There’s something utterly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, isn’t there? I can still remember the first time I tasted a creamy potato and hamburger soup at a friend’s house—it was love at first sip! The way the potatoes melted into the rich, savory broth, combined with the hearty ground beef, definitely left an impression. It’s been a goto recipe for me ever since, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why should this soup find a place in your culinary repertoire? Let’s start with its adaptability. This dish is a delightful treat that comforts the soul, perfect for family dinners or to impress guests without much hassle. The creamy texture beckons you in, while the kick of garlic and the robust flavor of beef enriches every spoonful—it’s pure magic. Whether you’re in need of a hearty meal after a long day or planning for a cozy get-together, this soup has got you set.
Not only is this dish a pleasure to your taste buds, but it’s also a wonderful way to nourish your body. Packed with wholesome ingredients—potatoes, beef, and aromatic garlic—it truly fills you up without weighing you down. Plus, it’s made in a crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it until it’s time to gather around the table. Isn’t that what every busy home chef dreams of?
Gather these ingredients
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Potatoes (2 lbs, diced): The star of the show. Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet for that perfect balance of creaminess and texture. They breakdown beautifully, adding heartiness without feeling overly starchy.
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Ground beef (1 lb): The foundation of the flavor. I often choose lean ground beef for a healthier twist, but you can adjust depending on your preference—go for turkey or chicken for a lighter soup!
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Onion (1, chopped): The aromatic backbone. Sweet onions like Vidalia or white onions give a nice balance, and don’t shy away from adding more if you love that oniony goodness.
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Beef broth (4 cups): The liquid gold. Homemade is always best, but a good-quality store-bought broth works magic too—just watch for the sodium!
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Heavy cream (1 cup): Here’s where the creaminess comes alive! It enriches the soup and creates that silky texture. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half works just fine, but might be a tad less indulgent.
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Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The aromatic flair. You can never have too much garlic in a dish; it adds depth and flavor.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial. Don’t be shy with salt; tasting as you go is the best rule of thumb!
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Optional toppings: Go crazy! Shredded cheese, green onions, bacon bits—the sky’s the limit. These add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Preparing Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
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Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. This step enhances the flavor, so don’t rush it! Once cooked, drain any fat and transfer to your crockpot.
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Add the veggies: Toss in the diced potatoes, chopped onions, and minced garlic straight into the crockpot.
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Pour in the broth: Add the beef broth and season generously with salt and pepper. This is where the magic starts to happen.
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Cook it up: Cover and set your crockpot to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. If you can, the longer, the better—the flavors intensify!
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Cream it up: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. This is the secret sauce that transforms everything into creamy bliss.
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Serve warm: Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle your desired toppings. A little cheese never hurt, right?
Best way to enjoy it
Ahhh, now we’re at the best part! Picture this: a cozy bowl of creamy soup topped with crispy bacon bits and vibrant green onions. The combo of flavors and textures is an experience you won’t forget. Pair your soup with warm crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Storage and reheating tips
Those leftovers (if you have any) are a gift in themselves! Store any uneaten soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. It also freezes beautifully; just leave out the cream if you plan to freeze it for longer storage—add it in when you’re ready to enjoy.
Pro chef tips
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Chop your potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. No one likes mushy bits among solid chunks!
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For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of your favorite herbs, like thyme or rosemary, during the cooking phase.
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Remember, taste as you go! Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and added nutrition. Toss in some fresh spinach or kale at the end for a burst of color and health benefits. You could even make it a bit spicier with jalapeños or red pepper flakes!
Ingredients list
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, bacon bits
Directions to follow
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain the fat and add to the crockpot.
- Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream.
- Serve warm with your toppings of choice.
Common questions
- How long can I store the leftovers? You can keep the soup in the fridge for 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap ground beef for lentils or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- What can I serve it with? Crusty bread, a simple salad, or even some warm biscuits make delightful accompaniments!
- How can I spice it up? Try adding chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Can I prep anything in advance? Yes! You can chop the vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge.
This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, representing simplicity, comfort, and all the love that comes from home cooking. I invite you to give it a go, maybe tweak it to your liking, and share your experiences with friends—or better yet, enjoy it around the table with those you love. Together, let’s create delicious memories!
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Description
This creamy potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food. It's hearty, delicious, and easy to make in a crockpot with wholesome ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and garlic, perfect for any family dinner or cozy gathering.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
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Brown the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any fat and transfer to your crockpot.This step enhances the flavor. -
Add the veggies
Toss in the diced potatoes, chopped onions, and minced garlic straight into the crockpot. -
Pour in the broth
Add the beef broth and season generously with salt and pepper.This is where the magic starts to happen. -
Cook it up
Cover and set your crockpot to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.If you can, the longer, the better—the flavors intensify! -
Cream it up
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream.This transforms everything into creamy bliss. -
Serve warm
Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle your desired toppings.Delicious with a little cheese on top!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31g48%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
