Before browning the ground beef, be careful to split it up into little pieces so it cooks evenly. Pressing down the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon can help brown it evenly in the pan.
For a change of pace, try using ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef. Substitute plant-based ground beef or mushrooms for the meat if you'd rather have a vegetarian version.
Get the slow cooker ready:
Advice: Make sure the carrots, celery, and potatoes are all uniformly chopped for even cooking. The soup will be creamier with smaller potato cubes, chunkier with bigger cubes, and both will break down when cooked.
Pour in the stock and seasonings. For a balanced flavor, taste the soup before covering the crockpot. If you think it needs it, adjust the pepper, salt, and paprika.
Substitute smoked paprika for a milder flavor or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicier taste.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, cook on low heat, but if you're in a rush, you may also use high heat. This will give the flavors more time to combine. Watch out that you don't make the potatoes mushy by cooking them for too long on high heat.
Before adding the cream and cheese, stir them together slowly so that they don't clump. If you add it too hastily, it could turn up grainy.
Options: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter soup, or look into lactose-free cheese substitutes.
Place the order:
A little sour cream, some green onions, or some crispy bacon pieces make a delicious and crunchy garnish.
To mop up the rich soup, serve with garlic bread, handmade biscuits, or crusty toast.
Extra Pointers:
Put this soup in an airtight jar and keep it in the fridge for three or four days. Additionally, it has a three-month shelf life when frozen. Restore the creamy consistency by reheating carefully on the stovetop and adding more broth or milk if necessary.
Personalize it by adding your favorite veggies (peas, corn, green beans, etc.) or cheese (any kind would work).
For a lighter version that's still nutritious, try using ground turkey or lean beef instead of heavy cream and reducing the cheese.
No matter how hectic your day is, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will be the ideal evening dinner or meal prep option. If you would want more styles or suggestions, please inform me.
