When you need a comforting and hearty meal, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy goodness all cooked together in your slow cooker. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, delicious dinner. The soup is rich and creamy, with melted cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream that adds a luxurious texture. Whether served on its own or with a side of bread, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just brown the beef, add the ingredients to the crockpot, and let it cook slowly to meld the flavors. The result is a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for cozy evenings or a filling weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a meal or as a hearty side dish at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort

Simply brown the beef, combine everything in the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

2. Comforting and Filling

With hearty potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese, this soup is satisfying and filling, perfect for cold nights.

3. Rich and Creamy

The combination of heavy cream and cheddar cheese makes this soup luxuriously creamy and indulgent.

4. Perfect for Busy Days

Set it and forget it! This recipe requires very little hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days.

5. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this soup, making it a perfect meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Green onions, for garnish

Variations

Vegetarian Option

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative such as lentils or a meat substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Spicy Version

Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapenos to give the soup a spicy kick.

Add More Veggies

You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

Cheese Variations

Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.

Low-Fat Version

Replace heavy cream with milk or a lighter cream option and use reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add to the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the soup is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes break down nicely and become tender in the slow cooker, making them perfect for soups.
Do Not Overcook the Potatoes: While you want them tender, overcooking the potatoes can cause them to disintegrate. Set the cooking time appropriately.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked or use a potato masher before adding the cream and cheese.

How to Serve

This soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or a simple sandwich. For extra flavor, serve it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add a little extra cream or broth to adjust the consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, and it also freezes well for later use.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich and creamy.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for added flavor and texture.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian protein such as lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative.

6. Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering all the ingredients in a large pot until the potatoes are tender, then adding the cream and cheese.

7. Can I add cheese before cooking?

It’s best to add the cheese at the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too stringy and separating.

8. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, add jalapenos, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick.

9. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this soup.

10. How do I thicken the soup?

If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry to the soup.

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a slow cooker doing the work, this creamy and hearty soup is perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it to your family or preparing it for a cozy evening at home, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.