If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly, this Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a blend of rich flavors, this soup offers a comforting bowl that’s ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. With the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, you get a hearty, wholesome meal with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Hearty and Filling: Loaded with potatoes and ground beef, this soup will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and a smooth texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to adapt with whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients, each adding something special — whether it’s creaminess, earthiness, or savory depth. Here’s what you’ll gather before you start:

Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Potatoes: Adds comforting texture and absorbs the soup’s delicious flavors beautifully.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics anchor the soup with classic depth and warmth.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
Carrots and Celery: Add a hint of sweetness and freshness to the soup’s profile.
Milk or Cream: Brings a luscious creaminess that softens the meal and boosts flavor.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Perfectly balance and highlight the natural flavors without overpowering.

Variations for Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

One of the best parts about making Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is how simple it is to customize. Whether you want to tailor it for dietary needs or just experiment with flavors, here are some tasty twists to try:

Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese just before serving for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a subtle heat.
Vegetarian Switch: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meatless version.
Green Boost: Fold in chopped spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes for a pop of color and nutrients.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add chopped bacon to deepen the savory notes.

Comforting Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup Recipe

How to Make Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. This step intensifies the flavor and renders out excess fat for a cleaner broth.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop your potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your slow cooker, add the browned beef, chopped vegetables, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crockpot to low and let the soup simmer for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 5: Add Dairy and Final Touches

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or cream for that rich, silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.

Pro Tips for Making Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain fat to prevent your soup from becoming greasy.
Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Ensures even cooking and perfect soft texture without mushiness.
Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Onion and garlic add essential depth and balance to the flavor.
Adjust Liquid Levels: Depending on your crockpot size, add more broth or milk if the soup looks too thick.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or thyme at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

Garnishes

Elevate your bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some chopped green onions for a fresh and creamy finish.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple garden salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls or pair with crispy baked potato skins stuffed with leftover soup ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain even temperature and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well, although the soup will have a slightly lighter flavor.

Is it okay to add cream cheese for extra creaminess?

Yes, adding cream cheese can make the soup even richer and velvety; just stir it in near the end of cooking.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture, but russets also work if you prefer a softer bite.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

Yes, using an Instant Pot on the slow cook setting works, or you can pressure cook the soup for about 15 minutes, then use natural pressure release.

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes within the crockpot or stir in a slurry made from flour or cornstarch diluted in water.

Final Thoughts

This Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is a true comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavors, and perfect for any chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers that warm, homey feeling every time. Give it a try and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy something truly delicious.

Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup

Print Recipe

This Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich blend of vegetables and seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, it offers effortless preparation with maximum flavor, a creamy texture, and family-friendly taste that can be easily customized to your preference.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Vegetables

4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

4 cups beef broth
1 cup milk or cream

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat to ensure a cleaner broth and richer flavor.
Prepare Your Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ideal texture.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the browned beef, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika into your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or set to high and cook 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Dairy and Final Touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk or cream to add a rich and silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy soup.
Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking and to avoid mushiness.
Don’t skip onion and garlic for essential depth and warmth.
Adjust liquid amounts based on your slow cooker size to reach desired soup consistency.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme near the end for a fresh flavor boost.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: potato soup, hamburger soup, crockpot recipe, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, creamy soup, ground beef soup, weeknight dinner