Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Introduction

As the colder months approach, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. I recently made this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup in my crockpot for my family, and it was an absolute hit! The combination of tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, and a creamy broth created a rich and flavorful dish that everyone raved about. It was especially nice to have a meal that required minimal hands-on time; simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work! My kids loved the cheesy flavor and the added veggies, making it a nutritious option that I felt good about serving. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, and it’s quickly become one of our family favorites.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:
   Add the milk, shredded cheese, corn, peas, carrots, thyme, and rosemary. Cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Season and Serve:
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high in the crockpot
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes if cooked on high)

How to Serve

This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm baguette or crusty rolls for dipping.
• Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
• Garnished with Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For a creamy twist, top each bowl with a spoonful of sour cream.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Leftover Roast Beef: If you have leftover roast beef, you can shred it and add it to the soup for a quick shortcut.
2. Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes before adding the milk and cheese.
3. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include more vegetables such as green beans or bell peppers to boost the nutrition.
4. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Keep It Creamy: To prevent curdling, add the milk and cheese at the end of the cooking process.

Recipe Variations

There are many ways to customize this soup to suit your tastes:

• Cheesy Broccoli and Beef Soup: Add 1-2 cups of chopped broccoli florets along with the other vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
• Creamy Chicken Soup: Substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a different protein option.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, adding beans or lentils for protein.
• Spicy Hamburger Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for added heat.
• Herbed Potato Soup: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider these additional serving suggestions:

• Pair with a Savory Pie: Serve with a slice of savory pot pie or quiche for a hearty meal.
• Offer a Variety of Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with options like bacon bits, croutons, or sliced green onions for guests to customize their bowls.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully and adds a nice crunch.
• Make a Meal Combo: Serve the soup as part of a meal combo with a simple sandwich or wrap.
• Add a Fresh Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet, for a refreshing end.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh diced potatoes work perfectly in this recipe.
2. Is there a substitute for ground beef?
   You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
4. What can I do if my soup is too thick?
   Add more beef broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Can I add pasta to the soup?
   Yes, small pasta shapes can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
6. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   Ensure your beef broth is gluten-free, and avoid any thickeners that contain gluten.
7. What can I use instead of cheese?
   For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
8. Can I use a slow cooker instead of a crockpot?
   Yes, a slow cooker works similarly to a crockpot for this recipe.
9. Is this soup kid-friendly?
   Absolutely! The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it appealing to children.
10. What is the best way to reheat frozen soup?
    Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and busy days. This hearty dish combines familiar flavors with a creamy, satisfying texture that will warm you from the inside out. Easy to make in the crockpot, it allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying meals with your loved ones. With its customizable ingredients and simple preparation, this soup is sure to become a staple in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that everyone will love!

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