One spoonful of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup feels like a warm hug after a long day. This hearty blend of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese simmers gently in your slow cooker, turning simple ingredients into a bowlful of comfort. With only 20 minutes of prep and 6 hours of low-and-slow cooking (or 3 hours on high), this beginner-friendly recipe lets your crockpot do all the heavy lifting. After a quick 10-minute rest, you’ve got a creamy soup that clocks in at around 450 calories per serving—just enough to satisfy without overindulging. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a weekend lunch, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience every time.
I still remember the first time I made this soup: the kitchen was filled with the rich blend of sautéed onions and garlic, mingling with paprika and bay leaves. As the hours passed, the house filled with cozy vibes, almost like it was cordially inviting the whole family to gather around. When the final handful of shredded cheese melted into the bubbling pot, I knew I’d stumbled on a new go-to recipe. From crusty bread on the side to a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup transforms everyday ingredients into a comfort food classic that’s impossible to resist.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT CREAMY POTATO & HAMBURGER SOUP
Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s take a moment to appreciate the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays its part—whether it’s building depth, adding richness, or delivering that unmistakable creamy texture. Grab your shopping list, because these essentials will turn into a bowl of pure satisfaction.
- Ground beef
Provides a meaty foundation and savory depth, balancing the creaminess of the soup with hearty protein and a satisfying texture.
- Onion
Adds natural sweetness and a savory backbone; when sautéed, it becomes soft and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
- Garlic
Brings a fragrant punch and aromatic warmth that elevates every spoonful with a subtle kick.
- Potatoes
The soul of the soup, lending a starchy creaminess and comforting bite as they cook down into perfect tenderness.
- Chicken broth
Acts as the flavorful liquid base, infusing the soup with savory notes and keeping it wonderfully soupy.
- Milk
Softens the broth into a mild, creamy consistency without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Heavy cream
Delivers rich, velvety indulgence that makes the soup luxuriously smooth and ultra-comforting.
- Cheddar cheese
Melts into stringy, sharp pockets of deliciousness, turning every spoonful into a cheesy delight.
- Salt
Enhances all the other flavors and balances the creaminess for a well-rounded taste.
- Black pepper
Adds a subtle heat and earthy note, cutting through the richness with a gentle spice.
- Paprika
Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet undertone, lending depth and a warm color.
- Flour
Works as a thickening agent when whisked into the dairy, creating that signature creamy texture.
- Butter
Offers luxurious richness when used for sautéing, boosting both flavor and mouthfeel.
- Olive oil
Provides a light, fruity base for browning the beef without sticking, and helps create a non-stick sauté environment.
- Carrots
Contribute a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory elements.
- Celery
Adds a mild, herbal crispness and earthy freshness, creating textural contrast.
- Bay leaves
Impart a subtle floral and herbal layer, rounding out the broth’s complexity.
- Fresh parsley
Offers a bright, herbaceous finish when sprinkled on top, cutting through the creaminess with refreshing flavor.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CREAMY POTATO & HAMBURGER SOUP
Let’s walk through each step of building this comforting soup in your slow cooker. From browning meat to melting cheese, every action layers flavor and texture until you’ve got a bowl of pure comfort.
1. In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the ground beef. Let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir occasionally until there’s no pink left. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot.
2. Use the same skillet to melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning, then scoop everything into the crockpot.
3. To the crockpot, add the peeled and cubed potatoes, diced carrots, celery, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves. Give it a good stir so all the veggies and seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, and flour until smooth. Gently stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the soup.
6. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it has fully melted and blended into the creamy broth.
7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls, then garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving hot.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCKPOT CREAMY POTATO & HAMBURGER SOUP
Now that your soup is bubbling with cheesy goodness, let’s talk about the best ways to present and enjoy it. From complementary sides to garnishes, these ideas will help you serve up restaurant-worthy bowls right at home.
- Crusty bread on the side
A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping. Slice it thick, toast lightly, and brush with garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Melty cheese topper
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of pepper jack on top just before serving. Pop bowls under a broiler for 1–2 minutes to create a golden cheese crust.
- Fresh herb garnish
Add a pop of color and brightness with finely chopped parsley or chives. The herbaceous freshness cuts through the rich creaminess for balanced flavor.
- Spicy twist
Offer crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne at the table. Guests can customize their heat level, adding a lively kick that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
HOW TO STORE CROCKPOT CREAMY POTATO & HAMBURGER SOUP
Leftovers of this creamy potato and hamburger soup are just as delightful as the first serving—if stored correctly. Follow these tips to preserve flavor, texture, and freshness for days to come.
- Refrigerator storage
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency.
- Freezer method
For longer storage, divide the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
- Separate thickening agents
To maintain the best texture, consider storing a portion of the dairy-thickened base separately. Add milk, cream, and flour mixture just before reheating to keep the soup from separating or becoming too thick.
- Portion control
Freeze in individual portions to make reheating easier for quick lunches or single servings. This way you can defrost only what you need, minimizing waste and keeping each batch tasting fresh.
CONCLUSION
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup has everything you need for an effortless, satisfying meal: tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, rich cheese, and a velvety broth that warms you from the inside out. We’ve covered the key ingredients, walked through detailed instructions, shared tasty serving suggestions, and explained how to keep your leftovers fresh and delicious. With only 20 minutes of prep, a simple list of pantry-friendly ingredients, and a few easy steps in the crockpot, you can master this comfort food classic any day of the week. Don’t forget that it’s a beginner-level dinner or lunch option, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Feel free to print or save this article so you can come back to it whenever you need a bowl of cozy goodness. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer common questions, from ingredient swaps to reheating tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you—leave a comment, share your feedback, or ask any questions you might have. Your experiences and tips can help other home cooks create their own memorable moments around this delightful, creamy soup. Enjoy!
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Description
This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese in a slow cooker for a comforting meal. Perfect with crusty bread!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain grease and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant. Add to the crockpot.
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Add potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir everything well.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
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About 30 minutes before serving, remove and discard bay leaves. Whisk together milk, heavy cream, and flour in a bowl. Stir this mixture into the crockpot.
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Add shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot and stir until melted and well combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Note
- The soup can be thickened by adding more flour or a little cornstarch if desired.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this soup.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
