When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, warm soup to keep you cozy. One such recipe that will soon become a favorite in your household is Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This comforting dish combines the richness of ground beef, the creaminess of cheddar cheese, and the satisfying heartiness of potatoes to create an irresistible meal. Let’s dive into a detailed step-by-step guide to preparing this creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a Must-Try
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is more than just a regular soup—it’s a complete meal in a bowl. The combination of beef, vegetables, and cheese delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, using a crockpot means this dish is both convenient and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. The soup simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds protein and rich flavor to the soup.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic quality.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Forms the hearty base of the soup, providing a creamy texture when cooked.
- 3 large carrots, sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides crunch and flavor.
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth: The foundation of the soup, offering richness and umami.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A herb that adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds freshness and a mild herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and a beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its creamy consistency.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, adding gooey richness.
- 1 cup milk: Helps to balance out the thickness of the soup.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): For thickening the soup.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish.
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): Because you can never have too much cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
1. Brown the Ground Beef
The first step in creating this delicious creamy potato and hamburger soup is browning the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid an overly greasy soup.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This process builds a rich, aromatic base for the soup.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
Once the ground beef mixture is ready, transfer it to the crockpot. The beauty of a crockpot lies in its simplicity—just dump everything in and let it do the work for you. After transferring the beef, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. These vegetables will add a ton of flavor and nutrition to the soup as they simmer slowly.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in 4 cups of chicken or beef broth, depending on your preference. Chicken broth will lend a lighter taste, while beef broth will provide a more robust flavor. Then, add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will give the soup its depth of flavor and enhance the taste of the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Cook on Low
Now, it’s time to cover the crockpot and set it to cook. For a slow, gentle simmer, cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can opt to cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is the way to go if you want the best flavors. As the soup cooks, the vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
5. Add Cream and Cheese
Once the vegetables are tender and the soup is nearly done, it’s time to add the creamy elements that give this soup its signature richness. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. The cheddar cheese will melt into the broth, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. If you prefer a thicker soup, this is the point where you can add the optional cornstarch mixture. Stir it in and let the soup continue cooking on low for an additional 15-20 minutes until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Serve and Garnish
After the soup has reached its perfect creamy consistency, it’s ready to be served. Ladle the hot, flavorful soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese for added indulgence. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a slight herbaceous freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
This soup pairs perfectly with a warm slice of crusty bread, which is ideal for soaking up the rich broth. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering of friends, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will impress with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Soup
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this soup because they break down slightly, adding to the creamy texture.
- Pre-shred your cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest result, shred your own cheddar cheese rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will develop during cooking, but a final seasoning adjustment ensures a perfectly balanced dish.
Health Benefits of This Hearty Soup
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The ground beef provides essential protein, while the vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and potatoes, contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Potatoes, in particular, are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, and carrots are rich in beta-carotene. The cheese and milk add calcium and vitamin D to the mix, making this a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you probably will, because this recipe makes a big batch!), this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount to a pot and heat over medium until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
For longer storage, this soup also freezes well. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.