Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of soup—especially when the weather is chilly! This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors that will make you want to go back for seconds (or even thirds!).

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. No need to stand by the stove for hours—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic!

This soup is also a fantastic way to use up pantry staples like potatoes, ground beef, and broth. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and great for meal prepping.

Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and creamy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Easy to Make: Just chop, dump, and let the slow cooker do all the work!
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with potatoes, ground beef, and a creamy broth, this soup is a full meal on its own.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap the protein, or make it spicier—this recipe is flexible!

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Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 4 cups (about 4-5 medium) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Base

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

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Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – The star of the show! A 6-quart crockpot works best.
• Large Skillet – For browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cutting Board & Knife – To chop the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir ingredients as needed.
• Whisk – Helps create a smooth, creamy base.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

3. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
4. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika.
5. Stir everything together, cover the crockpot, and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

6. About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (this helps thicken the soup).
8. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Mixture

9. Pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot and stir well.
10. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cheese melts and everything is creamy and smooth.
11. Let the soup cook for another 15-20 minutes on LOW, then serve hot!

More Recipes >>>>>> Tasty Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes – They hold their shape well and make the soup extra creamy.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Beef – It adds depth of flavor and keeps the soup from getting greasy.
• Want it Thicker? – Mash some of the potatoes before adding the creamy base for a thicker consistency.
• Prefer a Lighter Soup? – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap the milk for evaporated milk.
• Make It Your Own! – Add corn, green beans, or even bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Store Leftovers Properly – This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

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This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy days. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is how customizable it is! Here are some easy swaps and variations to make it your own:

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground Beef → Swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
• Potatoes → Russet or Yukon Gold work best, but you can also use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Cheddar Cheese → Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses for a different cheesy twist.
• Heavy Cream → Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Beef Broth → Chicken or vegetable broth works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Variations to Try

• Make It Spicy → Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Add More Veggies → Try adding corn, green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Option → Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
• Bacon Lovers’ Version → Stir in crispy bacon bits at the end for an extra smoky, savory flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy, hearty soup is a meal on its own, but here are some tasty sides to serve with it:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort food pairing!
• Garlic Bread – Adds extra flavor and crunch.
• Steamed Vegetables – A side of roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast.

For an extra cozy meal, serve the soup in bread bowls—it makes every bite even better!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

This soup is great for meal prep and stores well for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer

• This soup freezes well, but leave out the cheese and cream before freezing (they can be added when reheating).
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes! Brown the beef in a large pot, add the veggies and broth, and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Then, stir in the creamy mixture and cheese, and cook for another 10 minutes before serving.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work great. Just add them directly to the crockpot—no need to thaw.

3. How do I prevent the soup from being too thin?

If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the creamy base, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute, coconut milk instead of cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

5. What can I do if my soup is too thick?

Simply add a bit more broth or milk to thin it out until you reach your desired consistency.

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This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a family favorite for a reason! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for chilly days. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!