Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
If you’re craving a hearty, soul-soothing meal, look no further than Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This dish combines the comforting taste of tender potatoes with savory hamburger and a velvety creamy broth that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a rich, filling bowl of pure comfort that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss all ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you while you relax or handle other tasks.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The blend of hamburger, potatoes, and cream melds into a delicious, deeply satisfying taste.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters find irresistible.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, pantry-staple ingredients without sacrificing deliciousness.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy and warm, it’s the ideal dish for chilly days or when you need a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is in its simplicity, using familiar ingredients that together create layers of flavor and comforting texture. Each plays a key role, whether it’s the hearty potatoes that add substance or the cream that brings smoothness and richness.
- Ground Hamburger: Provides savory depth; lean options help reduce excess fat.
- Potatoes: Use russets or Yukon gold for the perfect tender bite that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a flavorful base.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the soup with rich umami goodness.
- Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds luscious creaminess without overpowering.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts effortlessly for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten and balance.
- Optional Veggies: Carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition.
Variations for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, letting you tailor it easily based on what’s on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make the soup your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace hamburger with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in corn, peas, or mushrooms for additional nutrients and color.
- Lower Fat: Substitute cream with Greek yogurt added at the end to keep it creamy but lighter.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Hamburger
In a skillet, cook the ground hamburger over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness and place the cooked meat into the crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop potatoes into bite-sized cubes and finely dice onions and garlic. If using additional vegetables like carrots or celery, chop those too. Add all the veggies to the crockpot with the browned hamburger.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir everything gently to combine the flavors and ensure ingredients are covered with liquid.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken slightly for a creamy, indulgent finish.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Browning Is Key: Browning your hamburger adds deeper flavor and reduces excess grease in the soup.
- Don’t Overload the Potatoes: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Add Cream Last: Prevent curdling by stirring in cream or dairy towards the end of cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme enhances aroma and freshness more than dried alone.
- Check Liquid Levels: Adjust broth quantity based on your crockpot size and preferred soup consistency.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra shredded cheddar, or crispy bacon bits on top makes each bowl look and taste even better. A dollop of sour cream adds a lovely tang.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crunchy breadsticks, warm crusty rolls, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into bread bowls or use mini crockpots as serving dishes to elevate your presentation for guests or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for a quick meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing; add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover soup gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients together in a large pot, just adjust cooking times until potatoes are tender.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and break down just enough to thicken the soup lightly.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning for extra flavor.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, just omit the cream when freezing and add it fresh when thawing and reheating to maintain creaminess.
How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or mash some potatoes in the pot; for a thinner consistency, add more broth or water as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup that wraps you in comfort and satisfaction. This recipe is simple, flexible, and packed with flavor—perfect for sharing with family and friends whenever you want a nourishing, cozy dish. Give it a try and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in homes everywhere.
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PrintCrockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender potatoes, savory ground hamburger, and a velvety creamy broth. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, filling bowl of pure comfort that pleases the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground hamburger
Vegetables
- 4 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 cup chopped carrots or celery
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Optional Add-ins
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
- Vegetable broth (for vegetarian variation)
- Alternative cheeses: gouda, pepper jack
- Additional veggies: corn, peas, mushrooms
- Greek yogurt (as a lower-fat cream substitute, added at end)
Instructions
- Brown the Hamburger: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground hamburger until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy. Transfer the cooked hamburger to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Finely dice onion and garlic. If using optional vegetables like carrots or celery, chop them similarly. Add all vegetables to the crockpot with the browned hamburger.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour beef broth into the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or parsley. Stir gently to combine and ensure ingredients are covered with liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded perfectly.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken, resulting in a creamy, indulgent finish.
Notes
- Browning Is Key: Browning the hamburger adds deeper flavor and reduces excess grease in the soup.
- Uniform Potato Size: Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Add Cream Last: To prevent curdling, stir in cream or dairy toward the end of cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme enhance aroma and freshness more than dried alone.
- Check Liquid Levels: Adjust broth quantity based on crockpot size and preferred soup consistency.
- Freezing Tips: Omit cream before freezing; add fresh cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crockpot soup, creamy potato soup, hamburger soup, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy soup, family-friendly soup
