Description
Simmering comfort defines this creamy hamburger & potato delight recipe with hearty Midwestern roots. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheese sauce blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly share with family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
- 6 cups (900 g) peeled and diced russet potatoes
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
- 8 oz (226 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1.5 cups (360 mL) milk
- 2 cups (280 g) frozen vegetable mix
- 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 3 tsps dried basil
- 2 tsps dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and onions turn translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Flavor Infusion: Drain excess fat, return beef to skillet, and quickly sauté minced garlic to release aromatic notes without scorching.
- Crockpot Assembly: Transfer beef mixture to crockpot, add diced potatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, thyme, black pepper, and salt, ensuring ingredients are well-submerged.
- Simmering Stage: Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to harmonize.
- Thickening Process: Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then gradually incorporate into the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and develop a creamy consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Fold in cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until completely melted and thoroughly blended.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasonings to taste, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
- Storage Guidelines: Refrigerate within 2 hours in airtight containers or freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in refrigerator before gentle reheating on stovetop or microwave.
Notes
- Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are translucent to develop deep, rich flavor foundations without burning.
- Fat Drainage Strategy: Use a colander to remove excess fat, preserving meat’s texture and reducing unnecessary greasiness in the final dish.
- Potato Cooking Tip: Submerge potatoes completely in broth to guarantee even cooking and optimal tenderness throughout the meal.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add Velveeta gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted cheese clumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 861 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg