This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy broth, this hearty soup is a filling meal that comes together easily in your slow cooker. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe, ideal for family dinners or for preparing in advance to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
Adds a hearty, meaty flavor to the soup, making it filling and satisfying. - 1 onion, diced
Brings sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Adds a savory, aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the beef and potatoes. - 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
Provides the creamy, starchy base for the soup, making it rich and satisfying. - 4 cups beef broth
A flavorful liquid base that enriches the soup with a savory depth. - 1 cup water
Helps balance the thickness of the soup and ensures the right consistency. - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Adds creaminess and subtle mushroom flavor to the soup. - 1 cup milk
Gives the soup its creamy texture and helps bind all the flavors together.
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp salt
Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. - 1/2 tsp pepper
Adds a slight kick to balance the richness of the dish. - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Brings an earthy, herbaceous flavor to the soup. - 1/2 tsp paprika
Adds warmth and a mild smokiness to the dish, perfect for complementing the beef and potatoes.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain the excess fat.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot Mixture
- Transfer to the crockpot: Add the cooked beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the potatoes and liquids: Pour in the diced potatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of water, and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to combine.
- Season the soup: Stir in the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to ensure the soup is well-flavored from the start.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
- Cover and cook: Set your crockpot to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Cooking the soup low and slow will allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Check for doneness: After the cooking time has passed, check that the potatoes are fork-tender. This indicates that the soup is ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in a little extra milk at this stage until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot: Ladle the creamy potato and hamburger soup into bowls.
- Optional garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives, or sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added richness.
Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.
Conservation and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions.
Freezing for Later
- Freeze: This soup freezes well! After cooling, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, filling, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, savory broth. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or preparing it in advance for easy weeknight dinners, this soup is sure to satisfy. The best part is that it’s made in the crockpot, so you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together into a hearty, comforting dish.