How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
In your crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, and browned ground beef. Pour in the beef broth, add thyme (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine.
Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and check for doneness.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the milk (or heavy cream) to the crockpot and stir. If you want the soup a little thicker, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little bit of milk or broth to make a slurry and then stir it into the soup. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Once the soup is creamy and well combined, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Serve hot, and garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor!
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and hold up well in soups, giving the soup a nice texture.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to toss in some carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use ground turkey: For a lighter option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef without sacrificing flavor.
- Thicken with cheese: If you like a thicker soup, add extra cheese towards the end of cooking to make it extra creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: The crockpot does all the work for you—just throw everything in and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Hearty and filling: With tender potatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheese, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
- Comfort food: It’s warm, cozy, and packed with flavors everyone will love, making it perfect for chilly nights.
- Easily customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.
