Put the ground beef in a skillet and cook it over medium heat until it’s done. After trimming the meat of excess fat, place it in a slow cooker.
Prepare the veggies. Mince the garlic, finely slice the onion, and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. After the meat is done, add them to the slow cooker.
Concoct the soup: Simmer the chicken stock with the chopped parsley, thyme, basil, pepper, and salt. Thoroughly combine.
When the potatoes are mushy, cook the dish covered on low heat for seven or eight hours, or covered on high heat for three to four hours.
Just 30 minutes before serving, add shredded cheddar cheese and milk or half-and-half to the soup for a creamy texture. Whip the soup until it thickens and the cheese melts. To thicken it up, combine the flour and milk in a separate bowl before adding to the crockpot.
To make it even richer and creamier, add butter just before serving.
Instructions: Divide the soup among plates and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired. Served hot, with a side of crusty bread, it is delicious!
Tips for Concocting Flavorful Hamburger and Potato Soup
Pick russet or Yukon gold potatoes, which are starchy, for the greatest outcome. Because these potatoes simmer down somewhat, they provide a velvety texture to the soup.
You can’t go wrong with cheddar cheese, but if you’re looking to amp up the flavor, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or spicy pepper jack.
If you think the soup needs extra flavor, give it a taste before you serve it. The flavor may be amplified by adding a little extra of pepper, salt, or even a splash of hot sauce.
Some potatoes may be mashed in the pot or a slurry made of flour and milk can be added to the soup to make it thicker.
Exactly why this soup is best made in a slow cooker.