Introduction
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup!
This delicious soup combines the rich flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a creamy broth.
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
Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Crockpot:
Transfer the browned beef mixture to a crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook on Low:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Add Cream and Cheese:
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, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Variations and Conservation
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add in extra vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
To conserve leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2-3 months.
Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Enjoy this comforting soup any day of the week!