Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of tender potatoes with hearty ground beef—all slow-cooked to perfection.
» As a chef, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite weeknight dinner recipe hacks. Why? Because you toss everything into the crockpot, let it do its magic, and by the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen smells like home.
I still remember the first time I made this soup recipe for my kids—they each went back for seconds and said, “Dad, this tastes like cheeseburger soup but even better!” With just 15 minutes of prep, you get a thick, creamy, hearty soup packed with golden potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and cheesy richness— and I’m sure it’ll be a hit in yours too.
So, let’s dive into the magic of slow cooking!
👉 Why You’ll Love This Soup Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and hands-off, this Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup will be your new go-to comfort food.
✅ Effortless – The crockpot does most of the work.
✅ Hearty & Filling – Perfect for hungry families.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Comfort Food Classic – Creamy, cheesy, and soul-warming.
This Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food—easy, delicious, and made to warm your soul!
👉 What Makes Potato Soup Creamy?
» Creamy potato soup gets its rich texture from a blend of heavy cream, milk, sour cream, or cream cheese, which adds fat and silkiness.
» Mashed or blended potatoes also naturally thicken the soup, creating a velvety, hearty consistency without needing a lot of flour or thickeners.
👉 Kitchen Tools for Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup
♥ Large Skillet
♥ Crockpot / Slow Cooker
♥ Wooden Spoon or Spatula
♥ Storage Containers – For leftovers or meal prep.
♥ Soup Ladle – For serving up that creamy goodness.
♥ Peeler (Optional) – If you prefer to peel your potatoes before dicing.
♥ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accuracy with liquids, seasonings, and dairy.
♥ Cutting Board & Knife – For dicing potatoes, onions, and other fresh vegetables.
Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this creamy, dreamy soup:
♥ 1 lb ground beef
♥ 5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
♥ 1 cup carrots, chopped
♥ 1 cup celery, chopped
♥ 1 small onion, diced
♥ 3 cloves garlic, minced
♥ 4 cups beef broth
♥ 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
♥ 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
♥ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
♥ 1 tsp paprika
♥ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
♥ Salt & black pepper, to taste
♥ 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
» Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup
» This hearty slow-cooker soup comes together effortlessly with a bit of prep and plenty of comfort. Each step below is crafted to help you build depth of flavor and a rich, creamy finish.
👉 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
🔥 Why it matters: Browning enhances flavor and prevents greasy soup.
♥ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
♥ First of all, take 1 pound of ground beef & cook it perfectly for at least 6–8 minutes, break it down into small chunks as it cooks, and turn brownish.
♥ Now drain out the extra grease gently & transfer it into the Crockpot.
Tip: You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder while browning for extra depth.
» Do I need to brown the beef first?
Yes, it prevents greasiness and adds deeper flavor.
👉 Step 2: Prepare & Add the Vegetables
🥕 Layering in flavor and texture.
♥ Dice 5 medium potatoes into bite-sized cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best).
♥ Now add 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of celery, & 1 small onion.
♥ Mince 3 garlic cloves for that aromatic kick.
♥ Now, it’s time to add the veggies on top of the ground beef in the Crockpot. This creates a perfect base for the soup.
Tip:
If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen diced hash brown potatoes and pre-chopped mirepoix mix (onion/celery/carrot).
👉 Step 3: Pour in Broth & Seasonings
🧂 This step blends every ingredient perfectly with flavors on a slow simmer.
♥ Add 4 cups of beef broth (low-sodium preferred so you can control the salt).
♥ Stir in the seasonings:
♥ 1 teaspoon paprika
♥ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
♥ Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
♥ Stir gently to combine everything.
♥ Optional Add-Ins: Bay leaf, dried thyme, chili flakes for a little heat.
👉 Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
⏲️ Let your Crockpot do the heavy lifting.
» Cover the Crockpot with its lid.
Cook on:
♥ LOW for 7–8 hours, OR
♥ HIGH for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
♥ This gentle simmering process melds all the ingredients perfectly, potatoes become tender, beef evenly absorbs the broth, and veggies.
♥ Check after 6 hours (low setting) or 3.5 hours (high setting) — your potatoes should be fork-tender.
👉 Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness
🧀 Now comes the magic touch — turning this into a creamy, comforting bowl of soup.
» About 30 minutes before serving, reduce the heat to LOW if it was on HIGH.
Stir in:
♥ 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
♥ 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
♥ 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
♥ Stir well until the cheeses melt and blend into the soup, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
Tip:
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds to prevent clumping.
👉 Step 6: Adjust Consistency (Optional)
🥣 Custom-thickening for your desired texture.
» If the soup is too thin:
♥ Mash some potatoes right in the pot using a spoon or potato masher.
♥ Or make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water), stir it in, and let it cook 10 more minutes.
» If the soup is too thick:
♥ Add a splash of milk or broth until it loosens to your liking.
👉 Step 7: Taste, Serve, and Enjoy!
🧂 Final seasoning makes all the difference.
♥ Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
♥ Ladle into bowls while hot.
♥ Add your favorite toppings (see section below) and enjoy!
✅ Final Cooking Tips:
» Don’t overcook: Once the cream and cheeses are added, don’t let the soup boil or it may curdle.
» Storage: It keeps well for several days and tastes even better the next day!
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup
» Brown Your Beef First – Adds depth of flavor and prevents excess grease in the soup.
» Choose the Right Potato – Yukon golds hold shape better, russets make it extra creamy.
» Always Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains starch that can make soup grainy.
» Add Dairy at the End – Cream and cheese should go in during the last 30 minutes to avoid curdling.
» Freezing Tip – Freeze the soup without cream and cheese, then add fresh when reheating.
» Garnish for Extra Flavor – Crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or scallions add crunch and color.
👉 Topping & Garnishing Tips
Toppings:
♥ Crumbled bacon
♥ Extra shredded cheddar
♥ Fresh parsley or chives
♥ Sour cream dollops
♥ Croutons or crispy onions
♥ Cream cheese should be softened before adding to avoid lumps.
» Want a thicker soup? Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes directly in the pot.
» Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Add firmer veggies early in the cook time and delicate ones (like peas) near the end.
👉 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without cream for up to 3 months. Add dairy while reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave in intervals or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
» Can I cook it overnight?
Yes, use the low setting for 8 hours and keep it on warm until you’re ready to eat.
Serving Ideas With Crockpot Creamy Potato Soup
This rich and creamy soup pairs beautifully with simple, cozy sides to round out the meal:
» Garlic Bread – Adds a buttery, herby crunch to every bite.
» Green Salad – A light, refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
» Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Classic comfort food combo.
» Crackers – Adds a salty, crispy texture on the side or crumbled on top.
» Cornbread – A sweet and savory Southern-inspired match.
» Roasted Veggies – Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli for a healthy touch.
These sides balance out the soup’s richness and make it a full, satisfying meal.
Ingredient Substitutions For This Soup Recipe
🔄 Quick Ingredient Substitutes
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef (Hamburger) | Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork | Turkey/chicken for lighter option, pork for richer flavor |
| Potatoes | Cauliflower florets, sweet potatoes, or turnips | Cauliflower = low-carb, sweet potatoes = slightly sweet twist |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk | Use evaporated milk for creaminess without heaviness |
| Cheddar Cheese | Colby Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda | Freshly grated always melts better than pre-shredded |
| Chicken/Beef Broth | Vegetable broth | Makes it vegetarian-friendly (if paired with meat substitute) |
| Carrots | Sweet potato, parsnips, or bell peppers | Adds sweetness or extra nutrients |
| Celery | Zucchini, fennel, or omit entirely | Zucchini works great if added later in cooking |
| Olive Oil/Butter | Avocado oil, ghee, or coconut oil | Ghee adds richness, avocado oil = healthier option |
Customize your soup based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences:
♥ Ground Beef → Ground Turkey or Chicken
» Lighten it up with leaner meats without sacrificing flavor.
♥ Russet Potatoes → Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes
♥ Heavy Cream → Half-and-Half or Whole Milk
» For a lighter version, but still creamy and satisfying.
♥ Cheddar Cheese → Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella
» Try different cheese varieties for unique flavor twists.
♥ Chicken Broth → Beef Broth or Vegetable Broth
» Swap based on taste preferences or to suit a vegetarian version.
♥ Onions → Leeks or Shallots
» A milder or slightly sweeter alternative if preferred.
♥ Flour (for thickening) → Cornstarch or Instant Mashed Potatoes
» Great gluten-free or pantry-friendly thickening options.
These simple substitutions make the soup flexible, family-friendly, and pantry-adaptable!
Best Alternate Soup Recipes You Can Try
» Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Topped with bacon, cheese, and sour cream—pure comfort.
» Ham and Potato Corn Chowder – Sweet, smoky, and great for leftovers.
» Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup – Mild, filling, and family-friendly.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup – Rich, cheesy, and loaded with Italian flavor.
» Permesa Italian Ditilani Sausage Soup
» Outback Steakhouse Onion Soup
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 410 kcal
» Total Fat: 23g
» Saturated Fat: 10g
» Cholesterol: 70mg
» Sodium: 760mg
♥ Total Carbohydrates: 28g
» Dietary Fiber: 3g
» Sugars: 3g
» Protein: 21g
♥ Vitamin A: 500 IU
♥ Vitamin C: 18mg
♥ Calcium: 150mg
♥ Iron: 2.5mg
⚠️ Note:
These values are approximate and may vary based on the exact brands and ingredient quantities used. For precise tracking, it’s best to input your specific ingredients into a nutrition calculator.
Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the beef – Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add to crockpot – Combine cooked beef, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and broth in the crockpot.
- Slow cook – Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours until you get the soft & tender potatoes.
- Add creaminess – Stir in cream, cream cheese/sour cream, and thicken with flour slurry if needed.
- Stir & serve – Garnish with shredded cheddar, bacon bits, or green onions.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add frozen peas or corn in the last 30 minutes for color and texture.
- Can be frozen without the cream added (add cream when reheating).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese, or use dairy-free cheese options to suit your dietary needs.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes give a soft, creamy texture, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better. Red potatoes are also a great option if you prefer firmer chunks in your soup.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
You can use Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just be sure to shred it fresh for smooth melting and avoid pre-shredded cheeses.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too runny?
You can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze creamy potato hamburger soup?
Yes, but dairy-based soups can separate after freezing. To avoid texture issues, freeze before adding the cream, then stir it in fresh when reheating the thawed soup for best results.
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it—my chef’s take on Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup 2026! This recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Every spoonful feels like comfort in a bowl. I love how the slow cooker does the heavy lifting while still giving me a dish that tastes like I’ve been simmering it all day.
Whether you make it for a busy weeknight dinner recipe, a cozy Sunday meal, or to share with family and friends, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes. So pull out that crockpot, load it up, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of this creamy, cheesy, soul-warming soup. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, then write to me in the comment section below! Till then,
Happy slow cooking!
