I’m so excited to share this Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup recipe with you! This one’s a game-changer, my friends. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a bowl in your hands, wrapped in a cozy blanket. Imagine chunks of tender potatoes, savory hamburger, and a creamy broth all slow-cooked together to perfection. The best part? It’s made in your Crock Pot, so you can set it and forget it. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
This isn’t just a soup; it’s an experience. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a cozy weekend lunch, this soup brings so much heart and warmth to the table. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Versatile: This soup is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal. Let the Crock Pot do the work while you get on with your day, and when you return, a delicious dinner awaits.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge come together to make a hearty, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity. With just a few steps and a little prep, you can have a meal ready in no time. No need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up.
- Customizable: Want to add some extra veggies? Throw in some carrots or celery. Prefer a spicier kick? A little hot sauce or cayenne pepper will do the trick. This recipe is so adaptable!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’ve got picky eaters or a table full of foodies, this soup is guaranteed to please. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to make this comforting soup. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turns out!
- Ground Beef: This is the heart of the soup. Browned ground beef brings in that savory, meaty goodness that makes the soup so satisfying. You can swap it for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
- Potatoes: The chunky potatoes are perfect for this soup. They get soft and tender as they cook, making the broth rich and hearty. You can use any kind of potato, but russets work great!
- Onion: A little onion adds depth and sweetness to the soup base. It pairs beautifully with the beef and potatoes.
- Garlic: The secret ingredient that gives the soup that irresistible savory flavor. A couple of cloves go a long way.
- Beef Broth: The base of the soup. Beef broth adds richness and a deep umami flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Heavy Cream: For that creamy, velvety texture that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is added right at the end to melt into the soup, making it extra creamy and adding a little tangy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: The essentials to season and bring out the flavors of the soup. You can adjust this to your taste.
- Chives or Green Onions: For garnish, a little fresh chive or green onion adds a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor that balances the richness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this cozy Crock Pot soup:
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Add Everything to the Crock Pot: Add the cooked ground beef, chopped potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic to your Crock Pot. Pour in the beef broth, giving everything a good stir to combine.
Cook the Soup: Cover and cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when it’s ready. Give it a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Add Cream and Cheese: Once the soup is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it heat through, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir again until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh chives or green onions, and serve hot. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to round out your dinner:
- Fresh Salads: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. It’ll balance out the richness of the soup and add some freshness to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Nothing beats dipping a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread into this creamy soup. It’s the ultimate comfort combo!
- Crackers or Breadsticks: For a bit of crunch, serve with some crunchy crackers or soft breadsticks on the side.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the soup adds a nice tang and extra creaminess.
- Cheese: Extra shredded cheddar on top? Yes, please! It melts right into the soup, making it even more indulgent.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help make this recipe even easier and more delicious:
- Prep Ahead: Brown the ground beef and chop the veggies the night before to save time. Store everything in the fridge and add it to the Crock Pot the next day.
- Make It Spicy: Want to add a little kick? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Swap the Meat: If you prefer a leaner soup, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. It’ll still be just as comforting and delicious.
- Double the Batch: This soup freezes really well. Make a double batch, and freeze the extra for a rainy day when you don’t feel like cooking.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Slow Cooker Liner: For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. It makes cleaning up after a delicious meal much easier!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make this soup in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for later. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to eat.
Q2: Can I substitute the beef for another protein?
A2: Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well in place of beef. If you want a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat entirely and add more veggies or beans.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some carrots, celery, or even corn for extra flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time a little.
Q4: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A4: Yes! You can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream. For the cheese, try a dairy-free version or skip it altogether.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more broth if needed.
Q6: Can I freeze this soup?
A6: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Q7: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in a Crock Pot?
A7: Yes! If you don’t have a Crock Pot, you can simmer the soup on the stovetop. Just cook the beef, add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Then, add the cream and cheese as usual.
Q8: How do I make the soup thicker?
A8: If you like your soup thicker, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked, or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the broth.
Q9: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A9: Yes! If you don’t have fresh potatoes, you can use frozen hash browns or diced frozen potatoes. Just add them to the Crock Pot frozen and let them cook along with everything else.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to hold everything, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup! This soup is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal: rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s so easy to make, and it’s bound to be a hit with everyone you serve it to. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a busy day, this soup will warm you right up. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends—they’ll be so glad you did!
PrintCrock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
This Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty and creamy dish made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a savory broth. It’s the perfect comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for a creamier soup)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the Crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, and beef broth to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or half-and-half), dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Slow Cook the Soup:
- Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the soup has slightly thickened.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and sour cream (optional) for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a creamier soup, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or celery, to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 460kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg