So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same!
Let’s be real for a minute. Sometimes you just want to curl up with a big bowl of something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter the magical world of the Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup. It’s got all the heartiness of a meal that took hours to prepare, but the only labor you’ll be putting in is deciding whether to add another sprinkle of cheese on top. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, this recipe is perfect if you’re not exactly a master chef. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying a lot. You can just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the magic while you binge-watch your favorite show. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients already lurking in your kitchen. No running to the store five times—just good old-fashioned cooking without the workout.
Oh, and the flavor? It’ll make you believe you’re entering the world of gourmet dining without ever stepping foot in a fancy restaurant. Serious comfort food alert. So, grab your crockpot and let’s get cookin’.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list. Remember, this is cooking, not rocket science, so if you can’t find something, don’t stress. We’re aiming for delicious, not perfection.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (don’t get too fancy with those knife skills)
- 1 pound ground beef (the good stuff)
- 1 onion, diced (ideal for adding flavor and maybe making you cry)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is life)
- 4 cups beef broth (who has time to make homemade? Not me)
- 1 cup heavy cream (the secret to creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt (because bland is not a flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (to make you feel fancy)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor, duh)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (totally optional, but why would you skip this)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (if you want to feel like a pro)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, time to get this party started. Follow these super-simple steps to potato heaven.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, cooked beef mixture, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese (if using) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s talk about some rookie mistakes. You don’t want to be that person who accidentally ruins this comfort food masterpiece.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef adds flavor, and guessing you can skip it is just sad. Don’t let it happen.
- Not checking your potatoes: If your potatoes are underwater for too long, they’ll turn mushy. You want them tender but still holding their shape.
- Using low-quality broth: Don’t skimp here. Bad broth can ruin your soup, and no one wants to drink sadness.
- Rushing the cooking time: This is a crockpot recipe for a reason. Be patient. Good things take time, my friend.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Feel free to get a little wild with this recipe.
- Vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for lentils or your favorite meat substitute. Just make sure it cooks well in the crockpot.
- Don’t have heavy cream? Use half and half or even milk, although it might not be as creamy.
- Got sweet potatoes instead of regular ones? Go for it! Just remember they cook faster.
- Want an extra veggie kick? Throw in some carrots or celery. Just chop ’em up and toss ’em in.
Remember, cooking is an adventure, so let your personality shine through.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use frozen potatoes? Well technically yes, but why ruin a perfectly good soup with frozen chunks of sadness?
- Is it okay to leave this in the crockpot overnight? Uh, no. You want it to be fresh and not a science experiment gone wrong.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- How can I make this spicier? Add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. Make it a spicy party.
- What if I don’t like onions? No problem, just leave them out. You do you, chef.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it, and you deserve a big, hearty bowl of this creamy goodness. So kick back, relax, and enjoy your delicious soup. You totally crushed it. Plus, now you have bragging rights. You’re basically a culinary wizard. Enjoy!
Print
Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty and creamy soup made with potatoes and ground beef, cooked effortlessly in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, cooked beef mixture, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese (if using) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor. Use high-quality broth and be patient with cooking time for the best results.