When the temperatures drop, and you crave a cozy, hearty meal, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect answer. This comforting dish combines tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and creamy cheese to create a soup that will warm you from the inside out. With minimal prep time and the ease of using a crockpot, this soup is not only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

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Ingredients Overview

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients in this delicious soup. Each component adds to the overall richness and depth of flavor, making this a meal that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavor.

1. Ground Beef (1 pound)

The ground beef serves as the base for this soup, providing protein and a hearty, savory taste. It’s browned before being added to the crockpot, which helps to develop its flavor. You can use lean ground beef if you prefer a lower-fat option.

Tip: For a healthier variation, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

2. Vegetables: Onion, Garlic, Potatoes, Carrots, and Celery

This soup is packed with vegetables, adding both flavor and texture.

Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a sweet, savory flavor that enhances the soup’s richness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a warm, aromatic element that complements the beef.
Potatoes (4 large, peeled and diced): The potatoes are the star vegetable, providing a creamy and filling texture once cooked. Russet potatoes work best for their starchy content, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well.
Carrots (3 large, sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and bright color to the dish.
Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Adds a slight bitterness and crunch that balances the other flavors.

3. Broth: Chicken or Beef (4 cups)

Chicken or beef broth acts as the base for the soup, providing depth of flavor and helping to cook the vegetables. Both types of broth work well, but beef broth tends to enhance the flavor of the ground beef, while chicken broth offers a lighter taste.

4. Herbs and Spices: Thyme, Parsley, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper

Seasonings are essential in elevating the flavors of this soup.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp): Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that pairs well with the potatoes and beef.
Dried Parsley (1 tsp): Brings a mild herbal note that freshens the soup.
Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the soup’s color.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing the flavors of the dish.

5. Creamy Additions: Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, and Milk

These creamy ingredients are added towards the end of cooking to give the soup its luxurious, velvety texture.

Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and creaminess to the soup, making it indulgent.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melts into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy base that enhances the savory flavors.
Milk (1 cup): Helps to thin out the soup slightly while adding to the creamy texture.

6. Cornstarch and Water (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker soup, a mixture of cornstarch and water can be added to the crockpot. This slurry thickens the soup without altering its flavor.

7. Fresh Parsley and Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for Garnish)

These optional garnishes add a pop of color and additional flavor to the final dish. Fresh parsley brightens the soup, while extra shredded cheddar cheese provides a gooey, cheesy topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Now that we’ve explored the ingredients, it’s time to walk through the steps to make this delicious Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—once the ingredients are prepped, the crockpot does most of the work!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Before adding the ground beef to the crockpot, it needs to be browned to develop its flavor and texture. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This step helps render out some of the fat, which can be drained off for a leaner soup.

After the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This creates a savory base for the soup.

Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot

Once the beef and onion mixture is ready, transfer it to the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. These hearty vegetables will slowly cook and soften in the crockpot, absorbing the flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken or beef broth, which will serve as the liquid base for the soup. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the vegetables and beef are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Tip: If you prefer a slightly spicier version of the soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the soup on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The slow, gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the potatoes and vegetables become tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to make the soup creamy and rich. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

If you prefer a thicker soup, now is the time to add the cornstarch mixture (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water). Stir it into the soup and continue to cook on low for another 15-20 minutes. The cornstarch will help thicken the soup without altering its flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is creamy and hot, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese. The parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor, while the cheese melts into the soup for an extra layer of indulgence.

For the ultimate comfort meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy broth.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this hearty and satisfying soup. Let’s highlight a few:

1. Ease of Preparation

The crockpot does most of the work in this recipe, making it a low-effort, high-reward meal. You simply brown the beef, add everything to the crockpot, and let it simmer to perfection.

2. Rich, Creamy Texture

The combination of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and potatoes creates a rich, velvety texture that’s incredibly comforting. Each spoonful is creamy and flavorful, with the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness.

3. Hearty and Filling

With ground beef, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is packed with hearty ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied. It’s a complete meal in a bowl!

4. Customizable

This soup is highly customizable. You can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken and substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal the next day. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for a future meal.