When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup made in the Crockpot is the perfect easy, hands-off meal for those cozy nights. With tender chunks of potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is packed with flavor and will satisfy the whole family. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the slow cooker with the cooked ground beef.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and stir in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Make the Soup Creamy
About 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well to melt the cream cheese into the soup. Then, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions or chives, and extra cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting and delicious soup!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this creamy potato and hamburger soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Helpful Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with a milk of your choice.
- Add extra vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher before adding the cream cheese and heavy cream.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Alton Brown suggests adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Ina Garten recommends using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture.
Rachael Ray advises topping the soup with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Ensure that all ingredients, including broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the “Sauté” function to brown the beef, then add the other ingredients and cook on “Soup” mode for 10 minutes.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding, and add the heavy cream gradually, stirring constantly.
Can I add bacon to this soup?
Absolutely! Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the soup or use it as a garnish.
How do I reheat the soup without it separating?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, cream, and cream cheese alternatives to make the soup dairy-free.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Mash some of the potatoes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken.
Enjoy this Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, a comforting and easy meal made right in your Crockpot!
