Introduction
Transform humble hamburger and potatoes into a hearty, comforting bowl of deliciousness with this easy-to-make hamburger soup! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor. It’s a touch of culinary creativity that elevates simple ingredients into a truly satisfying meal.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it expertly balances savory ground beef and earthy potatoes in a rich, flavorful broth. The ease of preparation makes it a weeknight winner, while the accessible ingredients ensure it’s always a pantry-friendly option. This soup impresses with its depth of flavor despite its simplicity, making it a crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
🥩 1 lb ground beef
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🥕 1 large carrot, chopped
🥣 8 cups beef broth
🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and carrot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2️⃣ Add the potatoes and broth: Add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, and oregano to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Simmer until tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4️⃣ Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
5️⃣ Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, green beans, or corn.
- If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh herbs can be substituted (use about twice the amount).
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
Heat Control
Maintaining a gentle simmer is crucial for this recipe. A rolling boil will cause the potatoes to break down too quickly and result in a mushy texture. Visually, you should see small bubbles gently rising to the surface. Avoid a vigorous boil.
Crunch Factor
While this soup isn’t designed to be crunchy, the slightly firm texture of the potatoes adds a pleasant contrast to the soft beef and broth. Overcooking the potatoes will reduce the crunch, resulting in a mushy soup.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables the night before to save time.
- Flavor booster: A bay leaf added during simmering adds another layer of complexity.
- Cleanup hack: Soak the pot immediately after cooking to prevent food from sticking.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful gift, especially during colder months. Package it in a charming mason jar with a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag. Include a recipe card for the recipient to make it again.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Hamburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
🌟 Hearty Vegetable Hamburger Soup: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a more substantial and colorful soup.
🌟 BBQ Hamburger Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
🌟 Creamy Hamburger Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream before serving for a richer, creamier texture.
Troubleshooting
- Mushy Potatoes: If your potatoes are too mushy, you likely simmered the soup for too long or used a higher heat than recommended.
- Bland Soup: If the soup lacks flavor, add more salt, pepper, or herbs. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also add depth.
- Dry Soup: If the soup is too dry, add more beef broth or water as needed.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
-
Can I use different ground meat? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
-
How can I scale this recipe? This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just remember to adjust your pot size accordingly.
-
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free beef broth.
-
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for slow cooking. Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
This hearty hamburger soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! We encourage you to experiment with different flavor variations and share this delicious recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!