Name: Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 large carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 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; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 29 reviews

If you’re searching for the perfect bowl of comfort, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This cozy dish brings together tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, and a dreamy, cheesy broth, all slow-cooked into pure magic. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a chilly day feel warm or turns a busy weeknight into a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a Wednesday or hosting friends on a Sunday, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate hug-in-a-bowl that everyone will love.

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of humble ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how each one brings its own sparkle to this soup. Every item plays a key role, from the earthiness of potatoes to the punch of cheddar cheese, making Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup a true crowd-pleaser that always delivers on flavor and comfort.

Ground beef: Opt for lean or regular — just be sure to drain excess fat for a lighter, cleaner broth.
Large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
Garlic, minced: This aromatic boosts the savory notes and brings everything together deliciously.
Large potatoes, peeled and diced: The backbone of the soup, they provide hearty substance and a creamy texture as they cook down.
Carrots, sliced: They add a pop of color and gentle sweetness that balances the richness.
Celery stalks, sliced: Lends a fresh, grassy flavor and a satisfying crunch that softens with slow cooking.
Chicken or beef broth: Use whichever you have on hand — both work beautifully to infuse the soup with savory depth.
Dried thyme: Brings a subtle, earthy herb flavor that complements the vegetables and beef.
Dried parsley: Its freshness brightens up the soup amid all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness without making the soup spicy.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of each ingredient — adjust to taste.
Heavy cream: Responsible for the luscious, velvety finish that’s simply irresistible.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, transforming the broth into a lightly cheesy, silky treat.
Milk: Helps round out the creaminess without becoming overly rich.
Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): For those who like their soup extra-thick, a quick slurry will do the trick.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and color.
Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): More cheddar can only make things better — don’t skip this step!

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. This step is crucial because it adds a savory richness that forms the backbone of the soup. Once browned, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let these sauté together for about five minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This initial sizzle makes all the difference — your Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will taste like it simmered all day (because it actually will!).

Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot

With your skillet mixture ready, transfer every last bit into your crockpot. Now for the veggies: toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. These colorful additions not only look delightful but will also cook down into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that make the soup feel substantial and wholesome.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in your choice of chicken or beef broth until your ingredients are cozily submerged. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, and your preferred amount of salt and pepper. Give it all a gentle stir to combine. These seasonings don’t overpower — they just add a warm, savory complexity that will make anyone ask for seconds.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Put the lid on, set the crockpot to low, and let time work its magic for 6–8 hours. If you’re in a rush, high for 3–4 hours will do. During this time, the vegetables soften, the flavors meld, and the whole house starts to smell amazing. You’re just a few finishing touches away from an unforgettable bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Once the veggies are luxuriously soft, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you prefer your soup extra thick and spoonable, mix in that cornstarch slurry too. Cook for another 15–20 minutes on low to let the cheese melt and the broth become irresistibly creamy. This is where the soup goes from great to unforgettable.

Step 6: Serve

Time to dig in! Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and top with a flurry of fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of extra cheddar. Serve with your favorite rustic bread and watch your friends and family savor every cheesy, hearty spoonful of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

The right garnishes take your soup from simple to show-stopping. A dusting of chopped fresh parsley brings vibrant color, while extra cheddar cheese adds even more gooey, melty goodness. If you want to get creative, try a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a swirl of sour cream for even more flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

This soup is a star all on its own, but it loves good company. Pair it with crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to help scoop up all that luscious, cheesy broth. A crisp, green salad with a bright vinaigrette can balance out the richness, or bring out a platter of roasted vegetables for a bigger spread. Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is comfort food at its best, but sides only make it better.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family dinners, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or large coffee mugs for a fun, casual vibe. Topping each bowl tableside with toppings like scallions, diced jalapeños, or even crunchy fried onions lets everyone build their own perfect version. However you serve it, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow the soup to cool, then spoon it into airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to four days, making weekday lunches something to look forward to. The flavors keep deepening as it sits, so don’t be surprised if your leftovers taste even better on day two or three.

Freezing

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup can be frozen, although the dairy may separate slightly when thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, and store it for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Stir well upon reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If you notice it’s a bit thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up. A sprinkle of fresh cheddar and parsley right before serving makes it taste as good as new. Either way, it will still capture all that original Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup comfort you love.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup if you want a lighter version. Just keep an eye on your seasoning, and consider bumping up the herbs to make up for the milder flavor of poultry.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are both excellent choices. Russets break down a bit more and make the soup extra creamy, while Yukon Golds hold their shape and have a naturally buttery taste. Either will turn out deliciously in this soup.

How can I make this soup gluten free?

The basic recipe for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is already gluten free! Just be sure to double-check that your chicken or beef broth and any added toppings like bread don’t contain gluten.

Can I prep the vegetables in advance?

You sure can. Chop the vegetables the night before and refrigerate them in airtight containers. You can even brown the ground beef ahead of time, making the morning prep fast — just toss it all in the crockpot and go!

What if my soup is too thick or too thin?

If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in a bit more milk or broth until it reaches the perfect consistency. If it’s too thin for your liking, mix up a little extra cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) and stir it in, then simmer the soup until it thickens up nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more satisfying than sharing a big, warm pot of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup with the ones you love. It’s rustic, heartwarming, and so easy to make — a recipe that belongs in everyone’s repertoire. Give it a try, and watch your next meal turn into a moment worth savoring!