When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat the warmth and satisfaction of a crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup. This hearty, flavorful soup is the perfect blend of creamy potatoes, savory hamburger meat, and rich seasonings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or need something easy for a family dinner, this soup delivers in both taste and convenience.
Not only is this crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup incredibly easy to make, but it also yields a satisfying, filling dish that everyone will love. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a depth of taste that’s both comforting and delicious.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup So Special?
There’s something about slow-cooked meals that makes them irresistible. The crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup combines the best aspects of comfort food and convenience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this soup, and it’s budget-friendly.
- Hands-Off Cooking: After prepping the ingredients, the crockpot does all the work. No need to hover over the stove!
- Creamy Texture: The combination of potatoes and cream creates a smooth, velvety soup that’s satisfying without being too heavy.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of hamburger meat gives this soup a meaty richness, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe with additional vegetables, seasonings, or cheeses to suit your preferences.
For more comfort food recipes, take a look at this classic potato soup recipe and check out this hearty hamburger soup recipe.
Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
To make the crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version)
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen corn or peas
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, for extra creaminess
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the meat is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, and finely chop the onion and garlic. You can also prepare any additional vegetables you’d like to add, such as corn or peas.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the flavors well-melded by the time it’s done.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
About 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the soup. If you want an even creamier texture, you can also add cream cheese at this point.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture. Serve with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
While the recipe is easy to follow, here are a few tips to make sure your crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use waxy potatoes: For the best texture, use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold. They hold their shape well during cooking and won’t turn mushy like starchy potatoes.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: If you leave the soup on high for too long, the potatoes may break down and lose their texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent this.
- Adjust the consistency: If you like a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk. For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Use lean ground meat: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Make it spicier: For a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup.
Why Use a Crockpot for This Soup?
The crockpot, or slow cooker, is the perfect tool for making crockpot creamy potato and hamburger soup for several reasons:
- Convenience: With the crockpot, you don’t have to spend a lot of time tending to the soup. Once everything is in the pot, it cooks on its own.
- Flavor development: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and intensify. The longer cooking time helps the potatoes absorb the broth and seasonings, creating a rich, satisfying soup.
- Hands-off cooking: Once the ingredients are prepped and added, the crockpot does all the work. This gives you time to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
For more slow cooker recipes, check out these helpful articles:
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
Should I Cook Potatoes Before Adding to Soup?
No, there’s no need to cook the potatoes before adding them to the crockpot. The slow cooker will cook the potatoes perfectly, infusing them with the flavors of the broth and seasonings. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Why Is My Potato Soup Not Creamy?
If your potato soup isn’t creamy, it might be due to using the wrong type of potatoes or not adding enough creamy ingredients. For a smooth, velvety texture, opt for waxy potatoes and add plenty of cream cheese or shredded cheese.
Does Cream Cheese Thicken Up Potato Soup?
Yes, cream cheese adds both creaminess and thickness to potato soup. As it melts into the broth, it thickens the soup and gives it a richer texture. You can also use heavy cream for an even thicker consistency.
What Is a Good Thickener for Potato Soup?
There are several ways to thicken potato soup:
- Mashed potatoes: Mash a portion of the potatoes to thicken the broth.
- Cornstarch or flour: Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch or flour with a little water and adding it to the soup.
- Cream cheese: Stirring in cream cheese not only makes the soup creamy but also thickens the broth.
Recommended Recipes
For more delicious fall recipes, check out these related dishes:
- Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancakes
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Favorite
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
