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Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

This Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is a warm, hearty, and comforting slow-cooked meal combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich beef broth. It’s easy to prepare with minimal effort, perfect for busy days, and customizable with optional ingredients like cream, cheese, or spices. Ideal for a cozy dinner or family meal that’s flavorful, filling, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

  • 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 to 1 cup milk or cream (optional)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley

Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • 1/2 cup corn, peas, or green beans (for vegetable boost)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • Chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika (to taste, to spice it up)
  • Cauliflower florets (substitute potatoes for low-carb option)
  • Ground turkey or chicken (substitute for ground beef for a lighter take)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy before adding the beef to your crockpot.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic to prepare the aromatics and veggies that build the base flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the browned beef, potatoes, chopped vegetables, garlic, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Add your preferred herbs and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to mix.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Finish and Adjust: If desired, stir in milk or cream for a richer broth and adjust seasoning to taste before serving. This last step adds an indulgent creaminess that takes the soup to the next level.

Notes

  • Brown the meat first to intensify flavor and avoid greasy soup.
  • Chop potatoes and vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
  • Layer denser veggies like potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Do not overfill the crockpot; leave space for heat circulation.
  • Season gradually by adding salt and herbs in stages to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat on stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Customize with additional vegetables, spices, or cheese as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, hamburger soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty soup, budget-friendly soup, creamy soup, ground beef soup