If you are searching for a warm, comforting, and downright delicious meal, the Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty soup blends tender potatoes, savory browned hamburger, and fresh vegetables all cooked low and slow to create a rich and satisfying dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packs a punch in flavor, and will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights or anytime you crave something simple yet totally comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this soup shine. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy texture of the potatoes to the savory depth of the browned hamburger, plus a medley of fresh vegetables that bring color and crunch. These simple, wholesome staples come together effortlessly to create a flavor-packed bowl of comfort.
- 1 lb ground beef: Browning brings out a rich, meaty flavor that forms the soup’s hearty base.
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced): These create the creamy texture and add substance you’ll love.
- 1 cup carrots (diced): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 1 cup celery (diced): Provides a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Delivers savory depth and aroma.
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together without overwhelming.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings savory complexity without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses herby notes that compliment the beef and veggies.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Adds richness and creaminess for a luscious finish.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for that perfect silky texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For an extra indulgent, cheesy twist just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned. This step locks in flavor and gives the beef a nice texture. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Add the browned ground beef to your crockpot along with the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion. This fresh vegetable medley will cook slowly and soak in all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a quick stir to distribute the spices evenly before covering the crockpot.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 7 hours. During this time, the potatoes will soften, the vegetables will become perfectly tender, and all the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the soup and add that signature creamy texture we all crave.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Addition
If you want to take this Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe to the next level, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. It melts right in, delivering a richer, cheesier warmth.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little something extra, top your soup with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for brightness and a splash of color. If you’re a bacon fan, crispy bacon bits make an irresistible garnish that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad for a light contrast. Garlic knots or warm dinner rolls also make perfect accompaniments that help soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside a bread bowl to impress guests or family. Alternatively, ladle it over rice or cauliflower rice for a filling meal that stretches your portions without sacrificing flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes might soften further after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this soup and makes for a leaner option, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. Just brown it as you would the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones provide better texture and flavor, especially after long cooking times in the crockpot.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot on the stove?
You can! Just sauté the beef and vegetables, add the broth and seasoning, then simmer over medium-low heat until veggies are tender. Add the milk-flour mixture at the end to thicken.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply stir in a little more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. It’s always easier to thin down than to try to thicken again.
Can I omit the cheese?
Of course! The cheese is optional and adds extra richness, but the soup is delicious and creamy on its own without it.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that comforts the soul, fuels the body, and requires very little effort to prepare. Cozy up with a bowl tonight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a comforting and hearty crockpot recipe perfect for chilly days. Ground beef is browned and combined with tender diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion, slow-cooked in savory chicken broth with Italian seasoning. A creamy touch comes from carefully whisked milk and flour added late in the cooking process, with optional shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness. This easy-to-make soup delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in every bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
- 4 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Creamy Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Optional Add-in
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot and add the peeled, diced potatoes, diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion for a well-rounded vegetable base.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse the soup with balanced savory herbs and spices.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and all-purpose flour until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will thicken the soup and add creaminess.
- Incorporate Creaminess: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir the milk and flour mixture into the crockpot to allow the soup to thicken gently as it finishes cooking.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Just before serving, optionally stir in the shredded cheddar cheese to melt into the hot soup, adding rich flavor and a creamy texture.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and 2% milk.
- Adjust salt according to your preference or dietary needs, especially if using regular chicken broth.
- You can substitute half-and-half for milk for an even creamier soup.
- The soup thickens further after resting; if too thick, thin with a splash of broth or milk before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas for variety.
