Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This comforting and hearty soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying. Made with creamy potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a blend of delicious spices, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these steps to make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the ground beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked ground beef to a crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Base
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Base to the Soup
Pour the creamy base into the crockpot with the cooked soup. Stir well to combine.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Spicy Twist
If you like a little kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup for some heat.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most delicious Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes work best in this recipe as they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking.
Precook the Ground Beef
Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot helps to enhance the flavor and remove any excess fat.
Conclusion
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup with your family and friends. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a hearty lunch. Feel free to experiment with different variations and spices to make it your own. Bon appétit!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, you can use another type of cheese such as mozzarella or Swiss. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
3. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply follow the same steps but use a large pot instead of a crockpot. Cook the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
