🥣 Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Rich, hearty, and loaded with comfort — this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the perfect cozy meal for chilly days. It combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy broth for a family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself.

📝 Description

This slow cooker soup blends browned ground beef with soft potatoes, onions, and savory seasonings, then finishes with cream and cheese for a thick, velvety texture. It’s like a loaded baked potato meets cheeseburger soup — warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 5 medium russet potatoes (peeled & diced)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup carrots (diced)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup milk or heavy cream

• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Optional toppings:

• Cooked bacon crumbles

• Green onions

• Extra shredded cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Add to Crockpot
   Place browned beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings into the slow cooker.

3. Cook
   Cover and cook:

   • Low: 6–7 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours
     Until potatoes are tender.

4. Add Creamy Ingredients
   Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk/cream.

5. Thicken (Optional)
   Mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 20–30 minutes if thicker soup is desired.

6. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, or extra cheese.

🍽 Servings

• Serves: 6–8

• Serving size: About 1½ cups

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 430

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 750mg

(Values vary by ingredients used.)

💡 Tips for Best Results

✔ Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
✔ Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling
✔ For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce
✔ Mash some potatoes for thicker texture

📌 Notes

• Stores in refrigerator up to 4 days

• Freezes best before adding dairy

• Can substitute ground turkey for leaner option

• Great served with crusty bread or side salad

🌟 Benefits

• Hearty, filling comfort meal

• High in protein

• Easy slow cooker prep

• Family-friendly flavors

• Budget-friendly ingredients

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
It’s best to thaw and brown first for best flavor and safety.

Q: Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes — use extra cheddar and a splash of heavy cream.

Q: How do I make it thicker?
Mash potatoes or use cornstarch slurry.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — corn, celery, or peas work well.

Q: Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes — cook under high pressure for 8 minutes, then stir in dairy.