetables and a peeler to remove the skins.
Cooking and Serving
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Wooden spoon
– Ladle
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Soup bowls
– Soup ladle
For cooking, a large pot or Dutch oven is essential to simmer the soup. A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and mixing the ingredients as they cook. You’ll also need a ladle to serve the soup. Measuring cups and spoons will ensure accurate amounts of ingredients are added. When it’s time to enjoy your delicious soup, have soup bowls and a ladle ready for serving.
Ensure you have all these tools on hand before starting to make your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup to streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients with Detailed Measurements
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 4 cups diced potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Chopped fresh parsley
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the beef broth, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the heavy cream and let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve the creamy potato and hamburger soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Instructions
To make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, follow these simple steps:
Cooking the Hamburger
– In a large pot, cook the ground hamburger over medium heat until browned.
– Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.
– Drain excess fat from the pot before proceeding.
Preparing the Soup
– Add cubed potatoes, beef broth, and water to the pot with the cooked hamburger.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
– Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
– Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Nutrition Score
Calories and Macronutrients
– Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty dish that provides a balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 380 calories, making it a satisfying meal option.
– This soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with around 30 grams per serving. The potatoes in the dish contribute to this carbohydrate content, providing energy for your body.
– Additionally, the soup contains about 20 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Micro and Macronutrients
– In terms of micronutrients, Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup offers a good dose of vitamin C. The presence of potatoes in the soup ensures that you get a healthy amount of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system.
– Moreover, this soup is a good source of iron, with approximately 3.5 milligrams per serving. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the body and overall energy levels.
– Lastly, the dish contains a moderate amount of fiber, thanks to ingredients like vegetables and potatoes. Fiber is important for digestion and can help promote gut health and regularity.
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
• Serve the Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup piping hot in individual soup bowls.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Pair the soup with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a wholesome meal.
Storage Tips
• Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate the soup promptly and consume it within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
• To freeze, portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and label with the date.
• The Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
This hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal during colder days. Remember these serving ideas and storage techniques to make the most of your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup!
Variations
Vegetarian Twist
– Substitute the hamburger with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
– Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance the vegetable flavors in the dish.
– Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the soup.
Spicy Kick
– Increase the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup.
– Stir in a dollop of sriracha or hot sauce for an extra spicy flavor profile.
– Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to balance the heat with a hint of freshness and color.
Enhance the flavors of the creamy potato and hamburger soup by experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings. Whether you prefer a vegetarian twist or crave a spicy kick, these variations can cater to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs with Most Commonly Asked Questions
1. How can I store Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
– To store the soup properly, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
– Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
– For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 4-6 months. Make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
2. Can I make Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup ahead of time?
– Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes even better as the flavors have time to meld.
– Prepare the soup as directed and allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator.
– When ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Other common questions:
– Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian-friendly by omitting the hamburger?
– Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in this recipe?
Conclusion
Delicious and Filling
• The Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a delightful combination of hearty ingredients that create a rich and satisfying meal.
• With the creaminess of potatoes and the savory flavors of hamburger, every spoonful offers a burst of taste in every bite.
• This soup is not only comforting and delicious but also incredibly filling, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Easy to Prepare and Versatile
• One of the best aspects of this dish is how simple it is to prepare, requiring minimal effort for a fantastic outcome.
• Moreover, its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences, whether adding extra vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or even incorporating different protein choices.
• Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a side salad or bread, the Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a versatile option for any occasion.
The Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup not only provides a delicious blend of flavors and textures but also offers a convenient and adaptable meal option. Whether you are looking for a hearty family dinner or a quick and easy weeknight meal, this soup delivers on taste and satisfaction. With its simplicity in preparation and flexibility in ingredients, it is a go-to recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.