Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:
    • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Crockpot:
    • Transfer the browned beef mixture to a crockpot. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
    • Pour in chicken or beef broth. Add dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook on Low:
    • Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese:
    • Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, add the cornstarch mixture and stir well. Continue to cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  6. Serve:
    • Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

  • Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, make sure to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly before adding to the crockpot.
  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.

Enjoy this rich and creamy soup, and feel free to let me know if you have any more recipes or cooking questions. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

Nutritional breakdown for the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, assuming the recipe makes about 6 servings:

Estimated Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~450
  • Fat: ~30g
    • Saturated Fat: ~15g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
    • Dietary Fiber: ~4g
    • Sugars: ~7g
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Cholesterol: ~95mg
  • Sodium: ~950mg

Notes:

  • Heavy Cream and Cheese: The high-fat content is mainly due to the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese and milk instead of cream.
  • Cornstarch: If using the cornstarch mixture, it will slightly increase the carbohydrates and calories.

Health Tips:

  • Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium content.
  • Vegetable Variations: Adding extra vegetables can boost fiber and nutrients while slightly adjusting the nutritional values.

This rich and hearty soup is filling and nutritious, making it a great choice for a comforting meal. Enjoy!