This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the kind of comforting meal that makes a chilly evening feel instantly better. Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, vegetables, and a rich creamy broth slowly come together in the crockpot for an easy, hearty dinner.
The best part is that most of the cooking happens while you go about your day. Just add the ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, then finish the soup with cream and cheese for an extra-rich, velvety texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Brown the Hamburger
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
While you can add raw ground beef directly to some slow-cooker recipes, browning it first gives the soup a deeper, richer flavor.
2. Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the diced potatoes, onion, carrots, and cooked ground beef into the crockpot.
Pour in the beef broth.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they can become overly soft and break apart.
4. Make the Creamy Base
About 20–30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
Continue cooking for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Finish the Soup
Pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot and stir gently.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the soup becomes creamy and the cheese is fully incorporated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar over each serving.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Brown the beef first for better flavor and texture.
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t add the cream at the beginning. Dairy can separate during long slow cooking, so adding it near the end produces a smoother soup.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melting.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly against the side of the crockpot before adding the cream mixture.
- If the soup becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a little extra warm beef broth or milk.
Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this soup with additional ingredients such as:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Celery
- Frozen peas
- Corn
- Chopped spinach
- Diced bell peppers
- Cooked bacon
- Green onions
- Extra cheese
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of diced jalapeño.
What to Serve With It
This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but it’s especially delicious with crusty bread, garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
For an extra indulgent bowl, top it with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and a small spoonful of sour cream.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens considerably in the refrigerator, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is an easy, filling, and wonderfully comforting dinner made with simple ingredients. The slow-cooked potatoes and seasoned beef create a flavorful base, while cream and cheddar transform the broth into a rich and satisfying soup.
Serve it with warm crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal that the whole family can enjoy.