Print

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Print Recipe

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender potatoes, savory ground hamburger, and a velvety creamy broth. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, filling bowl of pure comfort that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 pound lean ground hamburger

Vegetables

  • 4 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped carrots or celery

Liquids

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup cream or half-and-half

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Optional Add-ins

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
  • Vegetable broth (for vegetarian variation)
  • Alternative cheeses: gouda, pepper jack
  • Additional veggies: corn, peas, mushrooms
  • Greek yogurt (as a lower-fat cream substitute, added at end)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Hamburger: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground hamburger until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy. Transfer the cooked hamburger to the crockpot.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Finely dice onion and garlic. If using optional vegetables like carrots or celery, chop them similarly. Add all vegetables to the crockpot with the browned hamburger.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour beef broth into the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or parsley. Stir gently to combine and ensure ingredients are covered with liquid.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded perfectly.
  5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken, resulting in a creamy, indulgent finish.

Notes

  • Browning Is Key: Browning the hamburger adds deeper flavor and reduces excess grease in the soup.
  • Uniform Potato Size: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking and texture.
  • Add Cream Last: To prevent curdling, stir in cream or dairy toward the end of cooking.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme enhance aroma and freshness more than dried alone.
  • Check Liquid Levels: Adjust broth quantity based on crockpot size and preferred soup consistency.
  • Freezing Tips: Omit cream before freezing; add fresh cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot soup, creamy potato soup, hamburger soup, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy soup, family-friendly soup

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/crockpot-creamy-potato-hamburger-soup/