Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy potato & hamburger soup to bring comfort on a cold evening. This slow cooker soup is rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that blend together beautifully over hours of slow cooking. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make—just toss in your ingredients, let your crockpot do the work, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

If you’re a fan of thick, potato-based soups, you might also enjoy this Chunky Bacon Potato Soup, which adds crispy bacon for a smoky depth of flavor. Pairing these two recipes ensures you always have a cozy, homemade soup to enjoy.

For those who love slow-cooked comfort food, another excellent choice is Mississippi Roast – The Ultimate Comfort Food. This tender, flavorful roast is another crockpot favorite that pairs beautifully with a bowl of creamy soup.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or swap for ground turkey or sausage for a lighter or more flavorful option)
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet potatoes work best for a thick and creamy texture)
3 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or beef broth (low sodium recommended for better control over saltiness)
1 cup heavy cream (alternatives: milk, half & half, or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended for a rich, cheesy flavor)

Seasonings & Add-Ins

1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick!)

For those who love a crispy, cheesy potato dish, this Stuffed Baked Potatoes recipe is another great way to enjoy potatoes in a warm, comforting form.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and celery.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent.
Transfer to the slow cooker.

3. Add Potatoes, Carrots & Broth

Place potatoes and carrots into the slow cooker.
Pour in chicken or beef broth and stir everything together.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Stir in Cream & Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and cheese (if using).
Let it melt and blend into the soup for a rich, velvety texture.

6. Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste and adjust salt & pepper as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Soup

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
To prevent curdling, warm the heavy cream slightly before adding it to the soup.
For a healthier option, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or almond milk.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This creamy potato & hamburger soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Crusty bread like French baguette or garlic bread.
Side salad with a light vinaigrette.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this soup without dairy?

Yes! Simply replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.

How do I make it thicker?

Mashing some of the potatoes or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) will thicken the soup.

Can I use raw ground beef in the crockpot?

It’s not recommended. Browning the meat first enhances flavor and removes excess grease.

What is the best type of potato for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down, making the soup naturally thicker.

How can I make this soup healthier?

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or almond milk.
Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving something cozy, this dish will hit the spot every time.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍲😋

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup – A Hearty & Comforting Meal

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

A deliciously rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound of ground beef
5–6 potatoes of medium size, peeled and cut into small pieces.
1 average-sized onion, diced
3 pieces of minced garlic
3 cups of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of dried parsley
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried basil
Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
3 cups of whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour can be added to thicken the mixture, but it is not necessary.
2 tablespoons of butter (if desired, for extra creaminess)
Chopped green onions or fresh parsley can be used to decorate the dish, but it is not necessary.

Instructions

Cook the ground beef in a pan on medium heat until it is completely cooked. Remove any extra fat and put the beef in the slow cooker.
Get the vegetables ready. Cut the potatoes into small pieces, chop the onion, and finely chop the garlic. Put them in the slow cooker with the cooked beef.
Make the soup: Put the chicken broth, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Mix together.
Cook the dish by placing a lid on the pot and cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft.

To make it creamy, add milk or half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup 30 minutes before serving. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. To make it thicker, mix the flour with the milk before putting it in the crockpot.

Add butter at the end if you want to make it even creamier and richer.

Instructions: Pour the soup into bowls and add chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top if you like. Enjoy it hot with some crunchy bread on the side!

Notes for Making Delicious Potato and Hamburger Soup

Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results. These types of potatoes soften a bit when cooked, making the soup creamier.
Cheese Choices: Cheddar cheese tastes delicious, but you can also try different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or spicy pepper jack for some extra flavor.
Taste the soup before serving and add more seasoning if necessary. Adding a bit more salt, pepper, or even a drop of hot sauce can enhance the taste.
To make your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or mix flour and milk to create a slurry.

Why the slow cooker is ideal for making this soup.

The slow cooker helps all the flavors blend perfectly. As the potatoes cook, they absorb the flavorful broth and spices, resulting in a thick and creamy base. Also, by cooking the soup slowly, the minced meat stays soft and moist, making the dish more filling and satisfying. It’s an easy way to cook that always gives tasty results.

Different ways to experiment

Add chopped carrots, celery, or corn to give your dish more color and nutrients.

Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef to give your dish a spicy kick.

Low-Carb Idea: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a version with fewer carbs that still has a creamy texture and flavor.