Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect go-to comfort food that’s super simple to make. It’s packed with tender potatoes, ground hamburger, and a creamy broth that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together beautifully while you’re busy with other things.
I love how easy this soup is to throw together. Just brown the hamburger, add everything to the crockpot, and forget about it for a few hours. By the time you come back, you have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy. It’s one of those recipes where less effort really feels like more reward.
My favorite way to serve this soup is with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that creamy liquid. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This soup always feels like a little bit of home, and I bet it will for you too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Hamburger: Use lean ground beef for less grease, or ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Browning the meat adds rich flavor, so don’t skip this step.
Potatoes: I prefer russet or Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape well and become tender. If you want a quicker-cooking soup, try smaller diced potatoes.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup creamy and smooth. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut milk works nicely as a dairy-free option.
Beef Broth: This gives depth to the soup. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth are fine substitutes. Just adjust salt accordingly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture Without Curving the Soup?
Adding cream to hot soup can sometimes cause it to curdle, which looks unappetizing. To avoid this, follow these steps:
- Turn the crockpot to low heat before adding cream to gently warm it.
- Stir the cream into the soup slowly and mix it well.
- If thickening, make a roux by cooking butter and flour together until bubbly, then add a bit of warm soup liquid before mixing into the crockpot.
- Keep the soup on low and avoid boiling once cream is added to keep it smooth and creamy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – I love how it cooks everything evenly without constant attention.
- Skillet – for browning the hamburger; a non-stick pan makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep everything accurate and simple.
- Soup ladle or large spoon – for serving the hot, creamy soup easily.
- Whisk or spoon – helps when stirring in the cream or thickening mixture to keep it smooth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option that still tastes great.
- Add cooked bacon bits or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or kale near the end for more vegetables and earthiness.
- Sprinkle with paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick and added warmth.
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground hamburger (ground beef)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for browning meat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and browning the hamburger. Then, the crockpot does its magic for 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Add about 30 minutes at the end for mixing in cream and thickening the soup if you like it a little heartier. Altogether, plan for roughly 7 to 8 hours for the best flavor and tender potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Hamburger:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s any. Transfer the browned hamburger to your crockpot.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
Into the crockpot, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Pour in the beef broth, then gently stir everything together to combine.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes and vegetables are soft and cooked through.
4. Add Cream and Thicken (Optional):
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. If you want a thicker soup, melt the butter in a small pan, add the flour, and cook for about 1 minute while stirring. Slowly whisk in about a cup of hot soup broth from the crockpot until smooth, then pour this mixture back into the crockpot. Stir well, cover, and let cook for the final 20-30 minutes.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Taste your soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if you like. Serve hot, perhaps with warm crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy potato and hamburger soup!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Soup?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ground beef before browning it. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Browning thawed meat helps improve flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Soup Without a Crockpot?
Absolutely! You can make it on the stovetop in a large pot. Brown the hamburger, add all ingredients, then simmer covered on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours until potatoes are tender. Add cream and thicken near the end as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add or swap veggies like corn, peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times if adding firmer vegetables to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.