Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: A Hearty Delight
For those chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting, our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect solution. Using everyday ingredients, this delicious and easy recipe is the epitome of comfort food, making it ideal for any night of the week.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Enjoy the rich, creamy texture of this potato & hamburger soup, which perfectly combines hearty flavors with a touch of indulgence. Ideal for feeding a family, this crockpot recipe requires minimal attention and delivers maximum satisfaction. Perfect for cozy, relaxed evenings at home or as a hearty addition to your meal prep plans.
Context/Background
Crockpot recipes are loved for their convenience and ability to enhance flavors over time. This creamy potato and hamburger soup takes inspiration from classic American comfort foods, delivering a nurturing bowl that’s been a family favorite for generations. Using the slow cooker method ensures tender potatoes and a rich, savory broth infused with meat and cheese flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the potatoes until they become too mushy. Check for tenderness.
- Adding the cheese too early which may result in curdling. Incorporate towards the end.
- Forgetting to drain excess fat from the cooked beef, which can lead to a greasy soup.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes for the best texture.
- Brown the beef thoroughly to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick of heat.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving for optimal flavor infusion.
Variations and Substitutions
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Replace cheddar with gouda or mozzarella for different cheese profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple garden salad for a complete meal. It’s also perfect to enjoy as is, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to retain the creamy texture. Freezing is possible, but note that the texture of the potatoes may change upon thawing.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare and brown the beef in advance, and chop the potatoes and onions the day before. Store the components separately in the refrigerator, then assemble in the crockpot when ready to cook.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Dietary Notes
- Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified.
- Not suitable for Vegetarian or Vegan diets due to meat and dairy.
The Recipe
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 360 mins
Total Time: 375 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Place the beef, potatoes, and onion in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a lower calorie version, use milk instead of heavy cream.
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
- This recipe can easily be halved for smaller batches.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #CreamyPotatoHamburgerSoup on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I make this soup without a crockpot? Yes, cook the soup in a large pot over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Can I use frozen potatoes? Fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture.
- What other toppings can I add? Try bacon bits, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.