Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
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
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, fry the ground beef and onions until the onions are soft and the ground beef is browned. Drain the grease.
- Fry the garlic until browned and fragrant. Add the beef mixture to a crockpot or a stockpot on the stove.
- Add in the potatoes, broth, vegetables, basil, and parsley.
- Cook in the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours, on high for 3-4 hours, or simmer on the stove until the potatoes are tender and starting to dissolve slightly.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the milk, then whisk into the soup. Add the Velveeta and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
- When the cheese is melted completely, spoon the soup into bowls and serve.
Notes:
- You can add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or even 1/2 cup of sour cream at the end to add some tang.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 959 mg
- Potassium: 948 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Vitamin A: 2130 IU
- Vitamin C: 19.8 mg
- Calcium: 215 mg
- Iron: 3.3 mg
Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: 20 FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for the ground beef.
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
- Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used; just ensure they are cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- How can I make the soup thicker?
- Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water or milk, then stir it into the soup.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
- You can use a dairy-free cheese substitute and a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, but it’s best to leave out the milk and cheese until reheating, as they can separate when frozen.
- How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
- You can use any other melting cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese.
- Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
- Yes, simmer the soup on the stovetop until the potatoes are tender, about 1-2 hours.
- Can I add other spices or herbs?
- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
- How do I prevent the milk from curdling?
- Ensure the soup is not boiling when you add the milk mixture. Gradually stir it in over low heat.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor profile.
- How can I reduce the sodium content?
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and cheese, and avoid adding extra salt.
- Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
- Yes, cooked pasta or rice can be added towards the end of the cooking process.
- What should I serve with this soup?
- Crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich pair well with this soup.
- 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.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch?
- You can use flour as a thickener; mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold milk or water.
- Can I add beans to this soup?
- Yes, canned beans such as black beans or kidney beans can be added for extra protein and fiber.
- What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Can I use bone broth instead of chicken broth?
- Yes, bone broth can be used and will add additional nutrients to the soup.
Here are 20 tips to make the best Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: This reduces the amount of fat, making the soup less greasy.
- Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a stronger, fresher taste.
- Diced Potatoes: Cut potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Homemade Broth: Use homemade chicken broth for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Russet Potatoes: Stick with Russet potatoes as they become tender and slightly dissolve, adding creaminess to the soup.
- Frozen Vegetables: Pick a frozen vegetable mix that you enjoy the most (e.g., peas, carrots, corn).
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried basil and parsley with fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste (use three times the amount of fresh herbs).
- Velveeta Cheese: Ensure the Velveeta is fully melted for a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Milk Alternative: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer soup, or a milk alternative (like almond milk) if you’re lactose intolerant.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix the cornstarch thoroughly with cold milk to avoid lumps.
- Simmer Slowly: Slow cooking enhances the flavors; if using a stovetop, keep it at a low simmer.
- Cheese Blend: Add a mix of cheeses (like cheddar and mozzarella) with Velveeta for a more complex flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk until desired consistency is achieved.
- Sour Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream at the end for a tangy twist.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper gradually and taste frequently to avoid over-seasoning.
- Potato Masher: Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot for extra creaminess.
- Stovetop to Crockpot: Start cooking on the stovetop and transfer to a crockpot to develop flavors further.
- Leftover Veggies: Use leftover cooked vegetables to reduce cooking time.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
These tips should help enhance the flavor and texture of your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
