Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is exactly what you need. It blends tender potatoes, savory ground hamburger, and a rich, creamy broth to create a comfort-filled bowl perfect for busy days. Whether you’re coming home from work or need a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, this soup delivers big flavors with easy prep and minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to prepare: Just toss your ingredients into the crockpot and let it do all the work, freeing up your time.
• Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and potatoes, it’s a meal in itself that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
• Perfect for busy days: Great for meal prep or an effortless weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.
• Comfort in every bite: The creamy broth combined with the savory hamburger makes each spoonful a warm hug.
• Customizable to taste: Easy to modify with seasoning and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the smooth texture, hearty taste, and inviting color this soup is known for. You won’t need anything fancy, just classic pantry staples that come together beautifully.

• Ground hamburger: Provides the rich, savory base that lends depth and protein to the soup.
• Potatoes: Cubed and tender, they add substance and soak up the delicious broth perfectly.
• Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful foundation.
• Beef broth or stock: Brings richness and enhances the savory notes.
• Sour cream or cream cheese: Adds that luscious creamy texture without overpowering other ingredients.
• Cheese: Melty goodness that complements the savory hamburger and soft potatoes.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika): Simple spices that elevate the soup’s flavor without complicating the process.
• Optional veggies (celery, carrots): For extra nutrients, color, and crunch if you want to mix it up.

Variations for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking or dietary needs. The simplicity of the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup makes it easy to add or swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Swap beef for turkey: Use ground turkey for a leaner, lighter protein option with similar texture.
• Add bacon bits: Crispy bacon boosts smoky flavor and adds a delightful crunch on top.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace hamburger with sautéed mushrooms or lentils to keep it hearty but meat-free.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a little warmth and complexity.
• Use different cheeses: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of parmesan for flavor twists.

How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the hamburger

Start by browning the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step releases those rich flavors and creates a savory base for the soup.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

While the meat is cooking, peel and cube your potatoes, chop onions, garlic, and any optional veggies you want to include. Keeping the pieces roughly the same size ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Combine ingredients in the crockpot

Layer the browned hamburger, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings into your crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to distribute everything evenly before covering.

Step 4: Slow cook to perfection

Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add the creamy finish

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your sour cream or cream cheese and shredded cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating that irresistible creamy texture.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

• Brown your meat first: This locks in flavor and prevents the soup from tasting flat.
• Cut potatoes evenly: Ensures they cook uniformly and don’t turn mushy.
• Don’t skip low and slow: Cooking on low heat enhances depth and softness.
• Add cheese last: To prevent curdling and keep the soup smooth and creamy.
• Use good-quality broth: It’s the foundation of the soup and sets the overall taste.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and a fresh flavor boost. Crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream are delightful extras that invite you to dig in with anticipation.

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad to balance the richness and add texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun twist, or portion it into individual mugs for cozy, portable servings that are perfect for family gatherings or casual meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick after cooling down.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without a crockpot?

Yes! You can cook the ingredients on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat, simmering until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld, then add the creamy ingredients toward the end.

What type of potatoes work best in this soup?

Yukon Gold or red potatoes are preferred because they hold their shape well while getting tender, but russet potatoes also work if you like a softer, creamier texture.

Can I use ground beef with higher fat content?

You can, but draining excess fat after browning will prevent the soup from becoming greasy and keep the flavor balanced.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid adding any bread or thickeners containing gluten, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this soup lower in calories?

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger, swap full-fat dairy for low-fat alternatives, and reduce cheese amounts for a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and again when you crave something easy, delicious, and full of heart. With its comforting creaminess and rich flavors, it offers food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup!

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