Description
A hearty, creamy soup made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for cold days and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 preferred, but any available works)
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 2 medium Diced carrots
- 2 stalks Diced celery
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 4 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups Chicken broth (Can use beef broth for more flavor)
- 8 oz Cheese, shredded (Sharp cheddar recommended, mix as desired)
- 4 oz Cream cheese (Or substitute with heavy cream)
- 1 cup Crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper (Adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika (Pinch for flavor enhancement)
Toppings
- 1 cup Sliced pickles (For crunch)
- 1/4 cup Chopped green onions (For garnish)
- 1 cup More shredded cheese (Optional, for extra indulgence)
- 1 cup Crushed crackers or buttery croutons (For topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a pan and drain the fat.
- Add the browned beef to the slow cooker, along with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, potatoes, and chicken broth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Near the end of cooking, stir in cheese, cream cheese, and crumbled bacon, allowing time for ingredients to melt and blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serving
- Serve with the suggested toppings.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. For a low-carb version, substitute diced cauliflower for potatoes. To make it healthier, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and adjust creamy ingredients accordingly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Cuisine: American