If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that’s ideal for busy days.
Why Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
This soup has everything you want in a comforting dish: it’s filling, flavorful, and super easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a creamy, savory soup. The combination of potatoes and ground beef creates a hearty meal, while the creamy base makes every spoonful rich and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is a winner.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier version)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Directions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally if possible.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash a portion of the potatoes in the crockpot. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture. You can mash as much or as little as you like, depending on how thick you want the soup to be.
5. Add Dairy and Cheese:
Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the butter if you want an extra creamy finish. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
6. Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Lighter Version: To make this soup a bit lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute the milk for a lower-fat option like skim milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup while it cooks.
- Creamier Texture: If you prefer an extra creamy soup, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese at the end, or use half-and-half instead of milk.
Health Benefits:
This soup offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and dairy. The ground beef provides protein and iron, while the potatoes add fiber and essential vitamins. By using lean beef or turkey and adjusting the dairy, you can also control the fat content, making it as healthy as you’d like.
