Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for the coziest dinner idea to win over your family, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This bowl of comfort combines velvety potatoes, hearty ground beef, sweet carrots, and celery—all blanketed in a dreamy, cheesy broth. It’s a little bit rustic and seriously satisfying, perfect for those evenings when you crave something both familiar and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying solo leftovers, this soup brings ultimate comfort with very little effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings a special flavor, texture, or splash of color. A handful of produce, pantry staples, and a bit of creamy goodness all join forces to create this soul-warming bowl.

• Ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and extra protein; feel free to use lean beef for a lighter touch.
• Onion: Provides a savory foundation and delicious sweetness as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic notes you can’t skip.
• Potatoes: The star of the show, these create a rich, creamy texture once cooked.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of cheerful color to the soup.
• Celery: Lends subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
• Chicken or beef broth: The base that ties everything together; use what you love or have on hand.
• Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, giving the broth a soul-soothing warmth.
• Dried parsley: Delivers freshness and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
• Heavy cream: Makes the soup incredibly smooth and luxurious.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, bringing sharp, comforting flavor and gooey texture.
• Milk: Lightens up the broth and helps meld the flavors.
• Cornstarch slurry (optional): Use this if you want a thicker, chowder-like consistency.
• Fresh parsley (garnish): Sprinkled on top for color and freshness.
• Extra shredded cheddar (garnish): Because you can never have too much melty cheese!

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef, Onion & Garlic

Start by adding the ground beef to a hot skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat until there’s no pink left, breaking it up as it cooks so you get nice, bite-sized pieces. Once browned, stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Let everything sauté together for about five minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and everything smells incredible. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat before moving to the next step—nobody wants greasy soup!

Step 2: Layer in the Veggies

Grab your crockpot and transfer that savory beef mixture to the bottom. Next, add your peeled and diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery right on top. This layering ensures every spoonful gets a perfect blend of flavor and texture, and it makes the prep nice and tidy.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in your chicken or beef broth, depending on your flavor preference. Now sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir so the flavors begin to mingle—but don’t worry about perfection here! The long, slow cook will work its magic.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time). As the hours pass, the vegetables become irresistibly tender, and the flavors meld to create something special. This is the hands-off step—just let the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup bubble away while you get on with your day.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Cheese & Milk

About 15–20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. For a thicker soup, whisk together equal parts cornstarch and water (about 2 tablespoons each) and stir that in, too. Let the soup finish cooking while the cheese melts—you’ll see the broth transform into something rich and velvety.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese if you’re in the mood. Pair with crusty bread, and brace yourself for happy faces at the table.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish takes every bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup over the top. Try a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbal kick and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for melty, cheesy bliss. Add a dash of black pepper or a swirl of cream if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This soup honestly can steal the show on its own, but a nice slice of crusty sourdough or a warm dinner roll makes it extra satisfying. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich, creamy flavor and round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup in rustic stoneware mugs at a family gathering, or pour it into tiny shooter glasses for a fun appetizer at parties. Ladle it into bread bowls when you want to channel extra cozy vibes—everyone loves an edible bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next bowl even more delicious. Just make sure to let it cool first before popping it in the fridge.

Freezing

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup actually freezes surprisingly well, though the texture may change a little because of the cream and potatoes. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick after chilling or freezing, splash in an extra bit of milk or broth to bring it back to the perfect, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken both work beautifully in place of beef. You can even use plant-based ground alternatives if you’d like a vegetarian option—just use veggie broth instead and check your seasonings.

Will this recipe work with different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use russets, Yukon golds, or even red potatoes. Each type brings a slightly different texture, but all will soften nicely and help thicken the soup naturally.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

To lighten up your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, try using half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese. You can also use lean ground beef or try ground turkey for a heart-healthy spin.

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

No problem! You can simmer all the ingredients (minus the cream, cheese, and milk) in a large Dutch oven on the stove for about 45 minutes, then add the creamy elements at the end, just as you would in the slow cooker.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and seasonings are safe for a gluten-free diet. For thickening, swap the cornstarch for a certified gluten-free brand to be sure.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one soup you try this season, let it be Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. It’s pure comfort in a bowl—rich, homestyle, and as easy as it is satisfying. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a meal that feels like a warm hug. Enjoy every spoonful!

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