Winter’s chill brings a perfect time for a warm, comforting soup. My grandmother’s creamy potato and hamburger soup was a favorite. It was a soothing treat that warmed our hearts and souls.
Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic dish in your own home.
This soup is a true comfort food. It combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy broth. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy gathering with family and friends.
Why This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food. It warms you up any time of year. Made in a crockpot, it’s filled with savory flavors and filling ingredients.
Key Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Is easy to make in a slow cooker for hands-off convenience.
- Has a thick, creamy texture that’s incredibly comforting and satisfying.
- Can be customized with various toppings and add-ins to suit individual preferences.
Perfect for Any Season
Whether it’s a chilly winter day or a mild autumn evening, this creamy potato hamburger soup is perfect. Its hearty, comforting flavors make it a go-to dish all year. The slow-cooked preparation lets you relax and enjoy the aroma filling your home.
Budget-Friendly Meal Option
This recipe is great for families or individuals on a budget. It uses ground beef, potatoes, and other inexpensive ingredients. This way, you can feed a crowd without spending a lot.
The mix of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich broth makes this hamburger and potato soup a comfort food classic. Its simple preparation and versatility make it a favorite among home cooks.
Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Soup
Making a delicious crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup begins with picking the right ingredients. This soup is loved by many, thanks to its mix of tasty parts. Let’s look at the key ingredients that make this hamburger soup slow cooker recipe a must-try.
The soup’s base is ground beef or spicy sausage. It’s mixed with diced onions, potatoes, celery, garlic, and carrots. These add flavor, texture, and nutrients.
For a creamy texture, use heavy whipping cream and a thickener like potato starch. Grated cheddar cheese on top adds flavor and melts beautifully.
The seasonings include salt, pepper, and olive oil for sautéing. Frozen peas add color and freshness at the end.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or spicy ground sausage | 2.5 lbs |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Diced onion | 1 large |
| Peeled and cubed potatoes | 5 red potatoes |
| Diced celery | 2 stalks |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Peeled and diced carrot | 4 carrots |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Grated cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Potato starch or cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a hearty, tasty crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup. It will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Your Soup
Choosing the right potatoes is key for a perfect creamy potato hamburger soup. Russet potatoes are great because they break down easily. This helps thicken the soup and make it creamy.
Russet vs. Red Potatoes
Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho or baking potatoes, are high in starch. They become tender and fluffy when cooked. This makes them perfect for soups, blending well into the broth.
Red potatoes, however, are waxy and keep their shape. They offer a firmer texture, which some people prefer in slow cooker recipes hamburger and potatoes.
Preparation Tips
- Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces for quicker and more even cooking.
- This size also helps the potatoes break down and contribute to the creamy consistency of the soup.
- Rinsing the cubed potatoes in cold water can help remove excess starch, which can make the soup cloudy.
By choosing and preparing the right potatoes, your creamy potato hamburger soup will be just right. It will have the perfect texture and flavor for your comfort food cravings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Make this tasty crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup easily with these steps. Start by browning the ground hamburger in a skillet with olive oil and diced onions. Add garlic towards the end for extra flavor. Move the meat and veggies to your slow cooker, then add beef broth.
- Cook the soup on high for 2 hours or low for 4-6 hours, until the potatoes and veggies are soft.
- About an hour before serving, mix cream with cornstarch to thicken. Stir this into the pot with the rest of the cream and shredded cheese.
- Let the soup cook for the last hour, stirring now and then, until it’s creamy and thick.
This hamburger and potato soup cooks to perfection in the crockpot. It blends flavors and textures beautifully. The result is a warm, filling meal that everyone will love.
“The slow cooker is my secret weapon for creating rich, creamy soups with minimal effort. This crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food.”
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Russet potatoes, diced | 4 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dried parsley | 2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp |
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Creating the ultimate creamy potato hamburger soup is all about the texture. Whether you’re using a hamburger soup slow cooker or stovetop, these tips will guide you. You’ll get that velvety smoothness everyone loves.
Thickening Methods
To get a creamy base, add a thickening agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or potato starch with heavy whipping cream before adding it to the soup. This ensures the cream blends well and doesn’t curdle.
Or, cut cream cheese into small pieces and stir them in during the last hour of cooking. As it melts, it thickens the broth, making it creamy.
Cream and Dairy Options
- Heavy whipping cream: For the richest, creamiest texture, heavy whipping cream is the way to go.
- Half-and-half: A blend of milk and cream, half-and-half can also be used to achieve a creamy consistency, with a slightly lighter mouthfeel.
- Whole milk: If you prefer a lighter soup, whole milk can be a great option, though the texture may be slightly less velvety.
Proper Temperature Control
To avoid curdling, temper the cream before adding it to the hot soup. Start by whisking a small amount of hot broth into the cream. Then, slowly add the cream to the pot, stirring constantly. This method ensures the cream blends smoothly without clumping.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 3/4 cup |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz, cubed |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
Follow these tips to make a creamy potato hamburger soup that will warm your heart. Enjoy every spoonful of this homemade comfort!
Time-Saving Preparation Techniques
Preparing a hearty slow cooker recipes hamburger and potatoes or hamburger and potato soup can be quick and easy. A few smart steps can make your meal prep faster. This way, you get to enjoy a warm, comforting dish with little effort.
One great trick is to pre-cook the ground beef. Just brown it in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This saves time and cuts down the cooking time. Also, using frozen mixed veggies instead of fresh saves prep work. They’re already cleaned and chopped, ready to go.
If you’re short on time, try using an Instant Pot. Its pressure cooking function cooks food much faster. This means you can have your slow cooker recipes hamburger and potatoes or hamburger and potato soup quicker.
Another tip is to soften cream cheese or other dairy before adding it to the soup. This makes them blend in smoothly. It avoids any lumps or clumps, making the soup creamy and rich.
- Pre-cook the ground beef to save time
- Use frozen mixed vegetables for quicker prep
- Consider using an Instant Pot for faster cooking
- Let dairy ingredients like cream cheese soften before adding to the soup
By using these quick tips for your slow cooker recipes hamburger and potatoes or hamburger and potato soup, you can make meal prep more efficient. You’ll enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with less effort.
Customization Options and Variations
This crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup is super versatile. You can change the protein, add more veggies, or make it dairy-free. It’s easy to make it your own, whether you’re watching your diet or just want something different.
Meat Alternatives
Instead of hamburger, you can use other ground meats. Try spicy sausage for a flavor boost, or leaner turkey or chicken. Just make sure the meat cooks fully.
Vegetable Add-ins
You can add more than just potatoes, carrots, and celery. Frozen corn, green beans, or butternut squash are great options. Just remember to adjust cooking times so everything is tender.
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. Use more cornstarch or flour to thicken. You can also reduce or skip the cheese for a dairy-free soup.
Customizing this soup is all about having fun. Want it spicier or packed with veggies? This hamburger soup slow cooker recipe is your blank canvas.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying the creamy potato hamburger soup, it’s key to store leftovers right. This hamburger and potato soup can be kept in the fridge or freezer for later meals.
To store the soup, put it in an airtight container and chill for 5-6 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or milk to thin it out.
For freezing, the creamy potato hamburger soup stays good for 3 months. Cool it down first, then put it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
When storing your hamburger and potato soup, always check the expiration date. Discard any leftovers that have been too long in the fridge or freezer. With these tips, you can enjoy this comforting soup whenever you want.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
This crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup is not just tasty. It’s also packed with nutrients. Each serving is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and more.
Each serving has 402 calories, 26 grams of carbs, 27 grams of protein, and 21 grams of fat. It includes 12 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also get 969 milligrams of sodium, 1,116 milligrams of potassium, 3 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of sugar.
This hamburger soup slow cooker is full of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. It’s a great choice for a balanced meal. The beef, potatoes, and veggies offer protein, carbs, and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Using coconut milk makes it good for those with lactose intolerance or on dairy-free diets. You can also adjust it to fit other dietary needs.
If you want a meal that’s both comforting and healthy, try this crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup. It’s full of flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. You can enjoy it all year round. It has hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and flavorful vegetables.
This soup is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly meal or a simple slow cooker recipe. It’s a great choice for anyone.
The soup is easy to make and offers many customization options. It’s also good for your health. By following the instructions and using time-saving techniques, you can make a delicious soup.
Try this slow cooker recipes hamburger and potatoes and enjoy the creamy potato hamburger soup. It will become a favorite in your home.
Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and the savory flavors. This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl.