This warm and cozy soup is perfect for chilly days! With creamy potatoes and savory hamburger, it’s a delicious meal that cooks slowly in your crockpot.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in and let it simmer. It smells amazing and tastes even better! Plus, you can top it with cheese for a little extra yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you want a lighter dish, ground turkey or chicken can also work well. I sometimes mix in some sausage for extra flavor!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this soup due to their creaminess. You can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes too. If you’re looking for low-carb options, cauliflower could be a fascinating substitute.
Carrots & Celery: These veggies add crunch and sweetness. If you’re out of either, feel free to add bell peppers or even zucchini for a different twist.
Heavy Cream: If you want to cut calories, try half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works surprisingly well and adds a nice creaminess.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works too. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or if you want a vegetarian version; just swap out the beef for lentils.
How Do I Ensure My Soup Has the Best Flavor?
Flavor is key in this soup, and there’s an easy way to boost it right from the start. Browning the ground beef well adds depth. Make sure to let the beef sit without stirring for a few minutes to really develop that crusty goodness.
- Heat the oil before adding the beef so it sears nicely.
- Don’t rush—let it brown for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
- When you add the beef broth, scrape the bottom of the skillet to mix in those tasty brown bits!
Also, season as you go! It’s easier to adjust flavor throughout cooking than to fix bland soup at the end. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Soup Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then it cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in your crockpot. So, you can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give everything a little stir to mix them up. This colorful mix will bring great flavor to your soup!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Next, add the browned ground beef to the crockpot with the vegetables. Then, pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Cooking Time!
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and full of flavor.
5. Add Cream and Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream. This will give your soup a creamy texture. Taste your soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Let it warm through before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. This soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
## FAQ for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly to enhance the flavor, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning since these meats can be milder than beef.
How Do I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This will give the soup a creamy consistency without the dairy. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning, as coconut milk can add a subtle sweetness.
Can I Prepare This Soup the Night Before?
Yes, you can prep a day ahead! Chop the vegetables and brown the meat, then store them in the fridge separately. Combine them in the crockpot the next morning and cook as directed. Just remember to refrigerate the cream and peas separately and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
