Introduction:
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? Look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This cozy soup is the perfect dish for those cooler days when you crave something warm and filling. Combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich cream, this recipe delivers an incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. And the best part? It’s made in a crockpot, which means minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Overview of the Recipe:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a wholesome dish that combines everyday ingredients like potatoes, carrots, ground beef, and a flavorful beef broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, the soup gains an irresistible depth of flavor as the ingredients meld together over time. Adding heavy cream toward the end gives it a luscious creamy texture, while cheddar cheese is an optional indulgence for those looking to elevate the richness of the dish. Simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients, this soup will become a staple in your household.
History and Origin:
While the combination of potatoes and beef has been enjoyed in various cuisines for centuries, crockpot soups gained popularity in the mid-20th century when slow cookers became common in households. Slow cookers allowed families to prepare hearty, nutritious meals with minimal effort, and recipes like creamy potato soups became beloved for their ease of preparation and robust flavor. Ground beef adds a protein-rich element to the soup, making it a complete meal in itself. The addition of heavy cream and cheese is a more modern twist, elevating the classic potato and meat soup to something even more indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups beef broth – The base of the soup, adding depth and richness.
- 1 cup carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
- 1 cup celery, diced – Balances the flavors with a mild peppery note.
- 1 lb ground beef – Provides a hearty and savory protein element.
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – The star of the dish, giving the soup body and texture.
- 1 onion, diced – Adds aromatic flavor to the base of the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the depth of flavor with a rich, savory note.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – A subtle herb that enhances the earthy flavors of the soup.
- 1 tsp dried parsley – Adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – Provides an indulgent, melty addition to the soup.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – Helps to thicken the soup if desired.
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Break up the meat as it cooks and brown it evenly, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the cooked ground beef aside.
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
- In the crockpot, add the diced potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and browned ground beef.
- Ensure that all the vegetables and meat are evenly distributed.
3. Add Seasoning and Broth:
- Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything gently to combine the flavors.
4. Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the soup on Low for 6-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours.
- The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Add the Heavy Cream:
- Once the potatoes are fully cooked and soft, stir in the heavy cream to give the soup a creamy, rich consistency.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and allow it to thicken as it cooks for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Cheesy Goodness (Optional):
- For an extra layer of indulgence, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Allow the cheese to melt into the soup, stirring until it is fully incorporated and creamy.
7. Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, or freshly ground pepper if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving:
This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Each bowl of this soup is packed with tender chunks of potato, savory ground beef, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for warming up on cold days.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or homemade rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans for added texture and flavor.
For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a warm mug of herbal tea would complement the meal beautifully.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or green beans to increase the nutritional value and add extra color.
- Turkey Variation: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version of the soup.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets to make the soup lower in carbs but still hearty and delicious.
Health Benefits:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup offers several health benefits:
- Protein: Ground beef provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are rich in vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium. Carrots and celery also provide important vitamins and antioxidants.
- Fiber: The vegetables in this soup offer dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion.
- Calcium (with Cheese Option): If you choose to add cheddar cheese, it’s a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
- Comforting and Nourishing: The creamy texture and rich broth provide warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for those in need of a hearty, comforting meal.
FAQs:
1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious. When reheating, stir the soup well after thawing.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, though this will slightly alter the flavor.
5. How can I thicken the soup without cornstarch?
You can thicken the soup by blending a portion of the potatoes and vegetables, then stirring it back into the soup. Alternatively, you can use arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect recipe for those who love a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Its combination of creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting dish that’s ideal for chilly evenings or busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you make it as-is, tweak it to suit your taste, or experiment with the many variations, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (depending on cooking option)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a rich, hearty, and easy-to-make meal. It combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety broth. Simply prepare the ingredients, set your crockpot, and let it work its magic. This delicious soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prep the Crockpot: Add potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and browned beef into the crockpot.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in beef broth, then add thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream. For thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir it in.
- Optional Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- The cheese is optional but adds a nice creaminess.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on Low, or 3-4 hours on High
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (depending on cooking option)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on Low, or 3-4 hours on High
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg