Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

After years of perfecting slow-cooker recipes, I’ve found that this rich, hearty soup brings together the best of comfort food – tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a velvety cream base. This recipe has become my go-to for those busy days when I want a warming, satisfying meal waiting at home.

Why This Recipe Works

This soup combines the convenience of crockpot cooking with the rich, satisfying flavors of a traditional cream soup. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender while the beef develops deep, complex flavors. The combination of milk and cream creates an irresistibly rich broth that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 6 medium potatoes (about 2.5 lbs/1.1 kg), peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion (about 5.3 oz/150g), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cream Base

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2g) dried thyme
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (150g) corn kernels
• 1 cup (150g) diced carrots
• 1/2 cup (60g) diced celery

Detailed Instructions

Initial Preparation

1. Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. Place them in cold water to prevent browning while preparing other ingredients.
2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Browning the Meat

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small, uniform pieces.
2. Once browned, drain excess fat using a colander, then transfer the meat to the crockpot.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.

Slow Cooking Process

1. Drain the potatoes and add them to the crockpot along with the sautéed onion mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Finishing the Soup

1. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the milk and heavy cream.
2. If using optional vegetables, add them at this time.
3. For a thicker consistency, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot.
4. If adding cheese, stir in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for best texture
• Don’t skip browning the meat – it adds crucial flavor
• Keep potato pieces uniform for even cooking
• Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling
• Season gradually and taste before serving

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg

Time Requirements

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 3-4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (dairy may separate upon thawing)
• Reheat: Slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this soup with:

• Crusty artisan bread for dipping
• A fresh green salad
• Garnished with fresh parsley and extra black pepper
• A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits
• Additional shredded cheese on top

This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a bowl of pure comfort. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich, creamy broth creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the late addition of dairy ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s never grainy or curdled.