Meals

26-Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave something warm and filling. This rich, creamy soup combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety broth that slowly develops deep flavor as it cooks. Thanks to the crockpot, everything simmers gently, allowing the ingredients to blend perfectly without constant attention.

What makes this soup especially appealing is its simplicity. With everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a satisfying meal that feeds the whole family. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile—perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even freezing for later.

Why You’ll Love This (Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup)

  • Thick, creamy, and ultra-comforting

  • Easy slow cooker recipe

  • Made with affordable pantry staples

  • Perfect for cold weather

  • Kid-friendly and filling

  • Great for leftovers and meal prep

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you enjoy hearty, comforting soups that truly eat like a full meal, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a must-try. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth to create a filling dish that satisfies both hunger and cravings. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and keeps you full for hours.

One of the biggest reasons to love this recipe is how effortless it is. After a few simple prep steps, the slow cooker takes over, slowly building deep flavor without the need for constant stirring or supervision. That makes it perfect for busy weekdays, long workdays, or weekends when you want comfort food without the fuss.

This soup is also incredibly budget-friendly. It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that are easy to find, making it a smart choice for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week. Despite its simplicity, the flavor is rich and satisfying, proving you don’t need complicated ingredients for a delicious result.

Another reason to try this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, corn, or peas, switching up the seasonings, or adjusting the creaminess with more or less milk or cream. Whether you prefer it thicker, lighter, cheesier, or extra hearty, this soup adapts to your taste.

Finally, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is perfect for leftovers. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for make-ahead meals. If you’re looking for a dependable, comforting, and family-approved recipe that fits into real life, this one is absolutely worth trying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground beef

  • Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold), peeled and diced

  • Onion, diced

  • Garlic, minced

  • Beef broth

  • Milk or heavy cream

  • Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

  • Butter

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Paprika (optional)

  • Dried parsley or thyme

  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

How to Make This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup 

  1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

    2. Add the ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

    3. When there’s no pink left, carefully drain the grease (this keeps the soup from turning oily).

    4. Set the cooked beef aside.

    Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

    1. Peel the potatoes (optional, but gives a smoother soup).

    2. Dice potatoes into even ½–¾ inch cubes so they cook at the same speed.

    3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

    Step 3: Add ingredients to the crockpot

    1. Add the diced potatoes to the crockpot first.

    2. Add the onion, garlic, and the cooked ground beef.

    3. Give it a quick gentle stir so everything is spread out evenly.

    Step 4: Add liquids and seasoning

    1. Pour in the beef broth.

    2. Add the cream soup (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken).

    3. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and your herbs (parsley or thyme).

    4. Stir gently until the cream soup is mixed into the broth.

    Step 5: Cook low and slow

    1. Cover with the lid.

    2. Cook on:

      • LOW for 6–7 hours (best texture)

      • or HIGH for 3–4 hours

    3. The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes are fork-tender.

    Step 6: Make it creamy

    1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in:

      • milk or heavy cream

      • butter

    2. Cover again and let it finish cooking so the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

    Step 7: Optional cheese finish

    1. If using cheese, add shredded cheddar during the last 10–15 minutes.

    2. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
      (Tip: freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded.)

    Step 8: Serve warm

    1. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper).

    2. For a thicker soup, mash a few potato cubes right in the crockpot.

    3. Serve hot with toppings like extra cheese, parsley, or green onions.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 400–480

  • Protein: 18–22g

  • Carbohydrates: 30–35g

  • Fat: 26–32g

  • Fiber: 3–4g

  • Sodium: Moderate

 Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup 

  1. Use Yukon gold potatoes for creaminess

  2. Dice potatoes evenly

  3. Drain beef well to avoid grease

  4. Cook on LOW for best texture

  5. Don’t overfill the crockpot

  6. Season lightly at first

  7. Stir gently halfway through if possible

  8. Add dairy near the end

  9. Use whole milk for richness

  10. Add cheese slowly

  11. Taste before serving

  12. Let soup rest 10 minutes

  13. Add extra broth if too thick

  14. Mash some potatoes for thickness

  15. Use fresh garlic for flavor

  16. Avoid boiling after adding cream

  17. Use liner for easy cleanup

  18. Add herbs at the end

  19. Serve hot for best taste

  20. Garnish with parsley or cheese

 Variations & Substitutions

  1. Ground turkey instead of beef

  2. Cream of chicken instead of mushroom

  3. Add carrots or celery

  4. Use half-and-half instead of milk

  5. Add bacon bits

  6. Make it spicy with chili flakes

  7. Use vegetable broth

  8. Add corn for sweetness

  9. Make it dairy-free with substitutes

  10. Add spinach at the end

 What to Serve with Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

  1. Crusty bread

  2. Garlic toast

  3. Side salad

  4. Cornbread

  5. Grilled cheese sandwich

  6. Dinner rolls

  7. Crackers

  8. Roasted vegetables

  9. Pickles

  10. Simple coleslaw

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not browning the beef

  • Cutting potatoes too large

  • Adding dairy too early

  • Overcooking on HIGH

  • Over-salting early

  • Skipping seasoning

  • Not checking doneness

 Storing Tips for the Recipe

  1. Cool before storing

  2. Use airtight containers

  3. Refrigerate up to 4 days

  4. Reheat slowly

  5. Add milk when reheating

  6. Stir often while reheating

  7. Freeze up to 2 months

  8. Label containers

  9. Store in portions

  10. Avoid reheating multiple times

  11. Thaw overnight in fridge

  12. Use stovetop or microwave

  13. Avoid high heat

  14. Stir halfway through reheating

  15. Keep refrigerated below 40°F

  16. Discard if smell changes

  17. Don’t freeze with extra cheese

  18. Add fresh herbs after reheating

  19. Seal tightly

  20. Consume within safe time

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, hearty, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

General Information

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours

  • Total Time: About 7 hours

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup ahead of time?
Yes. This soup is perfect for making ahead and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

2. What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best because they soften well and help create a creamy texture.

3. Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
Yes. Browning the beef adds flavor and prevents excess grease in the soup.

4. Can I freeze Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
Yes, but dairy-based soups may slightly change texture. Freeze without added cheese for best results.

5. How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Whole milk works well, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

7. How can I make the soup thicker?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and milk near the end.

8. Why is my soup too thin?
It may need more time to cook, or the potatoes haven’t broken down enough to thicken the broth.

9. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a lighter option and works well in this soup.

10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes. Carrots, celery, corn, peas, or spinach are great additions.

11. Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free cream soup and check your broth and seasonings.

12. Can I cook this soup on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, but LOW gives the best texture.

13. Should I peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.

14. Can I add cheese to this soup?
Yes. Shredded cheddar cheese added at the end makes it extra creamy and flavorful.

15. Does this soup reheat well?
Yes. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

16. Can I double the recipe in one crockpot?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough and not overfilled.

17. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free milk and soup alternatives designed for cooking.

18. How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Add dairy near the end and avoid boiling after adding milk or cream.

19. Is Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s mild, creamy, and filling—perfect for kids.

20. Is this soup filling enough for a full meal?
Yes. With protein, potatoes, and creaminess, it’s hearty enough to serve as dinner.