# Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
## Introduction
Are you looking for a hearty meal that can warm you up during chilly evenings? Look no further than our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. It’s not just a comfort dish but also a nutrition-packed recipe that perfectly combines the goodness of potatoes, meat, and fresh vegetables.
## Why Make this Recipe
This recipe is great because it’s simple, convenient, and uses ingredients which you likely already have in your kitchen. The slow-cooking process allows the flavours to blend beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quick-cooking methods. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you want something satisfying and comforting.
## How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
### Ingredients:
1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 large onion, chopped
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
5. 2 carrots, chopped
6. 2 stalks celery, chopped
7. 4 cups chicken or beef broth
8. 1 tsp dried thyme
9. 1 tsp paprika
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. 1 cup heavy cream
12. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13. 2 tbsp cornstarch
14. 2 tbsp water
15. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
### Directions:
Follow the instructions provided above (from the introduction to garnish and serve) to make your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.
## How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
This hearty soup is perfect on its own as it has both meat and vegetables. However, for an even more satisfying meal, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread to dip into the soup. You can also pair it with a fresh house salad to balance the richness of the soup.
## How to Store Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through.
## Tips to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
To enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a bay leaf or two during the slow cooking process. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
If you want a thicker soup, add more cornstarch-water mixture to the desired consistency. This soup can also be customized based on your preferences. Feel free to add more vegetables like green beans or peas if you’d prefer.
## Variation
You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the soup. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or another type of legume and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
## FAQs
### Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! One of the great things about soups is that they often taste even better the next day. Simply allow the soup to cool before storing it in the refrigerator.
### What type of potato should I use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because of their waxy texture and buttery flavor. However, russet potatoes will work well too.
### Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is gluten-free, just ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
Try this comforting and hearty Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, and it might just become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
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