Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

Crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup is a perfect choice when you crave something hearty, creamy, and warm. Combining the savory richness of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, this slow-cooked recipe is a hit with the whole family. Best of all, it’s easy to make, thanks to the crockpot, and ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about preparing this delicious dish, including tips, variations, and how to store it.

Ingredients and Preparation Tips

To make crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 6 cups diced russet potatoes
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1.5 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 8 oz cream cheese or cheddar (for added creaminess)
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic powder

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When choosing your ingredients, the type of potato matters. Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, thickening the soup naturally. If you prefer a firmer texture, opt for Yukon gold potatoes, which hold up well in soups. For leaner soups, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

One important step is to brown your meat before adding it to the crockpot. Browning ground beef adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by simply slow-cooking raw meat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Browning the Meat

Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until fully browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Adding onions at this stage enhances the flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat, especially if using fattier cuts of beef. This step is essential for preventing greasy soup.

2. Layering the Ingredients

Next, layer your ingredients in the crockpot. Start with the potatoes, placing them at the bottom to ensure they cook thoroughly. Then, add the browned beef, chicken broth, onions, and seasonings.

3. Slow Cooking Time

Set your crockpot to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the potatoes become tender. Once the cooking time is nearly finished, whisk together the milk (or half-and-half) with a couple of tablespoons of flour or cornstarch. This slurry helps thicken the broth. Stir it into the soup during the last hour of cooking.

4. Adding Cheese for Creaminess

Finally, during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in your cream cheese or cheddar. This will make the soup extra creamy and rich. Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic to taste.

Adjusting the Soup’s Thickness

If you find your soup too thin, there are a couple of ways to thicken it:

• Blend a portion of the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup to create a thicker texture while maintaining some chunks of potato.
• Cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken up.

If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or milk to adjust to your desired consistency.

Flavor Variations and Enhancements

This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust it to your liking:

• Extra veggies: Add carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Herb variations: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary to change the flavor profile.

To make a healthier version, use low-fat cheese and substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth.
• Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Toppings: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh chives for an added flavor boost.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing

This soup is great for meal prep, and it stores well:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream cheese or cheddar. After thawing, add the cheese as you reheat the soup.
• Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Nutritional Information and Healthier Adaptations

This comforting soup generally has around 350-400 calories per serving, with a good balance of protein and fats. To reduce calories and fat:

• Use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute with ground turkey.
• Swap whole milk with low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut milk.
• Add more vegetables, such as cauliflower or zucchini, to boost nutritional value without increasing calories.

Dietary Adaptations

• Low-carb: Reduce the number of potatoes or replace them with cauliflower.
• Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients, including seasonings and broth, are gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour.
• Lactose-free: Replace dairy with lactose-free cream or plant-based options like coconut milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.

How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can use a cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the soup.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just be sure to freeze it before adding the cream cheese for the best texture when reheating.

What’s the best potato for this soup?
Russet potatoes work best because they break down and thicken the soup naturally. If you prefer firmer potatoes, try Yukon golds.

This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this crockpot recipe will surely become a staple. Enjoy the ease of set-it-and-forget-it cooking with the rich, savory flavors of this classic dish!