So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same.
Welcome to the land of culinary convenience, where your taste buds are satisfied without putting on your chef hat or breaking a sweat. We’re diving into a delightful dish that screams comfort and takes minimal effort—a Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup! You can almost feel the warmth of that hearty soup hugging your insides just thinking about it. So grab your apron (or don’t, I’m not judging) and let’s make this thing happen.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Picture this: your favorite potato soup, but with the added bonus of rich, savory hamburger goodness. It’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up—and trust me, that’s saying something. Just toss everything into the crockpot, let it bubble away, and voilà! You get to be a culinary genius without the stress of a five-star restaurant. Did I mention it’s creamy and cheesy? Yeah, just wait until you dig into that gooey goodness. Who doesn’t want to feel like a chef from the comfort of their own couch?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup. Put on your shopping shoes and grab:
- 1 pound ground hamburger (the star of the show)
- 3 cups diced potatoes (the more the merrier)
- 1 cup diced onion (for that flavor punch)
- 2 cups chicken broth (liquid gold)
- 1 cup milk (to make it creamy)
- 1 cup heavy cream (yes, please)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (cheese lovers unite)
- Salt and pepper to taste (no one likes bland food)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
Forget the fuss of complicated measurements. These are simple enough that even your neighbor’s kid could toss them together—seriously, it’s that easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, it’s go time. Here’s how to turn those ingredients into a cozy bowl of happiness:
In a skillet, brown the hamburger over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Don’t skip this step unless you want a greasy surprise. Nobody enjoys that.
In a crockpot, add the browned hamburger, diced potatoes, diced onion, and chicken broth. Just dump it all in like you own the place.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Now’s the time to go binge-watch your favorite show or finally tackle that Netflix series you keep saying you’ll get to.
Stir in milk and heavy cream, and let it heat through. Get ready for the creaminess that will soon be your best friend.
Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted. This is where the magic happens. Cheese makes everything better—you can’t argue with that.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test, and if your taste buds are happy, then you’re golden.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Because who doesn’t want to serve a bowl of soup that looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you’re gearing up to make this masterpiece, let’s avoid some rookie mistakes:
- Skipping the browning step. Seriously, it adds flavor, and we want flavor. No one likes bland soup unless you really, really do.
- Not tasting the soup. If you just serve it up without sampling first, you might end up with a flavor bomb that you can’t fix.
- Using non-cream cheese. Okay, I know that isn’t even a term but do not substitute the heavy cream. Life is too short for low-fat alternatives when you’re going for creamy comfort.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Alright, let’s chat about tweaks you can make, because sometimes we need to adapt to what we have or just want to switch it up:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. If you’re feeling a bit more health-conscious (or just want to switch it up), that works too.
- Veggie broth instead of chicken broth. For my vegetarian friends, we can adapt here and still keep it tasty.
- Throw in some veggies like carrots or celery. If you want to get those vitamins in—who said soups should only have potatoes?
Feel free to get creative and make this soup your own. It’s like your own personal, cozy canvas.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I throw everything in the crockpot without browning the meat? Well, you could, but that would be like playing in a band without tuning your guitar first. Kinda makes the whole process less awesome.
Can I use frozen potatoes? Technically, yes, but fresh potatoes make me feel fancy. Let’s keep the good stuff in here.
How do I store leftovers? Pour the leftovers into an airtight container, and refrigerate. It should last about three to four days—if you can resist scarfing it all down in one go.
Can I double this recipe? Of course! More soup equals more happiness. Just make sure your crockpot can handle it before you go wild.
Is this a freezer-friendly dish? Yup! Just save some for later and freeze it for a cozy meal down the road. Go ahead and stock up because future you will thank present you.
Final Thoughts
Now you have all the secrets to whip up a delicious, creamy potato and hamburger soup that will have everyone singing your praises—or at least asking for the recipe. You officially have some kitchen skills under your belt. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary mastery. I believe in your power to distribute warmth, love, and comfort in soup form. You’ve earned it, so get cooking!
Print
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 390 minutes
- Total Time: 405 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and cheesy soup made with ground hamburger and potatoes, perfect for a cozy meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the hamburger over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a crockpot, add the browned hamburger, diced potatoes, diced onion, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk and heavy cream, and let it heat through.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. You can substitute chicken broth with veggie broth for a vegetarian version.