Directions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally if possible.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash a portion of the potatoes in the crockpot. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture. You can mash as much or as little as you like, depending on how thick you want the soup to be.
5. Add Dairy and Cheese:
Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the butter if you want an extra creamy finish. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
6. Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Lighter Version: To make this soup a bit lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute the milk for a lower-fat option like skim milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup while it cooks.
- Creamier Texture: If you prefer an extra creamy soup, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese at the end, or use half-and-half instead of milk.
Health Benefits:
This soup offers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and dairy. The ground beef provides protein and iron, while the potatoes add fiber and essential vitamins. By using lean beef or turkey and adjusting the dairy, you can also control the fat content, making it as healthy as you’d like.
