Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
5-6 potatoes of medium size, peeled and cut into small pieces.
1 average-sized onion, diced
3 pieces of minced garlic
3 cups of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of dried parsley
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried basil
Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
3 cups of whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour can be added to thicken the mixture, but it is not necessary.
2 tablespoons of butter (if desired, for extra creaminess)
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley can be used to decorate the dish, but it is not necessary.

How To Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Cook the ground beef in a pan on medium heat until it is completely cooked. Remove any extra fat and put the beef in the slow cooker.
Get the vegetables ready. Cut the potatoes into small pieces, chop the onion, and finely chop the garlic. Put them in the slow cooker with the cooked beef.
Make the soup: Put the chicken broth, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Mix together.
Cook the dish by placing a lid on the pot and cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft.

To make it creamy, add milk or half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup 30 minutes before serving. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. To make it thicker, mix the flour with the milk before putting it in the crockpot.

Add butter at the end if you want to make it even creamier and richer.

Instructions: Pour the soup into bowls and add chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top if you like. Enjoy it hot with some crunchy bread on the side!

Notes for Making Delicious Potato and Hamburger Soup

Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results. These types of potatoes soften a bit when cooked, making the soup creamier.
Cheese Choices: Cheddar cheese tastes delicious, but you can also try different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or spicy pepper jack for some extra flavor.
Taste the soup before serving and add more seasoning if necessary. Adding a bit more salt, pepper, or even a drop of hot sauce can enhance the taste.
To make your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or mix flour and milk to create a slurry.

Why the slow cooker is ideal for making this soup.

The slow cooker helps all the flavors blend perfectly. As the potatoes cook, they absorb the flavorful broth and spices, resulting in a thick and creamy base. Also, by cooking the soup slowly, the minced meat stays soft and moist, making the dish more filling and satisfying. It’s an easy way to cook that always gives tasty results.