Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful

As the leaves turn golden and the chill in the air deepens, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as curling up with a warm bowl of homemade soup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping cozy lunches, or looking for an effortless weeknight meal, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is your answer. This recipe delivers big flavor with little effort—rich, hearty, and soul-warming. Think of it as the love child of loaded potato soup and a savory hamburger stew.

It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for lazy Sundays, chilly weeknights, or when you just need something deliciously reliable bubbling away in the background.

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🍲 Why This Soup Is So Loved

This dish blends classic pantry staples into an irresistible one-pot wonder. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty with the satisfying bite of ground beef, it’s filling without being heavy and creamy without being overly rich.

Here’s why people keep coming back to this comfort food classic:

• Minimal prep time: Just chop, brown, and let the crockpot do the rest.
• Flexible and forgiving: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike gobble it up.
• Leftover gold: Tastes even better the next day.

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🧾 Ingredients – The Building Blocks of Comfort

You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. The flavor profile is familiar yet cozy, with the creaminess of cheese and potatoes rounded out by tender beef and aromatic herbs.

✅ Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth

✅ Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

✅ Creamy Finish:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

✅ Garnish (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This soup is simple to prepare, thanks to the crockpot doing all the heavy lifting. Here’s how to bring it to life:

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This gives the soup depth and a meaty base. Drain the excess fat, then add onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). This quick sauté helps the aromatics bloom and softens the onion before it joins the slow simmer.

2. Layer the Crockpot

Transfer the browned beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. These vegetables provide both body and nutrients, making this a true one-bowl meal.

3. Pour in the Broth and Season

Add chicken or beef broth to the pot. Then season with dried thyme, parsley, paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine.

📝 Tip: You can use beef broth for a deeper, heartier flavor, or chicken broth if you want something lighter. Either works beautifully.

4. Let It Simmer

Cover your crockpot and let it cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender. This slow cooking method allows flavors to develop and the vegetables to become meltingly soft.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese

Once everything is tender, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. These ingredients transform the soup into something indulgent and silky. If you prefer your soup thicker, stir in the cornstarch slurry now. Let it simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes, uncovered, so the soup thickens slightly and the cheese fully melts.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with fresh parsley for brightness and extra shredded cheese for that irresistible melty finish.

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even buttered biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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📌 Recipe Summary

Category	Soup / Main Course
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	6–8 hours (low), 3–4 (high)
Total Time	6.5 to 8.5 hours
Servings	6–8
Method	Crockpot / Slow Cooker
Difficulty	Easy

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💡 Expert Tips & Variations

🥓 Add Bacon

For an extra layer of savory goodness, add crispy bacon bits as a topping. Bacon and potato were made for each other.

🥬 Sneak in Veggies

Mix in spinach, peas, or even corn at the end of the cook time for extra color and nutrition.

🥔 Potato Varieties

Use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier, mashed consistency.

🧀 Cheese Options

Swap cheddar with a cheddar-jack blend, white cheddar, or even pepper jack for a mild heat.

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🥣 Storage and Reheating

This soup stores and reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep or freezing.

Fridge

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze in individual portions. Let cool completely, then store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low, stirring frequently to avoid separating the cream.

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🧡 Why This Soup Belongs in Your Regular Rotation

There’s a reason so many home cooks have this soup on repeat. It combines frugality with flavor, using simple ingredients to create something truly special. You can prepare it in the morning, leave it to bubble all day, and come home to a warm, cheesy, comforting meal that the whole family will devour.

It’s also an ideal leftover makeover recipe—great for using up bits of vegetables, cream, cheese, or ground meat from earlier in the week.

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📣 Final Thoughts

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a reliable go-to recipe for comfort, ease, and flavor. Whether you’re cozying up on a winter night or needing a nourishing bowl after a long day, this soup delivers. Add it to your rotation and watch it become a family favorite.

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