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Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a comforting, hearty slow cooker meal featuring tender russet potatoes, savory browned hamburger, rich beef broth, and creamy cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make soup requires minimal prep and slow cooks to bring layers of flavor and texture, making it perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or family-friendly gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground hamburger

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary, or chives)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Hamburger: Start by browning the ground hamburger in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step boosts the flavor by caramelizing the meat before adding it to the crockpot.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop your potatoes into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having these ready helps with smooth assembly into the crockpot.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the browned hamburger, potatoes, onion, garlic, and beef broth to your crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow heat melds the flavors and softens the potatoes to perfect tenderness.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. This final addition turns the broth into a luxuriously creamy base.

Notes

  • Brown Meat First: This adds flavor complexity that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
  • Consistent Potato Size: Chop potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
  • Don’t Rush Cream Addition: Add cream and cheese late in the cook time to avoid curdling.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: They add freshness and brightness that canned or dried herbs can’t match.
  • Thicken If Needed: For thicker soup, mash a few cooked potatoes with a fork or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy potato soup, hamburger soup, slow cooker soup, crockpot dinner, comfort food, easy soup recipe, family-friendly soup