This Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that makes the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or chilly gatherings. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It cooks all day in your slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of creamy broth and melted cheddar cheese creates a warm, inviting dish that’s perfect for cold weather.
- Easy Preparation: Simply brown the beef, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it cook—minimal effort for maximum flavor!
- Versatile Meal: This soup is great for family dinners, game day gatherings, or as a comforting lunch option.
- One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients simmer together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a satisfying meal.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, make sure you have the right tools at hand. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking; just set it and forget it while your meal simmers.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning meat to enhance flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Chopping board & Knife: Essential for prepping vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
For the Broth
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup milk
Optional Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
How to Make Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions become translucent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour in your choice of chicken or beef broth. Add dried thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until all vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water before adding it in.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once done, serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting bowl of Wisconsin-style soup!
How to Serve Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Serving Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup is a delightful experience. This rich and creamy soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Here are some creative ways to serve it up.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: The tangy flavor of sourdough or the crusty texture of a baguette complements the soup perfectly, making for an enjoyable dipping experience.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds freshness and crunch to your meal, balancing the richness of the soup.
Top with Extra Cheese
- Cheddar or Parmesan: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan on top before serving for an additional cheesy flavor that enhances each bite.
Serve with Crackers
- Saltines or Herb Crackers: These crunchy companions are perfect for scooping up the creamy soup and add an enjoyable texture contrast.
Include Pickles or Relish
- Dill Pickles: A side of dill pickles provides a tangy contrast that brightens the flavors of this hearty soup.
How to Perfect Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Perfecting your Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh potatoes, carrots, and celery. Fresh vegetables contribute better taste and texture compared to frozen ones.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! You may want to add more salt and pepper according to your preference for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on creaminess.
- Control Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use cornstarch mixed with water in the final minutes of cooking. Adjust as needed for desired thickness.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps improve its flavor as it thickens slightly.
Best Side Dishes for Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
Pairing your crockpot soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options that go well with Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic-infused bread is perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of soup.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup and makes for a vibrant plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and provide a hearty addition alongside your soup.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are great for dipping and add a comforting element that pairs beautifully with hot soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup while adding a delightful crumbly texture.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges create an enjoyable crunch that meshes well with the creamy consistency of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup, there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Not browning the beef properly. Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown it until it’s fully cooked before adding it to the crockpot.
- Skipping the seasoning. Some may forget to season the broth adequately. Seasoning layers throughout cooking enhances flavors, so don’t skip out on thyme, parsley, or paprika.
- Overcooking or undercooking vegetables. Cooking times vary across slow cookers; ensure your vegetables are tender but not mushy by checking them periodically.
- Using low-quality cheese. Low-quality cheddar can affect the creaminess of your soup. Opt for a good quality cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Neglecting to add cream at the right time. Adding heavy cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup.
How do I adjust seasoning in Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup?
Taste the soup towards the end of cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for desired flavor.
Can I make Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
What vegetables can I add to Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup?
Feel free to add peas, green beans, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor!
How long should I cook Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until all ingredients are tender.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & chicken hamburger Soup is a hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a family favorite. You can easily customize the recipe by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste preferences!
Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & Chicken Hamburger Soup
Dive into the comforting richness of Wisconsin-Style Crockpot Creamy Potato & Chicken Hamburger Soup, a dish designed to warm your soul on chilly nights! This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a delightful creamy broth accented with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker while you attend to other tasks. With its inviting aroma and delicious flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 3 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery.
- Pour in broth and add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- In the last 20 minutes, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg