Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction on chilly days. This flavorful soup combines the richness of ground beef, the creaminess of potatoes, and the delightful blend of spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort, making it a go-to favorite for busy families or anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner option.
Why We Love This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe is beloved for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can toss all the ingredients into your Crockpot, set it, and go about your day, knowing a delicious meal will be waiting for you. Second, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The browned ground beef mingles delightfully with the tender potatoes and cream, creating a rich and comforting soup. Additionally, it’s highly customizable; whether you want extra cheese, vegetables, or spices, this soup can be adapted to suit your taste. Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep and serving to guests, making it a versatile staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients about Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Here’s what you need to whip up this comforting soup. Each ingredient contributes to the depth of flavor and creamy texture you’ll love.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chives for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Directions
Making this soup is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Here’s how to create your own batch:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned completely, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot: In your Crockpot, add the diced potatoes and chopped onion. These vegetables will add bulk and flavor to the soup.
- Combine Ingredients: Carefully add the browned ground beef to the Crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, add the garlic powder, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to make sure the ingredients are well combined.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup is done when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix them in until the cheese is melted and the soup has taken on a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm. If you’d like, you can garnish each bowl with chopped chives for a fresh touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Serving this delicious soup is as simple as it is rewarding. You can serve it in large bowls, allowing guests or family members to help themselves. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for a more complete meal. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying dish that can stand alone or complement a variety of sides. If you’re feeling festive, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to elevate the presentation. Offering toppings like extra cheese or sour cream can also enhance the flavors and let everyone customize their bowl to their liking.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
To make the most of your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, here are some expert tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds, as they become creamy when cooked. If you prefer some chunkiness in your soup, you can mix in waxy potatoes such as red or yellow potatoes.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef adds a depth of flavor that truly elevates the soup. It’s a step worth taking for a richer taste.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices or herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to give your soup a different flavor profile.
- Make It Even Creamier: For an extra creamy soup, you can substitute some of the beef broth with additional heavy cream or even cream cheese.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher before adding the cream and cheese.
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Storing your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Divide it into airtight containers for convenient storage. This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer duration, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Variation of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
One of the best things about Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is its versatility. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
- Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition by adding other vegetables. Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added at the beginning along with the potatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Different Proteins: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure you adapt the cooking time as needed.
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can give the soup unique flavors.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Herb-infused: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking to infuse the soup with extra flavor.
FAQ
What can I serve with Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh side salad. Grilled cheese sandwiches also make a delightful accompaniment.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add beans or lentils for protein.
How do I reheat leftover Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
To reheat, simply put the leftover soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can I use frozen potatoes in this soup?
While fresh potatoes provide the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Be aware that frozen potatoes may release some extra water during cooking, so adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
How long will the soup keep in the fridge?
The soup will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers.
With this straightforward, delicious Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe, you can create a flavorful dish that warms your heart and home. Enjoy brewing up a comforting bowl for family and friends, and feel free to explore the variations to make this soup truly your own!
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Browned and drained
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your preference
- to taste Chives for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned completely, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In your Crockpot, add the diced potatoes and chopped onion.
- Carefully add the browned ground beef to the Crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth, add the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Cooking
- Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Finishing Touches
- Once the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!