For a hot dish on a cold day, nothing really beats a warm bowl of soup. Our Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is just what you need. In your slow cooker is the set-it-and-forget-it kind of dinner that feels like a big hug on a cold night. It is so sad that the leftovers won’t be for tomorrow, as it is amazing. It’s got potatoes; it’s got ground beef; it’s got cream; and who could ask for more? All the tastes convey wholesomeness. This means it’s easy to prepare, other than what one might expect; you could spend more time meandering or just kick back lounging. Get your apron on and let’s head into the heart.
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Ground beef (1 lb)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Potatoes (4-5 medium, peeled and diced)
- Carrots (2, peeled and sliced)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Chicken broth (4 cups)
- Salt (1 tsp)
- Black pepper (½ tsp)
- Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make It (With Your Slow Cooker Doing Most of the Work)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Quick skillet job: Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the extra fat and toss the meat into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Veg
Dump in the potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Rustic cuts are great—this isn’t about perfect knife skills.
Step 3: Broth & Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Stir it all together so everything’s well mixed.
Step 4: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4, until the veggies are nice and soft.
Pro tip: If you’re using this for meal prep, cook it overnight or while you’re out. It holds up beautifully.
Step 5: The Creamy Finish
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the cream cheese. Let it melt in. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in that cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and silky smooth.
Step 6: Garnish & Devour
Spoon into bowls, top with bacon, chives, and a little extra cheddar. Then grab your spoon and settle in.
Little Extras That Take It Over the Top
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Garlic toast or crusty bread – Because dunking is part of the experience.
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A simple green salad – If you need a little crunch or something fresh.
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Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts – For balance. Or for show. Your call.
Storage + Reheating Tips
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in individual containers or bags. It keeps for 2–3 months.
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Reheating: Low and slow on the stove is best. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens up too much. Microwave works too—just use short bursts and stir in between.
FAQ – Because Yes, You’ve Got Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Turkey’s a great lighter option, and it works well with the creamy base.
Will the cream curdle?
Not if you soften the cream cheese first and stir in the cream gradually over low heat. Keep it gentle.
Is it gluten-free?
Yep—as long as your broth and seasonings are labeled gluten-free.
How do I thicken it?
Mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot. Or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).
No cream cheese—what now?
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt will work. The texture will be a little different, but still creamy and delicious.
Can I use the Instant Pot?
Totally. Use the sauté setting to brown the beef. Add the rest, cook on Soup for 10 minutes, then stir in dairy after releasing pressure.
Is dairy-free possible?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream, plant-based cheese, and skip the cream cheese or sub in a vegan version.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. the part where I beg you to try this)
This isn’t a trendy meal. It’s not going to go viral on social media. But it is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple. Something you come back to when you’re tired, cold, hungry, and just want something that makes you feel okay again.
So next time the sky’s a little gray, or you just want something that doesn’t require 15 steps and 27 spices—make this Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup. It’s not just dinner. It’s comfort, served warm in a bowl.
