Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef
   In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Creaminess
   Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using) and simmer for another 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Blend (Optional)
   For a smoother texture, partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend half of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
6. Add Cheese (Optional)
   Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted for a rich, cheesy flavor.
7. Final Seasoning
   Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Add extra cream if desired for more richness.
8. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a complete, comforting meal.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter soup.
• Add carrots, celery, or corn for extra vegetables.
• Use half-and-half instead of milk for an ultra-rich version.
• Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions