Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Transfer to the crockpot.
2. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and stir to combine.
3. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Creaminess:
In a small bowl, whisk the milk with the flour (if using). Stir this mixture into the crockpot along with the shredded cheese.
Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and the cheese to melt.
Stir in the sour cream just before serving for extra creaminess.
5. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.