Washington's Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

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Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup: Washington's Comfort in a Bowl

As the cool winds roll through the forests and mountains of Washington state, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup. One recipe that stands out is the Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup, a delicious, savory dish that brings warmth to even the coldest of days. It's a soup that balances the richness of ground beef with the creamy smoothness of melted cheese, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup captures the essence of Washington’s comforting home-cooked meals.

This dish reflects Washington's love for hearty ingredients. The recipe uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, russet potatoes, and Velveeta cheese, making it an easy yet satisfying choice for dinner. The result? A rich, velvety texture that blends together the salty flavors of the beef and cheese with the earthy essence of potatoes and herbs. It's a soup designed to be shared with loved ones, just like a good meal should be.

Recipe: Washington Style Creamy Hamburger Potato 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 frozen vegetable mix (your favorite)
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, fry the ground beef and onions until the onions are soft and the beef is browned. Drain the grease and set aside.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until browned and fragrant, about a minute. Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot or stockpot.
3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, basil, and parsley to the pot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours) if using a crockpot, or simmer on the stove until the potatoes are tender and beginning to dissolve slightly.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup, stirring it in thoroughly.
6. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
7. Once the cheese has fully melted into the soup, serve hot and enjoy!

The Flavor of Washington in Every Bowl

What makes this soup so special is its ability to bring people together, just like the shared meals in Washington’s communities. The creamy texture, combined with the savory beef and melting cheese, creates a perfect blend of comfort and taste. The russet potatoes, hearty and flavorful, dissolve slightly into the broth, thickening it to the perfect consistency. The dried herbs, including basil and parsley, add a light but essential aromatic quality that elevates the dish from a basic soup to a full meal.

Serve it with a side of crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is hearty enough to satisfy any hunger. Whether it's a rainy fall evening or a cold winter day, the Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup will make you feel like you’re wrapped in warmth straight from the Pacific Northwest.

For the Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup recipe, this dish is the perfect comfort food for cool days, combining hearty ground beef with creamy potatoes, vegetables, and melted cheese. It's rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. The soup can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it versatile for different cooking preferences.

Ingredients Overview:

• Ground Beef: Provides a savory, meaty base. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option​(My Home Made Recipe)​(Heavenly Recipes).
• Russet Potatoes: These potatoes break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the soup while maintaining texture​(My Home Made Recipe)​(Dear Crissy).
• Velveeta Cheese: Melts smoothly into the broth, giving the soup a rich, creamy texture. If Velveeta isn't your preference, shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack can work too​(Dear Crissy).

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef and Onions: Start by frying the ground beef and onions in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat​(The Kitchen Magpie).
2. Add to Pot with Vegetables: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a crockpot or large pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, and herbs like basil and parsley​(Heavenly Recipes).
3. Simmer or Slow Cook: Let the soup simmer on the stove for about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high if you're using a slow cooker, until the potatoes are tender and starting to dissolve slightly​(The Kitchen Magpie).
4. Thicken with Milk and Cornstarch: Whisk cornstarch into the milk, then stir into the soup. Add the Velveeta cheese and let it melt completely, stirring occasionally​(My Home Made Recipe)​(Cooking On The Ranch).

This soup pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad, and you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months​(Dear Crissy). For those looking for extra flavor, adding a splash of heavy cream or using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture can enhance the richness​(Dear Crissy).