Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground hamburger meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bag (about 30 ounces) frozen hash browns or diced potatoes
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of potato soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cans of water (using the soup cans)
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, parsley flakes)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Optional: Shredded pepper-jack cheese for topping
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger meat and diced onion until the meat is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned meat and onion to the crockpot.
- Add the frozen hash browns or diced potatoes on top of the meat in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of potato soup and cheddar cheese soup. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and meat in the crockpot.
- Use the soup cans to measure and add two cans of water to the crockpot.
- Season the mixture with your preferred seasonings. Stir well to ensure even distribution of flavors. Mix in the bacon bits.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheese. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can top your bowl with shredded pepper-jack cheese.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook to perfection.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Potato and Hamburger Crockpot Delight! You can garnish with additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or sour cream if desired.
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrients.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Here are some potential questions and answers that might arise regarding the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup-Crockpot Edition .
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?
A: Yes, you can make the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time. After cooking, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency as soups can thicken when refrigerated.
Q: Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?
A: While the soup can be frozen, keep in mind that dairy-based soups like this one may experience changes in texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the dairy (heavy cream and shredded cheese). Add these ingredients after thawing and reheating the soup to maintain a creamy texture.
Q: Can I customize the toppings for serving?
A: Absolutely! The toppings are a great way to personalize your soup. Besides the suggested shredded pepper-jack cheese, you can add chopped green onions, sour cream, or even crumbled tortilla chips for a delicious crunch. Encourage everyone to create their own perfect bowl with their favorite toppings.
Q: Is it possible to cook this soup on high for a shorter time?
A: While the low setting allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook thoroughly, you can cook the soup on high for approximately 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. Keep an eye on it and check for the doneness of the potatoes to avoid overcooking.
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup!