When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup. This rich and comforting soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and celery with a creamy cheddar cheese broth that makes every spoonful incredibly satisfying.
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the vegetables and beef to develop delicious flavor while you go about your day. Finish it with heavy cream, milk, and plenty of shredded cheddar for a thick, creamy soup that feels like the ultimate homemade comfort food.
If you love easy, hearty recipes like this one, be sure to follow along and keep coming back for more delicious recipes! β€οΈ
π Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, optional
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
π©βπ³ Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink.
Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Spread the ingredients evenly throughout the crockpot.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken or beef broth.
Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6β8 hours or HIGH for 3β4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your vegetable pieces.
5. Make It Creamy
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the heavy cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
If you prefer a thicker soup, stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add the mixture to the crockpot.
Cover and continue cooking on LOW for approximately 15β20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese.
Serve with warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers for a comforting and satisfying meal.
β Tips for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
Brown the beef first: Browning adds extra flavor and also allows you to drain excess fat before adding the beef to the slow cooker.
Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized potato and vegetable pieces will cook more evenly.
Add dairy near the end: Heavy cream, milk, and cheese are best added after the vegetables have cooked so the dairy remains smooth and creamy.
Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the thickness: Use the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker, more chowder-like consistency.
π§ Easy Variations
For extra flavor, try using a combination of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar.
You can also add cooked bacon, green onions, mushrooms, or corn for additional texture and flavor.
For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
If you want an even richer flavor, substitute part of the milk with additional heavy cream.
π What to Serve With It
This soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides make it even better.
Try serving it with:
- Crusty French bread
- Garlic bread
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
The bread is especially delicious for soaking up the creamy cheddar broth.
π§ Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3β4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
If the soup becomes thicker after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency.
π Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6β8 hours on LOW or 3β4 hours on HIGH
Final Creamy Cooking Time: 15β20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 6 1/2β8 1/2 hours
Servings: About 6β8
β€οΈ Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the definition of comfort food. Tender potatoes and vegetables, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheddar-infused broth come together to create a hearty meal thatβs perfect for cold evenings and relaxed family dinners.
Itβs easy, filling, and made with simple ingredients that turn into something wonderfully satisfying in the slow cooker.
If you enjoyed this recipe, donβt forget to follow for more delicious homemade recipes! β€οΈπ²
#SoupRecipe #ComfortFood #Homemade #HeartyMeals #PotatoSoup #HamburgerSoup #SoupSeason #SlowCookerRecipes #CrockpotRecipes #EasyDinner #WarmAndCozy #Enjoy