Craving a warm, satisfying dinner idea that requires minimal effort? This crockpot recipe for creamy potato and hamburger soup is the ultimate comfort food.
It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or meal prep days. With just a little prep, your slow cooker does the work, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and wholesome soup that the whole family will love.
The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Soup
- Balance of Dairy & Slow Cooking: The key to achieving a smooth, velvety texture lies in using the right combination of heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Cooking Low & Slow: Letting the soup cook gradually allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Timing Matters: Add dairy towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling or grainy textures.
- Thickening Tip: For an even richer consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry to enhance the soup’s body.
- Creamy Perfection: Following these steps ensures every spoonful is indulgently smooth and satisfying.
Why This Crockpot Recipe Works for Any Occasion
- Hassle-Free Cooking: Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker does the rest.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, this soup is a complete meal.
- Great for Leftovers: Make a large batch and enjoy it for days—this soup reheats beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A cheesy, creamy base with savory beef and veggies makes it a hit with all ages.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or spice levels.
Easy Modifications for Different Diets
This dinner idea is naturally hearty, but it can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:
- Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the broth and thickening agents are gluten-free.
- Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat.
Serving Ideas & Flavor Pairings
Pairing this soup with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
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- Bread Pairings: Serve with a warm baguette, garlic toast, or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
- Salad Options: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Toppings & Add-Ins: Extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped fresh herbs add layers of texture and taste.
- Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the soup’s creaminess, while a non-alcoholic option like iced tea or sparkling apple cider enhances the meal.
How to Store & Reheat for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this dinner idea is how well it stores for later.
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a comforting bowl of homemade goodness, this crockpot recipe is sure to be a favorite!
Easy Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup Meal Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Crockpot/slow cooker
Ingredients
For the Meat & Dairy:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
For the Seasonings & Liquids:
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water optional, for thickening
For the Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step helps enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked beef, onions, and garlic into the crockpot. Then, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery for a hearty vegetable base.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, then stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and let the soup cook: Low setting: 6-8 hours. High setting: 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes and vegetables to soften and absorb the savory broth.
- Add Dairy & Cheese: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. If you want a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch slurry and stir well.
- Final Cooking & Serving: Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a touch of natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, try Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure your broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free to make this soup completely gluten-free.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.