When the chill of winter sets in or you simply crave a bowl of comforting soup, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This hearty dish brings together flavorful ingredients, creating a warm and satisfying meal that your entire family will love. The best part? You can set it and forget it in your crockpot, allowing the rich flavors to meld together while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy texture, tender potatoes, and savory hamburger, it checks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal. The elegance of a slow-cooked soup lies in its simplicity; you can throw together just a handful of ingredients and still create something remarkable. Plus, this recipe allows for customization, enabling you to add your favorite vegetables or spices. The aroma that fills your home as it simmers is irresistible, making it an inviting dish to come home to after a long day.
Ingredients about Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic, celery, or other vegetables
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Directions
Making your own Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is both easy and rewarding. Start by browning the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat. This step is essential as it helps develop a deep flavor profile for your soup. Once you’ve cooked the hamburger, be sure to drain away any excess fat before transferring it to your crockpot.
Next, combine the browned hamburger with the diced potatoes and onions in the crockpot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged. If you want to enhance the flavor further, you can toss in minced garlic or a few chopped celery stalks. These optional ingredients introduce additional layers of taste, making your soup even more delightful.
Now, it’s time to let your crockpot work its magic. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This gentle cooking method allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty soup that bursts with flavor.
As the cooking time comes to an end, you’ll want to add the finishing touches. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. This addition will give the soup its signature creaminess and cheesy goodness. Allow the mixture to heat through, and don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, your comforting Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Serving your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is as enjoyable as making it. A simple bowl of this hearty soup is already a complete meal, but you can elevate the dining experience by offering some delicious accompaniments. Consider serving the soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop. A fresh garden salad on the side can balance the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal.
If you want to make it extra special, garnish each bowl with additional shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. This will not only add flavor but also make the presentation appealing. Enjoy the comforting warmth of your soup as you gather around the table with family or friends, making lasting memories over a delicious meal.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, choose the right potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well while softening in the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming mushy and ensures a pleasant texture in every spoonful.
Second, don’t skimp on the seasoning. The key to flavor is in the balance of salt and pepper. Taste your soup towards the end of the cooking process to make sure it’s seasoned just right. You might want to add more depending on personal preference and the broth’s saltiness.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to customize the soup to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. You can also swap out the cheese variety or toss in some cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra protein boost.
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Storing your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is straightforward. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens upon standing, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy consistency.
If you want to keep the soup for a longer duration, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat as needed.
Variation of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
One of the many wonderful aspects of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste or utilize ingredients you have on hand. For a healthier twist, consider substituting lean ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. This change will reduce the fat content while still providing a satisfying protein source.
If you’re looking to boost your vegetable intake, add in more hearty vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. These additions will enrich the soup and provide extra nutrients. For an even creamier texture, you can replace some of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese, offering a delightful tang.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings as well. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, thyme, or paprika can elevate the flavor profile, giving it an exciting twist every time you make it. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ
What is the main ingredient in Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
The main ingredients in Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup include ground hamburger, diced potatoes, and a creamy broth made with heavy cream and shredded cheese.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
You can cook Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use other types of vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers of the soup?
Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add a bit of heat to your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, consider adding red pepper flakes, black pepper, or your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 4 cups diced potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold are recommended.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic, celery, or other vegetables Enhance flavor with additional veggies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned hamburger to your crockpot.
- Combine the diced potatoes and onions with the hamburger in the crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth until the ingredients are submerged.
- Add optional minced garlic or chopped celery for extra flavor.
Cooking
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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