Few dishes bring the same warmth and nostalgia as a bowl of Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup. This thick, creamy, and flavorful soup combines the richness of ground beef, the heartiness of potatoes, and the depth of a slow-cooked broth to create the ultimate comfort meal.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a cozy winter meal, or a dish that feeds the whole family, this soup delivers on both taste and convenience. Using basic pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can achieve a homemade soup that’s far superior to anything from a can.
In this article, we’ll explore why this recipe is a must-try, expert cooking tips, creative variations, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions to help you make the best Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup every time.
Why Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Is a Must-Try Dish
1. A Comforting One-Pot Meal
This soup is the definition of comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with savory beef and tender potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and is perfect for cold nights, lazy Sundays, or when you need a satisfying meal without much effort.
2. Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few minutes of chopping and browning, the slow cooker takes care of the rest. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stovetop all day.
3. A Budget-Friendly and Filling Dish
This soup is incredibly cost-effective because it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic seasonings. It’s a great way to stretch a pound of beef into a full, hearty meal that feeds the whole family.
4. Customizable to Suit Any Taste
One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can make it spicy, cheesy, dairy-free, or even low-carb depending on your preferences. Swap out ingredients, add extras, or experiment with flavors—this soup can be adapted in countless ways!
5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or freeze portions for an easy meal on busy nights.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and dice potatoes, carrots, and celery. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Assemble the Crock Pot:
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and cooked beef to the crock pot.
- Pour in beef broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Soup:
- Melt butter in a small pan, whisk in flour, and stir in heavy cream.
- Pour into the crock pot and stir well. Cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings):
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Expert Tips for Making the Best Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes hold up well in soups. Russet potatoes create a creamier texture when broken down, while Yukon Gold potatoes stay firm and add a buttery taste. Red potatoes work well if you prefer a slightly firmer bite.
2. Brown the Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor
While you could add raw ground beef to the slow cooker, browning it first adds depth and richness to the soup. Sautéing also allows you to drain excess grease, preventing the soup from becoming too oily.
3. Layer Flavors with Aromatics
Sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the soup.
4. Use a High-Quality Broth
Since the broth is the base of the soup, using a good-quality beef broth or homemade stock makes a significant difference in flavor. Low-sodium broth is best so you can control the salt level.
5. Don’t Skip the Thickening Step
A roux made from butter, flour, and heavy cream gives the soup a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
6. Add Cheese for an Extra Indulgent Touch
For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Velveeta during the last few minutes of cooking. The melted cheese makes the soup extra rich and comforting.
7. Adjust the Seasonings to Your Taste
Salt and pepper are essential, but a dash of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or dried thyme can elevate the flavor even further. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
Creative Variations of Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup Version
- Swap ground beef for crumbled bacon or ground sausage.
- Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives before serving.
- Top with crispy bacon crumbles for extra crunch.
2. Cheesy Cheeseburger Potato Soup
- Add extra cheddar cheese to the broth for a cheesier taste.
- Stir in a tablespoon of mustard and a splash of pickle juice to mimic the flavors of a cheeseburger.
3. Spicy Southwest-Style Hamburger Soup
- Add cumin, chili powder, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Stir in black beans, corn, and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex flair.
4. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version
- Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
- Use heavy cream instead of flour to keep the soup thick and creamy.
5. Italian-Inspired Hamburger Soup
- Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread
A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
2. Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pair this soup with a crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.
3. Fresh Green Salad
A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic dressing adds a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini make a great side for an extra serving of veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Soup on the Stovetop Instead?
Yes! Simply simmer all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a leaner alternative that still works well in this soup.
3. Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lactose-free version.
4. How Long Does This Soup Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
6. What Can I Do If My Soup Is Too Thin?
If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. Let it cook for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, it’s a no-fuss dish that’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or cozy nights in.
Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to suit your taste, this soup is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your home. So, grab your slow cooker and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade goodness today!
Print
Best Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe – Simple & Filling
- Total Time: 6–8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy broth into a satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or comforting meals any time of the year. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, and dice the celery and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
- Assemble the Crock Pot
- Add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to your crock pot.
- Pour in the beef broth, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup
- About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the crock pot, stirring well to combine. Let the soup continue to cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
- Brown the Ground Beef
Notes
- Customize the Vegetables: Add corn, peas, or green beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing Tips: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
