This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is a delightful way to enjoy comfort food with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, this soup combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth that warms the soul. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Soup Base
- For Garnish
- How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Step 3: Slow Cook
- Step 4: Final Touches
- Step 5: Serve
- How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Top with Cheese
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Pair with Bread
- Include a Salad
- How to Perfect Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Reheating Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup without beef?
- How can I customize my Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup?
- What can I serve with Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup?
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set this dish to cook while you go about your day.
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with ingredients that will keep you satisfied and full.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen on the second day, making it even tastier when reheated.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and comforting taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes all the difference in creating this delicious soup. Gather your kitchen essentials to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Kitchen knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Perfect for slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat evenly before adding it to the soup.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier soup)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s browned.
1. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Now it’s time to add more flavor!
1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth.
3. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or half-and-half), dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
1. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
2. Check if the potatoes are tender; they should easily break apart when pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Final Touches
To enhance creaminess:
1. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and sour cream (optional).
2. Mix well until everything is melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle your hearty soup into bowls.
1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or crackers for an extra treat!
How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Add a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a rich, creamy flavor.
- Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan for a nutty finish that complements the soup.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Offer garlic bread for a flavorful twist that everyone loves.
Include a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and contrast to the creamy soup.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a light balance to the hearty dish.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
To make your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup truly remarkable, consider these helpful tips for an even better flavor and texture.
- Bold Browning: Brown the ground beef well before adding it to the Crockpot. This enhances the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Even Cuts: Make sure to dice your potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate and achieve perfect tenderness.
- Creamy Finish: For extra creaminess, substitute half-and-half for milk. It will give your soup a luxurious texture.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings based on your preferences. Taste your soup before serving and tweak salt and pepper as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Complementing your Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Toast: Perfectly toasted bread brushed with garlic butter enhances every bite of soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory flavors and adds delightful texture.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide freshness while balancing the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as an exciting contrast alongside the soup.
- Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips offer a fun texture contrast and make for easy snacking during dinner.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and lighten up the meal overall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Beef: Sautéing the beef too long can make it tough. Just brown it until no longer pink before adding it to the Crockpot.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the beef first can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown it for depth of flavor.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excess broth can make the soup too thin. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for a creamy consistency.
- Not Stirring Well: Failing to mix ingredients thoroughly can result in uneven cooking. Make sure everything is well combined before closing the lid.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating.
Freezing Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup without beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or use plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version.
How can I customize my Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it one day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers great versatility. With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices!
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Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of ground beef and tender potatoes in a creamy broth that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this slow-cooked soup requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only filling but also customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you add fresh herbs, veggies, or extra cheese, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- Dried thyme and parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk (or half-and-half), thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- For added creaminess, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
