Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

### **Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Ground Beef:**
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to the Crockpot.

2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and (if using) chop the carrot. Add all the vegetables to the Crockpot with the beef.

3. **Add the Broth and Seasonings:**
Pour in the **chicken or beef broth** and add the **salt**, **pepper**, **paprika**, **Italian seasoning**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Stir everything together to combine.

4. **Slow Cook the Soup:**
Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on **low heat** for **6-7 hours** or on **high heat** for **3-4 hours**. The potatoes should be tender, and the flavors will have melded together. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work just as well, but the low setting allows for a more developed flavor.

5. **Add the Cream and Cream Cheese:**
About 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking, add the **heavy cream** and **cream cheese** to the Crockpot. Stir to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt and incorporate into the soup, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

6. **Adjust Seasoning:**
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

7. **Serve and Garnish:**
Once the soup is done cooking, ladle it into bowls. Top with **shredded cheddar cheese**, **chopped parsley**, or **green onions** for extra flavor and color. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

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## **Variations to Try**

While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are several variations that you can experiment with to customize the soup to your tastes:

### **1. Bacon Lover’s Crockpot Potato Soup**
For an extra savory flavor, add **crispy bacon** bits to the soup. You can cook the bacon separately, crumble it, and stir it in toward the end of the cooking process. This adds an irresistible smoky flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup.

### **2. Loaded Potato Soup**
If you love the classic **loaded baked potato** flavors, add **cheddar cheese**, **sour cream**, and **green onions** to the soup. Top each bowl with additional bacon bits, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to recreate the full experience.

### **3. Spicy Beef and Potato Soup**
For a spicy kick, stir in some **jalapeños**, **chili powder**, or **cayenne pepper**. You can also top the soup with a dollop of **sour cream** to help cool it down.

### **4. Vegetarian Version**
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace the broth with a **vegetable broth**. You can add extra vegetables like **corn**, **peas**, or **green beans** to create a heartier dish.

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## **Why Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Is a Winner**

There’s no doubt that **Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup** is a winner when it comes to easy, hearty, and comforting meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a get-together, this soup is sure to be a hit. With its rich, creamy texture, flavorful beef, and tender potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any season.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility — you can make it your own by experimenting with different seasonings, adding extra vegetables, or choosing a lighter or richer version of the dish. And with the help of the slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that will allow you to focus on other things while it does all the work.

So the next time you’re craving a delicious, filling soup that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, reach for the **Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup** recipe. It’s the ultimate dish to enjoy on a cold day, for a family dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Enjoy!