Cozy Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

Creamy potato and hamburger soup in a crockpot offers a hearty comfort meal that warms you from the inside out.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish.

Potatoes absorb the savory flavors of ground beef while creating a thick, velvety texture.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Chunks of tender meat blend seamlessly with soft potato pieces in this one-pot wonder.

Cheese and herbs can personalize the recipe to match your taste preferences.

Prepare to savor every spoonful of this soul-warming soup that promises to become a family favorite.

Why This Crockpot Soup Is So Satisfying

• Craft Comfort in a Slow Cooker: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy households craving homemade goodness.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the soup by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spices to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Packed with affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, this hearty soup delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this soup in advance, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy convenient leftovers that taste even better the next day, making weeknight dinners stress-free.

What Goes into Potato Hamburger Crockpot Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and depth of flavor to the soup.

• Chicken or Beef Broth: A flavorful base that helps cook the ingredients and creates the soup's foundation.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that make the soup creamy and smooth.

• Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices and herbs that enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.

• Cornstarch: An optional ingredient that helps create a thicker consistency if desired.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts perfectly and adds a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.

• Fresh Chopped Parsley, Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional toppings that add freshness and extra flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Soup with Hamburger

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until completely browned. Drain away excess grease.

Toss in onions and garlic, cooking until onions become soft and glassy, releasing their sweet aroma.

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Dump the beef mixture into the slow cooker.

Tumble in the chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery, creating a colorful vegetable medley.

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Pour chicken or beef broth over the ingredients.

Sprinkle in herbs and spices to awaken the flavors.

• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables become fork-tender.

Step 5: Create Creamy Goodness

Stir in dairy ingredients to transform the stew into a luxurious, velvety soup.

Add cornstarch if you want extra thickness.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Cornstarch (optional)

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls.

Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese. Pair with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Smart Tips for Creamy Crockpot Hamburger Soup

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop a rich, deep taste that enhances the overall soup profile.
• Drain excess fat from the meat to keep the soup's consistency thick and creamy without unnecessary greasiness.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Add cheese and cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Adjust soup thickness by controlling the amount of cornstarch or adding more liquid as needed for your preferred consistency.

Cozy Styles for Crockpot Hamburger Soup Flavor

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Replace ground beef with chorizo, add diced green chiles, swap thyme for cumin, and top with jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Substitute ground beef with lamb, include zucchini and spinach, season with oregano and use feta cheese instead of cheddar.
• Hearty Mushroom Version: Add mixed wild mushrooms, replace half the beef with ground turkey, incorporate dried porcini for rich earthy flavor, and use Gruyère cheese.
• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, add quinoa for extra protein, include kale for nutrition, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

What Matches Crockpot Hamburger Soup Best

• Savor Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the hearty beef and creamy texture without overpowering the soup's delicate flavors.
• Bread Companion: Select a rustic sourdough or crusty French baguette to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Crisp Salad Partner: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.
• Complementary Side Dish: Serve roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to enhance the soup's vegetable profile and add nutritional variety to the meal.

Storing Potato Hamburger Soup in the Fridge

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this soup recipe. The flavor profile remains similar, and it provides a healthier protein option.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them to the crockpot?

No, you can add raw diced potatoes directly to the crockpot. They will cook and soften during the slow cooking process, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the soup.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.