Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup, featuring ground beef, creamy potatoes, and rich broth. Easy to prepare and perfect for any family dinner!
Every recipe has a story, and the Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is no different. Growing up, my mother would pull out the old crockpot at the first hint of autumn. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about warming the soul with rich, comforting flavors that lingered long after the meal was over. This soup was a staple during those chilly evenings when we gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and savoring every spoonful. Now, as I recreate this soup, I feel a warm nostalgia and a connection to those cherished moments.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
The Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Perfect for those busy days or when you need a comforting touch to your dinner.
- Minimal Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of prep, this soup is a lifesaver on hectic days.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Ground beef and potatoes make this soup satisfyingly filling and rich in taste.
- Versatility: Customize with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
- Slow Cooked Perfection: Let your crockpot do the work. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Family Favorite: Guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Ingredients Notes
To make the most of your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup, understanding your ingredients is key!
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a less greasy soup.
- Potatoes: Dice them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor without extra fuss.
- Dairy: Use milk for a lighter soup or half-and-half for a richer texture.
- Seasonings: Adjust the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
How To Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Let’s dive into making your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup with some easy-to-follow, detailed steps.
Steps
- Preparation of Ground Beef: Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat to keep your soup less oily and transfer the beef to your Crockpot.
- Adding the Essentials: Throw in the chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced potatoes, followed by the beef broth. This forms the base of your soup, where all the flavors start to come together.
- Mixing in the Creaminess: Next, add the cream of mushroom soup along with your choice of milk or half-and-half. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, and a dash of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cooking Time: Cover and set your Crockpot on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the richness of the soup.
- Final Touches: Once the soup is ready, stir in the optional shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for an extra creamy texture and decadent flavor. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Storage Options
Store your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
Mix it up with some fun variations and substitutions to keep your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup exciting every time you make it!
Points List
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegetable broth to cater to vegetarian preferences.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, celery, or corn to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Introduce some heat with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for those who like it spicy.
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 450 grams of ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups of potatoes diced (approximately 4 medium-sized potatoes)
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 can 425 grams of cream of mushroom soup
- 240 milliliters of milk or half-and-half for a richer consistency
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 120 milliliters of sour cream optional, for enhanced creaminess
- Fresh parsley finely chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation of Ground Beef: In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef over medium heat until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, drain off the excess fat and place the beef into a Crock Pot.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes to the Crock Pot along with the beef broth. Stir these components to integrate them fully.
- Incorporation of Cream Elements: Introduce the cream of mushroom soup into the Crock Pot along with the milk or half-and-half. Season with dried thyme, dried parsley, and an appropriate amount of salt and pepper, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cooking: Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The duration should be sufficient for the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld, resulting in a slightly thickened soup.
- Final Additions: Following the cooking period, incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream into the soup if desired, stirring until the soup achieves a creamy consistency and the cheese is melted.
- Serving: Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if preferred. Serve immediately while hot.
