Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth, satisfaction, and flavor all at once, then Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is your new best friend. This recipe blends tender potatoes and seasoned hamburger with a rich, creamy broth that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, making it a fuss-free, comforting dish ideal for chilly evenings or busy days when you want home-cooked goodness without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers hearty flavors that hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss all ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the magic while you relax or tackle your day.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy texture paired with savory hamburger and hearty potatoes makes for a soul-soothing bowl.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizes simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but taste like a comforting treat.
- Versatile Meal: Easy to customize or stretch for multiple meals with family or leftovers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: The ideal cozy dinner or a warming lunch that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup starts with straightforward ingredients that turn into a flavorful symphony. Each component adds something special, from creamy texture to savory depth and satisfying heartiness.
- Ground Hamburger: Provides a meaty base packed with flavor and protein.
- Potatoes: Cubed for tender bites that soak up the creamy broth.
- Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a gentle kick and fragrant warmth.
- Beef Broth: The savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy finish that elevates the soup’s texture beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts in to give cheesy richness and a touch of sharpness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to highlight and balance flavors.
Variations for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
One of the best parts about this soup is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re adapting for dietary preferences or just experimenting with flavors, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, celery, or corn for extra color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Low Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to keep it lighter and keto-friendly.
- Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a leaner option.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream to make it vegan and dairy-free.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Hamburger
Start by browning your ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat. Breaking it up ensures even cooking and maximum flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice your potatoes and chop onions and garlic finely. Having uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and blend beautifully in the final soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Layer the browned hamburger, potatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and beef broth into the crockpot. This combination forms the flavorful base that will slowly meld together.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors are deeply combined.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in sour cream or heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. This step makes the soup irresistibly creamy and rich.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to balance all those delicious flavors perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes: They hold shape well and provide a creamy texture once cooked.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the hamburger develops extra depth and caramelized flavor.
- Layer Flavors: Add herbs early in the cooking process for fuller, well-rounded taste.
- Adjust Creamy Ingredients Last: Prevent curdling by adding sour cream or cheese at the end, warming gently.
- Thicken if Needed: Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth if you prefer a richer consistency.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to add freshness and visual appeal that brighten each spoonful.
Side Dishes
Serve with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or garlic toast to soak up every bit of that delicious creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months; just leave out the cream and cheese until reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding more cream or broth if the soup has thickened too much after cooling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner protein substitute and tastes great in this soup without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup without dairy?
Yes, simply swap sour cream or heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep it creamy and smooth.
How long does this soup stay good in the fridge?
It will stay delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn add extra nutrition and texture, making the soup even heartier.
What is the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the hot soup, cooking for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a cold day or need an easy recipe that feels like a homemade hug, this soup delivers every time. Give it a try, and soon it will become a staple in your kitchen that you reach for again and again.
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PrintCrockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a warm, comforting slow cooker meal blending tender potatoes, seasoned ground hamburger, and a rich, creamy broth. Easy to prepare by tossing ingredients into a crockpot, it simmers to perfection for a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or busy days. This budget-friendly, versatile soup can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins and is ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground hamburger
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (preferably russet)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Hamburger: Start by browning your ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat. Breaking it up ensures even cooking and maximum flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice your potatoes and chop the onion and garlic finely. Having uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and blend beautifully in the final soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Layer the browned hamburger, potatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings, and beef broth into the crockpot. This combination forms the flavorful base that will slowly meld together.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and flavors are deeply combined.
- Add Cream and Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in sour cream or heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. This step makes the soup irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to balance all those delicious flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes as they hold shape well and provide a creamy texture once cooked.
- Don’t skip browning the hamburger to develop extra depth and caramelized flavor.
- Add herbs early in the cooking process for fuller, well-rounded taste.
- Add sour cream or cheese last and warm gently to prevent curdling.
- If soup is too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into hot soup).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, creamy potato soup, hamburger soup, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty soup, family meal
