The Ultimate Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup

Discover this hearty Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup recipe that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich cream for the perfect homemade comfort meal. Easy, delicious, and ready in hours with minimal prep time.

Introduction

Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, creamy soup on a chilly day, and this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup delivers exactly that satisfaction with minimal effort. This hearty recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that your entire family will love. The beauty of this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup lies in its simplicity – just brown the meat, toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

This homemade soup recipe combines the earthy goodness of potatoes with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a filling meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. The creamy base brings everything together, making each spoonful a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is your answer to quick, delicious, and nutritious cooking.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)
  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper during cooking. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked meat to your crockpot.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the meat cooks, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Having consistent sizes ensures even cooking in your Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the crockpot with the cooked ground beef. Sprinkle the onion soup mix, thyme, paprika, oregano, and minced garlic over the ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Pour the beef broth over all ingredients, ensuring the potatoes are mostly covered. The liquid should reach about 3/4 of the way up the ingredients. If needed, add a bit more broth or water.

Step 5: Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 6: Add the Cream

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the potatoes too much. The cream cheese will melt and create a rich, velvety texture.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot or use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread rolls or garlic breadsticks for dipping. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the soup. For a complete meal, consider offering cornbread muffins or buttermilk biscuits on the side.

The soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it in bread bowls for a fun presentation, or top each bowl with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture. This hearty dish works wonderfully as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Pro Tips

Start with cold ingredients in your crockpot for the best results. When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it into small, uniform pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup. This ensures every spoonful has the perfect meat-to-vegetable ratio.

Choose the right potato variety for your soup recipe. Russet potatoes work best because they break down slightly during cooking, naturally thickening the soup. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which tend to hold their shape too well for this creamy preparation.

Don’t add dairy products too early in the cooking process. Heavy cream and cream cheese should only be added in the final 30 minutes to prevent curdling. If your soup seems too thick, thin it with additional broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken.

For make-ahead preparation, you can brown the meat and prep all vegetables the night before. Store everything in the refrigerator, then simply combine in the crockpot the next morning. This easy approach makes weeknight cooking even more convenient.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup? A: Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently to recombine ingredients.

Q: How long does this recipe keep in the refrigerator? A: Properly stored, this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe? A: Fresh vegetables work best for optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen vegetables, add them during the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese? A: You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream added at the end of cooking, or use a roux made from butter and flour to thicken the soup instead.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a crockpot? A: Absolutely! Brown the meat, add all ingredients to a large pot, and simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes until potatoes are tender. Add dairy products in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker? A: Mash some potatoes against the side of the pot, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, or cook uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup recipe proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that brings families together around the dinner table. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich cream creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer it spicier, lighter, or loaded with extra vegetables, this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup serves as the perfect base for your culinary creativity.

We’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite variations or tips for success. Don’t forget to bookmark our site for more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that make home cooking enjoyable and stress-free. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals, we’re here to help you create memorable dishes that your family will request again and again.

Try this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup recipe today and discover why slow cooker meals are the secret to effortless, delicious home cooking. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family will be asking for seconds!

The Ultimate Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Course: Soup, Crockpot, Comfort FoodCuisine: American
Servings

6

servings
Calories

450

kcal

Perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or when you just want a hands-off hearty meal.

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)

  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 3 medium carrots, sliced

  • 3 celery stalks, chopped

  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 packet onion soup mix

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Seasonings and Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Optional Garnishes:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add to Crockpot: Add cooked beef, diced potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and parsley to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Stir in Creamy Ingredients: Add shredded cheese, milk (or half & half), sour cream, and butter. Stir until combined and cheese is melted.
  • Optional Thickening: If you want a thicker soup, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir in. Let cook for 15–20 more minutes.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!

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