Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 6 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes
• 2 cups of your favorite frozen vegetable mix
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, fry the ground beef and onions until the onions are soft and the ground beef is browned. Drain the grease.
   • Add the minced garlic and fry until browned and fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot or a stockpot on the stove.
   • Add the potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, dried basil, and dried parsley.
3. Cook the Soup:
   • Crockpot: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
   • Stovetop: Simmer until the potatoes are tender and starting to dissolve slightly.
4. Thicken the Soup:
   • Whisk the cornstarch into the milk until well combined.
   • Add the milk mixture to the soup and stir well.
5. Add the Cheese:
   • Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the soup.
   • Stir occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Serve:
   • Once everything is well combined and heated through, spoon the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on cooking method)
• Total Time: 4-8 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal

Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85-90%) to avoid excessive grease, which can make the soup too oily.
2. Properly Drain the Beef: After browning the beef, ensure you thoroughly drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and high-quality spices will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
4. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Dice the potatoes and other vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a consistent texture.
5. Russet Potatoes: Use Russet potatoes for their high starch content, which helps thicken the soup and adds creaminess.
6. Brown the Meat: Properly browning the ground beef and onions adds a depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step.
7. Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat, use a bit of broth to deglaze the pan. This helps incorporate all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Low and Slow Cooking: Whether using a slow cooker or stovetop, cooking the soup low and slow allows flavors to meld together perfectly.
9. Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end of cooking can brighten the flavor of the soup.
10. Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a richer, more authentic flavor.
11. Velveeta Cheese: Ensure the Velveeta cheese is fully melted into the soup to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
12. Add Milk Gradually: Whisk the cornstarch into the milk before adding to the soup to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
13. Simmer After Adding Cheese: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the cheese to fully incorporate it without breaking down.
14. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
15. Cornstarch Slurry: Make a smooth cornstarch slurry with cold milk to avoid lumps when adding to the hot soup.
16. Pre-cook Vegetables: If using firmer vegetables like carrots or corn, consider pre-cooking them slightly before adding to the soup to ensure they are tender.
17. Blending for Texture: For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
18. Temperature Control: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
19. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chives, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
20. Serve Immediately: Serve the soup immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor, as it may thicken further upon standing.

Most Popular Questions and Answers Related to Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey can be a healthier alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
   • Absolutely, fresh vegetables can be used. Just make sure to cut them into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
3. What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
   • Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   • You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative and use a dairy-free cheese.
5. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   • Ensure that the cornstarch and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
   • Yes, this soup can be frozen. Just be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon reheating.
7. What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
   • You can use shredded cheddar cheese or any other melty cheese that you prefer.
8. Can I add other spices or herbs?
   • Feel free to customize the soup with other spices or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
9. How do I reheat leftovers?
   • Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
10. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
    • Yes, you can use the sauté function for the beef and onions, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
11. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
    • Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
12. What kind of frozen vegetable mix should I use?
    • A mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans works well, but you can use your favorite combination.
13. Can I use another type of broth instead of chicken broth?
    • Beef broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes.
14. How thick should the soup be?
    • The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened, but you can adjust the consistency by adding more or less cornstarch.
15. Can I add other proteins to the soup?
    • Yes, cooked bacon or sausage can be added for extra flavor.
16. What can I serve with this soup?
    • Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread.
17. How long can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
    • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
18. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Yes, any cheese that melts well can be used, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
19. Can I make this soup spicier?
    • Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
20. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
    • Yes, cooked pasta or rice can be added for additional texture and heartiness.