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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside. This step ensures that the beef is seasoned and cooked properly before it goes into the crockpot.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These ingredients will provide the base for the soup, creating that delicious, comforting flavor.
#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the beef broth into the crockpot along with the salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir everything to combine. The broth will help the potatoes cook and create a savory base for the soup.
#### Step 4: Add the Ground Beef
Add the cooked ground beef to the crockpot and mix it into the potato mixture. This allows the flavors to meld together as it cooks, giving the soup its rich, meaty taste.
#### Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. The slow cooking process helps to develop deep, rich flavors in the soup.
#### Step 6: Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk, evaporated milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, and the soup is creamy and smooth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher to create a creamier texture.
#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the creamy potato and hamburger soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. For an extra touch of flavor, top the soup with crumbled bacon. Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers on the side for the perfect cozy meal.
### Tips for the Perfect Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup:
– **Potatoes:** Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down nicely as they cook, creating a creamy texture. However, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a smoother, more waxy texture.
– **Cheese:** Cheddar cheese adds the perfect sharpness to the soup, but you can also mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
– **Make It Spicy:** For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the crockpot.
– **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for more variety and added nutrition.
### Why You’ll Love This Soup:
– **Hands-Off Cooking:** The beauty of making this soup in a crockpot is that you can set it and forget it. Just throw everything into the pot and let it cook while you go about your day.
– **Hearty and Satisfying:** With tender potatoes, ground beef, and a creamy broth, this soup is filling and perfect for feeding a crowd or your family on a chilly evening.
– **Customizable:** You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings, vegetables, or toppings to make it your own.
### Conclusion:
This Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup made in a crockpot is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors, tender potatoes, and a creamy texture. It’s the kind of meal that everyone will enjoy, and it’s so easy to prepare with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to warm you up and fill you up. Enjoy a bowl of this deliciousness on your next chilly evening!
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