If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This delicious recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful broth, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this soup is a family favorite that’s both nourishing and simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Effortless Preparation:
One of the best things about Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is how easy it is to prepare. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work. There’s minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor:
The combination of potatoes and ground beef creates a rich, hearty base, while the addition of cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture. The result is a comforting soup that’s both filling and flavorful.
3. Versatile and Customizable:
This soup recipe is highly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add extra vegetables, swap out the ground beef for a different protein, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Leftovers:
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup makes excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen and improve over time, so you can enjoy this comforting dish for days to come. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, as preferred)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, if preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker. - Add Vegetables:
To the slow cooker, add diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and frozen peas and carrots. - Pour in Broth:
Add the beef broth, ensuring that the vegetables are covered. Stir in the dried thyme and parsley. - Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. - Add Cream and Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it heat through until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. - Season:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of bacon bits if desired.
Tips for Success
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for an added kick.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.
- Garnish: Top with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and creamy textures with minimal effort. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. With its easy preparation and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness!
Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Serving Tips:
- Garnishes: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your soup with garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream. These add texture and extra flavor to each serving.
- Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs particularly well with the creamy richness of the soup.
- Portion Control: For a hearty meal, serve the soup in larger bowls. For a lighter option or as part of a multi-course meal, smaller bowls or mugs are ideal.
- Temperature: The soup can be enjoyed hot right out of the slow cooker. If it has been stored in the refrigerator, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the containers to prevent the soup from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. For best results, use the soup within 2-3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy identification.
- Reheating: When reheating frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Gently heat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until hot. If the soup has thickened during freezing, add a splash of beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Avoid Freezing Cream: If possible, freeze the soup before adding the cream. When reheating, stir in the cream just before serving. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents the cream from separating during freezing and thawing.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup at its best, whether it’s freshly made or as a tasty leftover.
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. If using a leaner meat, you may need to add a bit of extra fat to keep the soup rich and flavorful. For a vegetarian version, you can use a meat substitute or increase the quantity of vegetables.
2. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. For the cheese, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it. To thicken the soup, consider adding a bit of cornstarch or using a dairy-free cream substitute.
3. Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If you want to freeze it, follow the freezing tips mentioned earlier, but remember to add the cream just before serving after thawing and reheating.
4. What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If you find that the soup has become too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency. Simply stir in some additional beef broth, vegetable broth, or water until you reach your desired thickness. If needed, you can also add a splash of milk or cream to adjust the creaminess.