This hearty and flavorful crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Its rich, creamy texture and savory taste will warm you from the inside out, leaving you completely satisfied. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, allowing the slow cooker to do all the hard work. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What makes this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup so special?
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. Unlike many recipes that require extensive chopping and sautéing, this one lets the crockpot work its magic, resulting in tender potatoes and perfectly seasoned beef. The creamy texture isn't achieved through heavy cream (though you can add it for extra richness!), but rather through the potatoes themselves and a touch of milk or broth, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying option. The blend of savory beef, earthy potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk (or more broth for a thinner soup)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for extra richness, shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Combine ingredients: Place the browned beef, onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Blend (optional): For an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Leave some chunks for added texture if desired.
- Stir in cream (optional): If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or green beans. Experiment with your favorites!
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery first, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
How can I thicken this soup?
If you find your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) or a roux (a mixture of equal parts butter and flour cooked together). Stir the slurry or roux into the soup and cook for a few minutes until thickened.
What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their creamy texture when cooked. Yukon Golds would also work well.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup:
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your taste.
- Garnish creatively: Get creative with your garnishes! Try adding fresh parsley, chives, or sour cream.
This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
