Directions to follow
- Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to your crockpot. Add the cubed potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Cover and let it cook until creamy and slightly thickened.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Best ways to enjoy it
This soup is delicious on its own, but it can be elevated even more with some easy accompaniments. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Try adding garnishes like crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. For a fun twist, offer different toppings such as jalapeños, diced avocado, or sour cream.
How to store
Leftovers of this creamy soup can be kept fresh easily! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well; just be sure to freeze it in portions for easy reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
For best results, ensure your potatoes are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before stirring in the cheese and sour cream. Additionally, don’t skip the browning step for the beef; it adds depth and richness to the final dish!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with the flavors! Add diced bell peppers for an added crunch, or spice things up with a dash of cayenne pepper. For a herbaceous flavor, consider incorporating fresh thyme or rosemary. You might also replace the chicken broth with beef broth for a more robust flavor profile.
FAQ
How long does this soup take to prepare?
The total cooking time is about 6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH, plus the time needed to brown the ground beef initially.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to heat and serve it.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat, and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
