Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

I love making Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup because it turns simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that my whole family devours. This hearty soup combines tender potato cubes, savory ground beef, and a velvety cheese sauce that’s pure comfort in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes that fills your home with amazing aromas while you go about your day.

There’s nothing better than coming home to a house that smells like simmering soup. I started making this creamy potato hamburger soup on busy weekdays when I needed dinner practically ready when I walked through the door. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you’re at work or running errands. What makes this soup special is how the potatoes break down just enough to thicken the broth naturally, creating that dreamy, creamy texture without needing a ton of heavy cream. Plus, with protein-packed hamburger and filling potatoes, this crockpot potato soup keeps everyone satisfied for hours. It’s become my go-to recipe for cold evenings when we crave something warm and homey.

What You’ll Need for This Hearty Soup

I always use Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe because they create the creamiest texture, but Russets work beautifully too if that’s what you have on hand. Make sure your dairy ingredients are at room temperature before adding them so they blend smoothly without breaking.

• 1 pound ground hamburger
• 3-4 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (use 4 for milder or 6 for bold garlic flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1¼ cups shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (I mix both for depth)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
• Optional: dash of paprika for color and subtle warmth

How to Make This Comforting Crockpot Soup

Step 1: Brown the Hamburger Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground hamburger. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is nicely browned. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those caramelized brown bits. Drain the excess grease thoroughly and set the cooked meat aside.

Step 2: Prep Your Potatoes Peel and cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This size is crucial because it ensures even cooking. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove excess starch, which can make your soup gummy. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Layer the Crockpot Place the potato cubes in your crockpot as the base layer. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the potatoes. This layering helps distribute the flavors beautifully throughout your creamy potato hamburger soup.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, plus 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano. Gently stir everything to combine and ensure the seasonings reach all the potatoes.

Step 5: Add Meat and Thickeners Add your cooked ground hamburger to the crockpot, distributing it evenly. Drop in the ¼ cup unsalted butter in small pieces across the surface. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch evenly over the entire mixture and stir lightly. This creates the base for that signature creamy texture.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the broth should smell amazing. No need to stir during cooking, but if you’re home, one gentle stir halfway through helps distribute everything evenly.

Step 7: Check and Adjust Thickness During the final hour, check your soup’s consistency. If the broth is still watery and doesn’t coat the back of a spoon, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the soup. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to thicken properly.

Step 8: Add the Creamy Goodness Once potatoes are perfectly tender, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half and 1¼ cups of shredded cheese. Using room temperature cream prevents curdling when added to hot soup. I prefer a mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan for the best flavor. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts completely and creates that silky, luxurious sauce you’re looking for in crockpot creamy potato soup.

Step 9: Final Seasoning and Serving Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes I add a pinch more salt at this stage to brighten all the flavors. If the soup needs to heat through more after adding the dairy, let it sit on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy Ladle your creamy potato hamburger soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top. The fresh herbs add a beautiful pop of color and a bright flavor that balances the richness perfectly.

Perfect Pairings for Your Soup

This crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup has such a rich, comforting flavor that it pairs beautifully with lighter, crispy, or fresh sides.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: Nothing beats tearing off chunks of warm, crusty sourdough to dip into this creamy soup. The tangy bread complements the rich, cheesy broth perfectly and helps you enjoy every last drop.

Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and adds a refreshing crunch. I like adding cherry tomatoes for extra color and vitamins.

Garlic Breadsticks: These are always a hit at my table. The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the soup without overwhelming it, and they’re perfect for soaking up the creamy potato hamburger soup.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli add nutrition and a slightly caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s smooth texture.

Crispy Bacon Bits: While not exactly a side, topping your soup with extra crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that makes this already amazing soup even better. These are some of the best sides for crockpot potato soup.

More Hearty Ground Beef Soups to Enjoy

This creamy potato hamburger soup pairs perfectly with other beef-based options that deliver satisfying, home-cooked comfort. The Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup features similar ground beef with melted cheddar but adds vegetables like carrots and celery for extra heartiness. Both soups showcase how simple hamburger transforms into rich, filling meals with minimal effort.

For variety beyond beef, try the Best Crockpot Potato Soup with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, or the Ultimate Creamy Sausage Potato Soup featuring Italian sausage in a velvety cream base. These potato-centered soups complement each other beautifully for weekly meal planning while maintaining that comforting, stick-to-your-ribs quality everyone craves.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh and Delicious

Store your crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

For reheating, I prefer the stovetop method. Pour your desired portion into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your preferred consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

If you’re planning to freeze this soup, leave out the dairy ingredients during the initial cooking. Freeze the potato and hamburger base for up to 2 months, then thaw completely and add the cream and cheese when reheating. This prevents the dairy from separating and keeps your soup perfectly creamy.

Your Crockpot Soup Questions Answered

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