Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: Cozy, Hearty, and Full of Flavor

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is my definition of comfort food. It’s thick, rich, and loaded with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy base that warms me up from the inside out. Whether I’m making it on a chilly evening or just want a no-fuss, satisfying meal, this soup is always a win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s incredibly easy to throw together and packed with flavor. Everything simmers low and slow in the crockpot, which means I get a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and even better as leftovers the next day. The creamy broth, hearty beef, and soft potatoes make every bite cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Yellow onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)

• Carrots, sliced (optional)

• Celery, diced (optional)

• Beef broth or stock

• Cream cheese, softened

• Heavy cream or milk

• Cheddar cheese, shredded

• Salt and pepper

• Paprika (optional)

• Dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.

2. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.

3. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs if using.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

6. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and combined.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings. It takes around 15 minutes of prep time and 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high) in the crockpot. I like to prep everything in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat, comforting bowl.

Variations

• I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef when I want a different flavor.

• I sometimes add frozen peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.

• For a thicker soup, I mash a few potatoes right in the pot before adding the cream.

• If I want to lighten it up, I use milk instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.

• I’ve made a spicy version with pepper jack cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats perfectly on the stove or in the microwave—just stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much. I also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. I thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and it tastes even better the next day.

Do I need to cook the beef before adding it to the crockpot?

Yes, I always brown it first. It adds flavor and ensures the beef cooks safely and evenly.

Can I use raw potatoes?

Absolutely. I peel and dice them before adding them to the crockpot—they cook perfectly over several hours.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I usually go with sharp cheddar, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a blend all melt beautifully into the soup.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as I check that all my broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is one of those recipes I rely on when I need something cozy, filling, and simple. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and always leaves me feeling full and happy. Once I made it the first time, it quickly became a staple in my cold-weather rotation—and I always look forward to the leftovers.

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: Cozy, Hearty, and Full of Flavor

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
• Total Time: ~6.5 hours
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup, Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a cozy, hearty recipe perfect for chilly nights. Loaded with tender potatoes, ground beef, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s a family-friendly slow cooker meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this creamy soup will become a go-to favorite.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled)
• 1 cup carrots, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup celery, diced (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth or stock
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.

2. Transfer beef mixture to crockpot.

3. Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs if using.

4. Cover and cook:

   • Low: 6–7 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours

5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.

6. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

7. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with bread, crackers, or your favorite topping.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey or sausage for variation.
• Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Mash a few potatoes in the crockpot to thicken the soup naturally.
• Lighten it up with milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Pepper jack and red pepper flakes add a spicy twist.