If you’re looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect choice. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, it’s the ideal dish for cozy nights in or when you need a comforting bowl of soup to warm you up. Made with simple ingredients and cooked slowly in a crockpot, this soup delivers a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
Directions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Transfer the browned beef mixture to your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, layering them over the beef.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
- Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Cook on Low:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the potatoes and vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, add the cornstarch mixture and stir well.
- Continue to cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to reach a creamy consistency.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- For a complete meal, serve the soup with crusty bread on the side, perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours and 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Tips for the Perfect Soup:
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper, richer flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and celery) in the skillet with the beef before transferring them to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the veggies slightly, adding an extra layer of taste.
- Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier soup, add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl before serving. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a chilly night or preparing it for a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.