Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, comforting aroma of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese, all simmered to perfection with minimal effort. This isn't just a soup; it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the 4 medium potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Chop the onion into small pieces as well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- In your slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, and chopped onion. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. This will provide a rich flavor to your soup.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper, then adjust according to your preference later.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the potatoes to become tender.
- After 8 hours, check the potatoes for tenderness. If they are soft, proceed to the next step. If not, allow them to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the 2 cups of milk to add creaminess to the soup. Mix thoroughly.
- Finally, add the 1 cup of shredded cheese to the soup, stirring until it is melted and evenly distributed. This will give your soup a delicious, cheesy flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup with your favorite bread or crackers!
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Cut your potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Beef Browning Hack: Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This extra step locks in flavor and removes excess grease.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Add the shredded cheese in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick and delicious future meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and low-fat milk. For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
