Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

A warm, hearty Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is perfect for those cozy days when you want something filling and comforting. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious soup:

Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creamy richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional, for extra texture and sweetness)
• Chopped green onions or additional cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic:
   • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the potatoes and broth:
   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
   • Pour in the beef broth, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Make it creamy:
   • Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
   • Stir in the milk (and heavy cream, if using), cheddar cheese (if desired), and cooked ground beef.
   • Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and creamy.
5. Add optional ingredients:
   • If you want a little extra flavor and texture, stir in the sour cream and frozen corn at this point. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes.
6. Season and serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, extra cheese, or fresh parsley if desired.
7. Enjoy:
   • Serve your creamy potato and hamburger soup hot with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors!

This soup is so hearty and satisfying with the creamy base and the savory beef and potatoes. It’s great for a chilly evening or as a filling lunch or dinner. Enjoy!