Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. 🍖🔥

Prepare the Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef mixture to a crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. 🥔🥕🌿

Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. 🍲🌿

Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. ⏲️

Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, add the cornstarch mixture and stir well. Continue to cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. 🥛🧀

Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. 🍞

Serving and Storage Tips: