This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or any time you crave a hearty and filling meal. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, carrots, celery, and a creamy, cheesy broth, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. With the help of your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
Here’s how to make this delicious, comforting soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound 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 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the beef. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
Transfer the browned beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. These vegetables will cook down nicely and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the beef and seasonings.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring that the vegetables and meat are covered. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well.
4. Cook on Low:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
5. 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, you can add the cornstarch mixture (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) at this point and stir well. Continue to cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken.
6. Serve:
Once the soup is creamy and thickened, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy soup.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Comforting & Hearty: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables makes this soup a filling meal that will satisfy your hunger.
- Creamy & Cheesy: The heavy cream and cheddar cheese create a rich and velvety texture that coats each bite.
- Easy to Make: With the help of your crockpot, this soup practically cooks itself! Simply brown the beef, add the ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup is great for leftovers, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes nicely for later meals.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or corn, to suit your taste.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer an even thicker soup, increase the amount of cornstarch mixture or simply cook the soup longer with the lid off to reduce the broth.
- Add Extra Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add a bit more depth and heat to the soup.
- Use a Good Quality Broth: The broth is a key component of this soup, so using a high-quality chicken or beef broth will make a significant difference in flavor.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect meal for busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it for lunch throughout the week, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The rich, creamy texture, combined with the savory beef and vegetables, makes every spoonful a comforting experience. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound 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 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional)
- Fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic.
- Transfer to a crockpot with potatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Add broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in cream, cheese, milk, and cornstarch mixture.
- Cook an additional 15-20 minutes, then serve garnished with parsley and cheddar cheese.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting soup with your favorite bread for a complete meal!