Ingredients
Before you begin preparing your crockpot creamy potato & hamburger soup, gather the following ingredients:
– Potatoes: 4 large, peeled and diced
– Ground beef: 1 pound
– Onion: 1 large, chopped
– Carrots: 2, peeled and sliced
– Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
– Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
– Beef broth: 4 cups
– Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess): 4 oz, softened
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to make ingredient substitutions based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The flexibility of this recipe allows for easy customization to suit your needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. In the crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, browned ground beef, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. If using cream cheese for extra creaminess, stir in the softened cream cheese until well incorporated into the soup.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
These simple steps will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying crockpot creamy potato & hamburger soup that will impress your family and friends. Here are some expert tips to ensure success in your cooking endeavors.
Expert Tips for Success
– For a richer flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
– To enhance the creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt along with the cream cheese.
– Feel free to add in additional vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrients and color.
– This soup freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and store individual portions for later consumption.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
