Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
This Hamburger Potato Soup is all about comforting, hearty goodness. With a combination of ground beef, potatoes, and a creamy broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a slow cooker recipe, which means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional for added flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then brown the ground beef. Make sure to break it up as it cooks, so you get nice, small pieces. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your Crock Pot.
2. Add the Veggies:
Now, toss the chopped onion and minced garlic into the slow cooker with the browned beef. Add the diced potatoes as well. The potatoes are the star of the show here, so don’t skimp on them!
3. Season and Add Liquids:
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme (if using). Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring everything together to combine. The liquid should just about cover the potatoes, giving it that creamy texture we’re after.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low. Let it cook for about 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. You can also cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the soup, adding that rich, creamy texture. You can always add more cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
6. Serve:
Once the soup is done, give it a good stir and check for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Hamburger Potato Soup
- Peel or leave the skins on the potatoes: It’s up to you! If you like a little more texture, leave the skins on. Otherwise, peeling them gives you a smoother, creamier soup.
- Use a mix of potatoes: If you want a bit more texture, try using both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. The russets will break down a little more, while the Yukon Golds hold their shape.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. It gives the soup a nice kick without overpowering it.
- Make it dairy-free: If you want to make this soup dairy-free, swap the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.
- Thicken it up: If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher right in the Crock Pot. This will add to the creaminess and give the soup a heartier texture.
FAQs You Might Be Thinking About
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Frozen diced potatoes will work fine in this recipe. Just make sure to check the cooking time as frozen potatoes might need a little extra time to cook.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yep, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a little lighter, so you may want to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a slice of warm, buttery bread or a simple side salad. A dollop of sour cream or some crispy bacon bits can also add a nice touch.
That’s it! This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is a cozy, easy-to-make meal that’ll warm you up and keep you satisfied. With tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a deliciously cheesy broth, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
- For the Soup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 and a half cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 and a half cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning beef
- For Garnish Optional
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon bits
Instructions
- Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
- Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to your Crock Pot.
- Add the Vegetables
- To the Crock Pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme (if using), and add Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine.
- Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well blended.
- Add the Cheese
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the soup for a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Potato options: Peel them for a smoother soup or leave the skins on for more texture.
- Use a mix: Combine russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the best balance of creaminess and structure.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want a little kick.
- Thicker soup: Mash some of the potatoes right in the Crock Pot before adding the cheese.
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based milk and cream, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
