Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your meal rotation. It combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth—all simmered slowly in the crockpot for maximum flavor with minimal effort. This is a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights, cold weather, or anytime you want a filling dish that feels like home.

What makes this soup especially appealing is its simplicity. The ingredients are affordable, familiar, and easy to customize, yet the end result tastes like it simmered all day on the stove. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: The crockpot does most of the work.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples.
Rich and creamy: Without being overly heavy.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with vegetables, seasonings, or cheese.
Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

This recipe serves about 6 people.

1 lb ground beef
4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried parsley
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Optional garnishes: green onions, extra cheese, bacon bits

Preparing the Ingredients

Before adding everything to the crockpot, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and drain off any excess grease. This step adds flavor and keeps the soup from becoming oily.

Peel and dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly. Chop the onion finely to help it soften completely during slow cooking.

Crockpot Instructions

Add base ingredients
Place the browned ground beef, diced potatoes, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
Season and add broth
Pour in the broth and add salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Thicken the soup
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup.
Add cream and cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, if using. Stir well, cover, and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on LOW until the soup is thick, creamy, and fully heated.
Adjust and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Cut potatoes evenly to ensure consistent texture.
Don’t rush the cream: Add dairy near the end to prevent curdling.
Stir gently after thickening to avoid breaking down the potatoes too much.
For extra thickness, lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot before serving.

Variations and Add-Ins

Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots or celery at the beginning.
Cheeseburger Soup Style: Increase the cheese and add a pinch of mustard powder.
Lighter Version: Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Herb Swap: Try thyme or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is filling enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Garlic toast
Simple green salad
Crackers or cornbread

It’s also a great option for meal prep, lunches, or feeding a crowd.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze without the dairy for best texture; add cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Why This Recipe Works

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is comfort food at its best—simple ingredients, slow-cooked flavor, and a creamy texture that satisfies without being complicated. The potatoes add heartiness, the ground beef brings savory depth, and the creamy broth ties everything together into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll come back to again and again.