Description
Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of hamburger potato soup on a chilly evening! This easy, budget-friendly soup is packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this one-pot meal is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream (optional for creamier soup)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the veggies: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and stir in salt, pepper, parsley, basil, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook the potatoes: Add diced potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Make it creamy (optional): Stir in milk or heavy cream for a richer consistency. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or green onions.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add all ingredients except the milk/cream and cheese. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk or heavy cream (if using) and let warm for another 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheese or fresh herbs.
Instant Pot Method:
- Use the sauté function to brown the beef. Drain grease.
- Add all ingredients (except milk/cream and cheese) and stir well.
- Close lid, seal, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure, stir in milk/cream, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cheese and fresh herbs.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Low-carb option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (Stovetop) / 6-8 hours (Slow Cooker) / 10 minutes + pressure time (Instant Pot)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~20g
Keywords: Hamburger Potato Soup