When the weather turns chilly and you crave a warm, hearty meal, nothing beats a bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This easy-to-make dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or weeknight meals. Packed with tender potatoes, carrots, and seasoned ground beef, this slow-cooked soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large carrots, sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add this mixture to the crockpot.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Into the crockpot, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Add Cream and Cheese: Once the cooking time is nearly up, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup. Allow it to cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty dish!
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top also adds a delightful touch.
Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy goodness. A side salad or a light green salad can balance the meal nicely.
Temperature: Ensure the soup is served hot for the best taste experience. If you’re reheating, make sure it reaches a simmer before serving.
Bowl Selection: Use deep bowls or mugs for serving to capture the hearty ingredients. If desired, serve in smaller portions as a starter for a multi-course meal.
Storage Tips:
Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
Airtight Containers: Store leftover soup in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Glass containers or heavy-duty plastic containers work well for this purpose.
Refrigeration: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Texture Adjustments: When reheating, you may want to stir in a little extra cream or broth to restore the soup’s creamy texture, as it may thicken upon cooling.
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FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. While the flavor may differ slightly, these lean meats can still create a delicious and hearty soup. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the crockpot.
How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add more vegetables such as mushrooms or lentils for added texture and protein. For creaminess, consider using coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.
How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Leftover soup can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a perfect dish for feeding a crowd. Its creamy texture, coupled with the flavors of tender potatoes and seasoned beef, makes it a winning recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Try it out today and experience the comfort it brings!
📖 Recipe:
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Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Slow-cooked with tender potatoes, carrots, and seasoned ground beef, this creamy soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Ideal for cozy family dinners, it offers a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large carrots, sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add to the crockpot.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the soup. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To make a thicker soup, adjust the amount of cornstarch or reduce the broth slightly.
Add additional vegetables such as peas or corn for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
