There’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy soup to warm up your soul, and when it comes to hearty, flavorful meals, our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a must-try. This delicious soup combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, velvety cream base, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy night in or hosting a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Brief History of Creamy Soups

Creamy soups have been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries. From traditional French bisques to hearty chowders, they are known for their ability to provide comfort while delivering rich flavors. The combination of potatoes and meat has long been a classic pairing, especially in European and American households. The addition of a creamy base only elevates these flavors, giving the dish a luxurious texture. With the advent of slow cookers in modern kitchens, making such complex flavors has become a simple, hands-off process.

Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

To make this flavorful and hearty soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef is preferred, but you can use ground chuck for extra flavor)
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can substitute with half-and-half if you want a lighter texture)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for added richness)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing the onions and garlic)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for thickening, if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your crockpot.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

While your onions and garlic are cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Add the diced potatoes directly into the crockpot on top of the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 4: Add the Beef Broth and Seasonings

Pour 3 cups of beef broth over the potatoes in the crockpot. Add the cooked ground beef, dried parsley, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine everything together. This will help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the soup as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and all the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Base

Once your soup has cooked through, it’s time to add the creamy base. Slowly stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, allowing it to blend smoothly into the broth. Then, add the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) for added richness. Stir well to incorporate.

Step 7: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker consistency, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually pour the slurry into the soup while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the creamy, rich soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

• Choosing the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they break down nicely and add to the creaminess of the soup. For a chunkier texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes.
• Add vegetables: If you’d like to make this soup even more nutritious, consider adding carrots, celery, or even spinach. These vegetables will add extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp blue cheese for a twist.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is not just easy to make but incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or even meal prepping. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and develop, while the addition of cream and cheese creates a luxurious texture that is hard to resist. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the richness of hamburger meat with the starchiness of potatoes and a velvety cream base. You’ll find that it’s a favorite for both kids and adults alike, making it the ultimate family meal.

If you’re looking for a soup that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and comforting in every bite, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Storage and Reheating

This soup can easily be stored and enjoyed later. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency as it heats. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.