Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is a delicious, hearty dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a satisfying meal year-round.
This soup combines the rich flavors of tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a mix of savory vegetables, all simmered together to create a meal that is as filling as it is flavorful.
Using a Crock Pot makes this recipe especially convenient. Simply set it up, and it takes care of the cooking while you go about your day. The slow-cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes like it simmered all day with minimal effort.
Benefits of Making Soup in a Crock Pot
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- Slow cooking in a Crock Pot is ideal for creating soups with rich and deep flavors. The extended cooking time allows the ingredients to break down and infuse the broth with their taste, making each spoonful burst with flavor.
- The simplicity of a Crock Pot means you can prepare everything in the morning, and by dinnertime, your soup is ready without needing to hover over the stove. This is particularly helpful for busy families, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner is cooking.
- The gentle heat of the slow cooker also helps maintain the texture of ingredients like potatoes, keeping them tender without falling apart. This ensures that every bite includes a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and savory broth.
- Plus, using a Crock Pot helps keep your kitchen cool, especially in warmer months when you might not want to use the oven or stovetop.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
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- Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the soup. Opt for lean ground beef for a less greasy result.
- Potatoes: The heart of the soup, adding creaminess and bulk. Russet potatoes are great for a thicker texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor.
- Carrots and Celery: Classic additions that add a touch of sweetness and a subtle crunch, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth works best to bring all the ingredients together, creating a rich, savory base.
- Optional Ingredients:
- Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or Velveeta towards the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Cream: Stir in some heavy cream or milk for a richer, creamier consistency.
- Corn or Green Beans: These can add extra texture and make the soup even more hearty.
- Recipe Flexibility:
- You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as adding bell peppers or zucchini for a seasonal twist.
- Tips for Selecting Potatoes:
- Russet Potatoes: Best for a thicker, heartier soup since they break down more as they cook.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Hold their shape better and add a buttery texture, making them a good choice if you want chunkier potato pieces in the soup.
- Main Ingredients:
Step-by-Step Preparation and Serving Tips
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
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- Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Begin by dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Aim for pieces about ½ inch in size for a perfect balance of texture.
- Chop the carrots, celery, and onions finely to ensure they soften nicely in the soup.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat before adding it to the Crock Pot.
- Step 2: Layering Ingredients in the Crock Pot
- Start by adding the diced potatoes to the bottom of the Crock Pot. This helps them cook thoroughly.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions next.
- Spread the browned ground beef evenly over the vegetable layer.
- Step 3: Adding Broth and Seasoning
- Pour in enough broth (about 4-6 cups) to cover the ingredients. Use chicken or beef broth based on your preference.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs like thyme or parsley. Start with 1 teaspoon of salt and adjust later if needed.
- Step 4: Slow-Cooking Process
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld more deeply.
- The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Step 5: Adding Cream or Cheese (Optional)
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Alternatively, add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Velveeta, and stir until melted.
- Step 6: Final Seasoning Adjustments
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Variations of Hamburger Potato Soup
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- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
- For a rich, cheesy version, add 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Velveeta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well until the cheese melts into the broth, creating a velvety texture.
- Creamy Version:
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup at the end of cooking for a luscious, creamy finish. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a richer soup.
- Low-Carb Option:
- Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips to reduce the carbohydrate content. These alternatives will absorb the flavors well and maintain a satisfying texture.
- Spicy Twist:
- Add a diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. This adds a bold flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
- Vegetarian Modifications:
- Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and consider adding extra beans or lentils for protein.
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
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- Refrigerating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freezing Tips: To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
Serving Suggestions
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- Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth. A fresh green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Top each bowl with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
- A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top can add extra creaminess and a touch of indulgence.
- If the soup has thickened after cooling, adjust the consistency by adding a bit of warm broth until it reaches your desired thickness.
Additional Information and FAQs
Nutritional Information
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- A typical serving of Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup provides around 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
- Macronutrient Breakdown:
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving from the ground beef and broth.
- Fat: 15-20 grams, influenced by the type of ground beef and whether cream or cheese is added.
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30 grams, primarily from potatoes and other vegetables.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef (93% lean), skip the cheese, and reduce the amount of cream. This can significantly cut down on calories and fat while maintaining the soup’s hearty nature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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- Overcooking the Potatoes: To maintain the potatoes’ texture, avoid cooking on high heat for too long. Aim for a slow cook on low for even tenderness.
- Not Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the Crock Pot helps build a richer flavor base for the soup.
- Adding Dairy Too Early: Adding cream or cheese too early can cause it to curdle. Always add these ingredients in the last 30 minutes for a smooth, creamy finish.
FAQs
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- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. It will slightly change the flavor but still works well in this recipe. - Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of using a Crock Pot?
A: Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients over low heat for about 1-2 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded. - Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
A: If you want a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. You can also add extra potatoes and mash some of them for natural thickening. - Q: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A: Yes, pasta can be a delicious addition. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Description
This creamy and cheesy soup is a hearty comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep time thanks to your slow cooker. Add in some peas and carrots for a touch of sweetness and color, or leave them out if you prefer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into medium pieces
- 12 oz frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta, cut into cubes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef into crumbles and cook until no pink remains and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the skillet.
2️⃣ Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. If using jarred garlic, you can skip this step and add it directly to the slow cooker with the ground beef.
3️⃣ Transfer to the slow cooker: Pour the ground beef mixture into the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker.
4️⃣ Add remaining ingredients: Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, peas and carrots (if using), cheddar cheese soup, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5️⃣ Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
6️⃣ Add cream and cheese: About an hour before serving, add the heavy cream and Velveeta cubes. Stir well, cover again, and let the Velveeta melt into the soup.
7️⃣ Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, give the soup a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the cheese: For a sharper flavor, swap some or all of the Velveeta for shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less rich soup.
- Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
