If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety broth that simmers all day in your crockpot, filling your home with irresistible aromas. This hearty soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and unpretentious, making it your new go-to for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in building depth of flavor, creaminess, and texture in the soup. From hearty russet potatoes to aromatic Italian seasoning, every component works harmoniously to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef: Browning it first adds rich, savory flavor and a meaty base.
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced): These give the soup its creamy heart and a lovely tender bite.
- 1 cup carrots (diced): Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup celery (diced): Offers a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Brings savory depth and balances the flavors.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred): The flavorful liquid that pulls everything together gently.
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Offers a warm, subtle garlicky background.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Creates the creamy foundation toward the end of cooking.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening): Ensures the soup has the perfect, luscious texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): A melty finish that amps up indulgence.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. This step is key to developing a rich, meaty base for your soup. Once browned, drain off any excess fat so the soup isn’t greasy but still bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables and Beef in the Crockpot
Next, toss the cooked beef, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion right into the crockpot. This colorful mix not only adds nutritional value but also guarantees a satisfying texture with each spoonful.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings gently zhuzh up the soup without overwhelming it, ensuring a balanced, savory flavor profile.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow simmer is what softens the potatoes and melds the flavors into a cohesive, dreamy soup.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create that signature creamy texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if you want to make the Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe even richer and more comforting. This step is like adding a final cozy touch.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or even crispy bacon bits can elevate your bowl to the next level. These little touches bring freshness, creaminess, or crunch that complements the soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also round out your meal with a nice balance of texture and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo. You can also transform leftovers into loaded baked potato toppings or a creamy casserole base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy it again without sacrificing the flavors or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well. Just transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leave a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy consistency. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, just whisk in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic here, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage depending on your preference or dietary needs. Just brown it thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding mushrooms or lentils to boost the heartiness and protein.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add all ingredients and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. Finish with the milk and flour mixture as you would in the slow cooker.
What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down slightly to thicken the soup while still holding their shape. Yukon Gold also works but may result in a creamier consistency.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or let the soup cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid. To thin it out, add more broth or milk a little at a time when reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels as good as it tastes, give this Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe a try. It’s an effortless way to bring hearty, homestyle goodness to your table with minimal prep and maximum comfort. Once you make it, this soup is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Print
Creamy Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy potato and hamburger soup is a hearty and comforting meal made effortlessly in a crockpot. Featuring tender russet potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a blend of vegetables simmered in a savory broth, it is thickened with a milk and flour mixture for a rich texture. Ideal for family dinners, this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe delivers satisfying warmth and depth of flavor with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
Vegetables
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra richness)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Add ingredients to the crockpot: Transfer the cooked ground beef into the crockpot. Add the diced russet potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and all-purpose flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.
- Add cheese (optional): Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if desired. This will add extra richness and depth to the soup.
Notes
- You can use whole or 2% milk depending on preference; avoid skim milk for better creaminess.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth.
- For a thicker soup, you may increase flour to 4 tablespoons but add gradually to avoid lumps.
- Shredded cheddar cheese is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
