Description
Hearty Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup warms hearts with comforting layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and rich seasonings. Slow-simmered goodness invites you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying midwestern classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups (600 grams) potatoes, peeled & diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 cups (240 grams) carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (drained, optional)
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water (to thicken, if needed)
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully breaking it into small, uniform crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Drain the excess fat thoroughly, ensuring the meat is lean and well-prepared for the soup.
- Transfer the seasoned ground beef directly into the crock pot, creating a rich protein base for the soup.
- Dice the potatoes into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture throughout the soup.
- Add the diced potatoes into the crock pot, layering them gently over the browned meat.
- Finely mince the onions and garlic, releasing their aromatic flavors that will enhance the overall soup profile.
- Sprinkle the minced onions and garlic evenly across the meat and potato mixture, distributing their robust flavors.
- Pour the chicken broth carefully into the crock pot, creating a liquid foundation that will help meld all ingredients together.
- Incorporate cream cheese and milk, stirring gently to create a smooth, creamy consistency that will bind the soup’s components.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to elevate the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to simmer and merge their flavors for 6-7 hours.
- Occasionally stir the soup to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced and comforting meal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce extra fat and create a lighter soup texture.
- Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors that enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.
- Consider using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy consistency and smooth mouthfeel.
- Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the soup’s hearty character.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg