There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps you in comfort, like a cozy hug on a chilly day. And let me tell you, my crock pot hamburger potato soup is the ultimate feel-good dish! It’s hearty, creamy, and packed full of flavor, making it a go-to for any family gathering. I remember the first time I made it for a potluck; my friends couldn’t get enough of it! The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up in the slow cooker—just toss in the ingredients and let it work its magic while you take care of everything else. Trust me, this soup will become your new favorite for those relaxed evenings or when you need something comforting after a long day. You’ll love the way it fills your home with delicious aromas that promise a warm meal ahead!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make my cozy crock pot hamburger potato soup. These ingredients come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Make sure to have them prepped and ready to go!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 carrots, sliced thinly
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative! You can add in your favorite veggies or even swap out the cheese for something different. The world is your oyster—or in this case, your soup!
How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Now, let’s dive into the magic of creating this delicious crock pot hamburger potato soup! I promise it’s a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling divine. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your pound of ground beef and let it cook until it’s nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick! This step is super important because browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that really makes this soup sing. Don’t forget to break it up with a spatula as it cooks, so you get nice, even pieces. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess grease, and you’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This little trick infuses the soup with a savory aroma that’s just irresistible! You want the onion to soften up a bit before adding it to the crock pot—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Transfer the browned beef and sautéed onion-garlic mixture to your trusty crock pot. Then, add in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and pour in those 3 cups of beef broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients. It’s already looking good, right? Just wait, it gets even better!
Step 4: Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, you can crank it up to high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully, so I recommend the low setting if you can swing it. Just imagine the deliciousness that’s building up in there while you go about your day!
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
When your cooking time is up, it’s time for the grand finale! Stir in the cup of milk and the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. This will make your soup creamy and cheesy—yum! Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. I always find that a little extra seasoning at the end makes everything pop. Serve it hot, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into each comforting bowl of my crock pot hamburger potato soup! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make. But don’t worry, this soup provides a great balance of protein and carbs to keep you feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s gluten-free, which is a bonus for many! Enjoy the tasty comfort without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a breeze to prepare—just brown the beef, sauté the veggies, and let the crock pot do the work!
- The flavors are comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect dish for chilly nights or family gatherings.
- It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and carrots, making it a hearty option for everyone.
- This soup is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- The slow cooking method melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a rich, delicious taste that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any left, that is!
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make my crock pot hamburger potato soup, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the most delicious results every time!
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like celery, bell peppers, or even corn! Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Beef Alternatives: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
- Adjusting the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork before serving. Or, if you like it a bit thinner, just add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency!
- Cooking Time Tweaks: Don’t stress too much about the cooking time! If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will still yield tasty results, but if you have the luxury of time, low and slow is the way to go for maximum flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze portions for those busy nights when you need a quick dinner.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate comfort food! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste as you go—cooking is all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of my crock pot hamburger potato soup! First off, if you find yourself with extras (which is totally likely!), let them cool down a bit before storing. I usually pour it into an airtight container—just make sure it’s not too hot, or it might create condensation!
You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, you’ll want to reheat it gently. The best way to do this is on the stove over medium heat. Just pour it into a pot and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. It’s amazing how that comforting aroma fills the kitchen again!
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes like a dream! Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers—make sure to leave a little space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. You can store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Just remember to stir well, and you might want to add a splash of milk or broth to get that creamy texture back. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as when you first made it!
So, whether you’re storing leftovers or prepping for future meals, you’re all set to enjoy this hearty soup again and again!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my crock pot hamburger potato soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my trusty answers to help you out.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Absolutely! If you’ve got frozen ground beef on hand, just toss it into the crock pot straight from the freezer. You might want to increase the cooking time a bit, but it works just fine!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No problem! You can substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you want to keep it lighter. Just remember, the flavor will vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese if you want that cheesy goodness. It’s super versatile, so feel free to adjust!
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, try tossing in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch!
What other vegetables can I add?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can throw in some corn, peas, or even bell peppers. Just keep the size consistent with the potatoes and carrots so they cook evenly. Get creative!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident as you whip up this comforting soup. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup: 5 Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting crock pot hamburger potato soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crock pot.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in milk and cheese before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Feel free to add any additional vegetables you like.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crock pot hamburger potato soup, slow cooker soup, hearty soup
