Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup is my go-to recipe when I need something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy broth that my whole family loves. I discovered this recipe on a particularly cold evening when I wanted comfort food but needed the slow cooker to do all the work.

There’s something special about coming home to the aroma of this creamy potato soup simmering away. I love how the potatoes break down slightly to create natural thickness while the beef adds hearty protein. This crockpot hamburger soup has become my answer to busy weeknights because I can prep everything in the morning and return to a complete meal. The combination of vegetables, meat, and cheese creates a bowl of pure comfort that even my pickiest eaters request regularly.

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Crockpot Soup

I always recommend using russet potatoes for this recipe because they create the perfect creamy texture as they cook. Pro tip: don’t skip browning the beef first, it adds incredible depth of flavor to your soup base.

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth (I prefer beef broth for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for extra thickness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Equipment needed: 6-quart or larger slow cooker, skillet for browning beef

Simple Steps to Make Perfect Potato Hamburger Soup

I recommend taking your time with the browning step because it really makes this Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup taste restaurant-quality. The layering technique helps everything cook evenly.

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot. Layer the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery over the meat. Pro tip: place harder vegetables like carrots at the bottom since they take longer to cook.

Step 4: Pour the broth over the vegetables, then add thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings. The liquid should nearly cover all ingredients.

Step 5: Cover and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. No stirring needed during cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork easily pierces the potatoes, carrots are tender, and the soup is bubbling gently at the edges.

Step 6: During the last 15-20 minutes of cook time, check the soup consistency. If it seems thin, prepare the cornstarch slurry. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Add the cornstarch mixture if using. Continue cooking on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts completely. Be careful not to overheat after adding dairy or it may separate.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese.

Perfect Pairings for Your Hamburger Soup

This Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread that can soak up every bit of the creamy broth.

Crusty French Bread: The crispy exterior and soft interior make it ideal for dipping into this rich soup. The neutral flavor complements without competing with the cheese and beef.

Garlic Toast: Buttery garlic bread adds an aromatic element that enhances the savory notes in the soup. The crunch provides nice textural contrast to the creamy base.

Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds fresh, crisp vegetables to balance the hearty soup. Perfect for lighter appetites.

Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or roasted broccoli add nutritional value and complement the comfort food vibe of this creamy potato soup recipe.

More Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes

This crockpot creamy potato hamburger soup offers hands-off convenience, and pairs wonderfully with other slow cooker favorites. For another creamy potato version, try the Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup featuring cream cheese for extra richness. When you want fork-tender beef chuck instead of ground meat, the Crockpot Beef Stew creates incredible depth of flavor.

For quick stovetop options ready in 40 minutes, explore the Easy Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup, or try the Vegetable Beef Soup packed with carrots, celery, and green beans. These hearty soups make excellent meal prep and freeze beautifully for busy weeknights.

Storing Your Leftover Potato Soup

This Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping in mind that the soup may thicken as it sits.

For reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too but stir frequently to ensure even heating. The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge.

Common Questions About Crockpot Potato Soup

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