It is an especially great choice for busy weeknights because most of the work happens right in the crockpot. Simply brown the hamburger, add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have blended together.
Whether you're feeding a family or looking for an easy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this creamy hamburger potato soup delivers homemade comfort in every spoonful.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Hamburger Potato Soup
There are plenty of reasons to make this recipe again and again:
Easy to prepare: The slow cooker does most of the cooking.
Family-friendly: Creamy potatoes and savory ground beef make this a comforting meal for all ages.
Budget-friendly: It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Hearty and filling: Potatoes and hamburger make this soup satisfying enough for dinner.
Perfect for busy days: Prep the ingredients, turn on the crockpot, and let dinner cook.
Great leftovers: The flavors become even more delicious after resting overnight.
Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, cheese, herbs, or seasonings.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Soup
1 pound ground beef
5–6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Optional Toppings
For an extra flavorful bowl, try topping your soup with:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crispy bacon
Chopped green onions
Fresh parsley
Sour cream
Cracked black pepper
Homemade croutons
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
For the best flavor, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Try to cut the potatoes into relatively similar sizes so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Russet potatoes create a soft, thick texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a little better and provide a naturally buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the diced potatoes and carrots.
Pour in the beef broth and add the cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, and paprika.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on:
LOW for 6–8 hours
or
HIGH for 3–4 hours
The soup is ready for the creamy finishing ingredients when the potatoes are fork-tender.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and your slow cooker.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk and heavy cream.
If you're adding cheddar cheese, stir it in gradually until melted and incorporated into the soup.
Allow the soup to cook for another 15–30 minutes on LOW so the flavors can come together.
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy, as high heat can sometimes cause creamy ingredients to separate.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a taste before serving.
Add additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add a little extra beef broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tips for the Best Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup
Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are excellent if you want a thicker, creamier soup because they naturally break down during cooking.
Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option because they have a buttery texture and tend to hold their shape well.
Don't Skip Browning the Beef
Although it may be tempting to put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker, browning it first adds significantly more flavor.
It also allows you to drain excess grease before adding the beef to the soup.
Cut Potatoes Evenly
Large potato chunks can take longer to cook, while very small pieces may become overly soft.
Aim for approximately ¾-inch to 1-inch pieces for a balanced texture.
Add Dairy Toward the End
Adding milk and cream near the end of cooking helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
This is particularly important when using a slow cooker for several hours.
Make It Thicker
If you prefer an extra-thick soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the crockpot before adding the cream.
You can also make a simple cornstarch slurry by combining:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Stir the mixture together and add it to the hot soup. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Easy Variations
One of the best things about this crockpot soup is how easy it is to customize.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Add 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese during the final 15–30 minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy version.
Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup
Cook several strips of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and add some to the soup. Reserve extra bacon for topping each bowl.
Add More Vegetables
You can add vegetables such as:
Celery
Corn
Green beans
Peas
Mushrooms
Spinach
This is also a great way to use vegetables you already have in the refrigerator.
Spicy Version
For a little heat, add:
Red pepper flakes
Cayenne pepper
Diced jalapeños
Hot sauce
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a lighter flavor.
For a richer flavor, however, ground beef works especially well with the creamy potato base.
What to Serve With Hamburger Potato Soup
This soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into an even more satisfying dinner.
Try serving it with:
Crusty Bread
A warm loaf of French bread, sourdough, or a crusty dinner roll is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread adds a buttery, savory side that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and beef.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
Dinner Rolls
Soft homemade or store-bought dinner rolls are another easy option for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
How to Store Leftover Soup
Allow leftover soup to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Because this soup contains dairy and potatoes, the texture may become thicker after refrigeration. Simply add a splash of milk or beef broth when reheating.
How to Reheat
For individual portions, reheat the soup gently in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
For larger portions, warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil because excessive heat can cause the dairy to separate.
Can You Freeze Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup?
You can freeze this soup, but creamy soups containing dairy and potatoes may change texture slightly after thawing.
For the best results, consider preparing the soup without the milk and heavy cream. Freeze the cooked beef, potatoes, vegetables, and broth together.
When you're ready to serve it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator, heat it gently, and add the milk and cream near the end.
This method helps maintain a smoother texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw hamburger in the crockpot?
Yes, ground beef can technically be cooked in a slow cooker, but browning it in a skillet first is recommended. Browning adds flavor and makes it easier to drain excess grease.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
It is best to thaw the ground beef safely in the refrigerator before browning it. This allows it to cook evenly and makes it easier to break apart.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely. Half-and-half works well if you want a creamy soup that is slightly lighter than one made with heavy cream.
Can I make this soup without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. You can replace the condensed soup with additional broth and create your own thickened cream base using butter, flour, and milk.
How can I make the soup less thick?
Simply stir in additional beef broth or milk a little at a time until you reach the consistency you prefer.
Why did my potatoes turn mushy?
Potatoes can become very soft when cooked for an extended period, especially if they're cut into small pieces. For firmer potato pieces, use Yukon Gold potatoes and avoid overcooking.
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
5–6 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
3 cups beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Add the beef mixture to the crockpot.
Add diced potatoes and carrots.
Pour in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup.
Add salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, and paprika.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in milk and heavy cream.
Add shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cook for another 15–30 minutes on LOW.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the definition of easy comfort food. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth, it makes a satisfying dinner without requiring hours of hands-on cooking.
It's perfect for cold evenings, busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you're craving a warm bowl of homemade soup. Add cheese and bacon for a loaded cheeseburger-inspired version, or keep it simple with fresh parsley and a piece of crusty bread.
Once you try this easy slow cooker hamburger potato soup, don't be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation.
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