Description
This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect comforting dish for chilly days or busy weeknights. Combining hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy broth, this soup is an easy crowd-pleaser. The slow-cooking process in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, deeply satisfying meal without the need for constant supervision. Whether you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it meal or a creamy, indulgent soup, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium white onion peeled and diced
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 6 cups peeled and diced Russet potatoes
- 2 cups frozen vegetable mix
- 3 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
Instructions
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Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 1/2 pounds ground beef with 1 diced onion for 6-8 minutes until beef is fully browned and onions softened.
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Drain Grease: Drain excess grease from the skillet to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
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Cook Garlic: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot or stockpot.
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Add Potatoes and Broth: Add 6 cups diced Russet potatoes and 6 cups chicken broth to the crockpot or stockpot.
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Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in 2 cups frozen vegetable mix, 3 teaspoons dried basil, and 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes.
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Crockpot Cooking: Set crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
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Stovetop Cooking: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until potatoes are tender.
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Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 1/2 cups milk until smooth.
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Thicken Soup: Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup to thicken.
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Add Velveeta Cheese: Stir in 8 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Customizable Ingredients: This recipe is highly flexible, allowing you to substitute different proteins, use fresh or frozen vegetables, or even adapt it for dairy-free or vegetarian diets.
- Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop: While the crockpot method allows for a hands-off approach, the stovetop version still delivers excellent results in a shorter time frame.
- Thickening Options: If you want a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or use a combination of heavy cream for an even richer texture. Similarly, if you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or milk to adjust.