Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy soup on a chilly evening—and this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort. With tender chunks of potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy broth, this dish brings all the flavors of home-cooked goodness straight to your table. Easy to prepare and packed with hearty ingredients, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals with your family. Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your home!
This comforting soup is a delightful medley of savory ground beef, creamy textures, and the subtle warmth of dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a failproof recipe to impress your guests, this dish guarantees smiles all around. Plus, with its one-pot convenience and versatile ingredient list, it’s the perfect addition to your collection of crockpot recipes.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This soup boasts rich, savory notes from the ground beef and cream of mushroom soup, balanced by a gentle herbaceous kick from thyme and oregano.
- Texture: Silky, creamy broth with tender potato chunks and a heartiness from the ground beef.
- Aroma: A comforting blend of garlic, slow-cooked onions, and melted cheddar cheese that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant pops of green onions atop a creamy golden soup create the perfect Instagram-worthy dish.
- Skill Level Needed: Minimal—great for beginners! This dish is primarily about assembling ingredients and letting the crockpot work its magic.
- Special Equipment: A crockpot or slow cooker is essential, along with a skillet for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Simple and straightforward, this recipe involves minimal prep work and easy steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The crockpot takes care of the hard part—perfect for busy schedules or relaxed weekend cooking.
- Category: Comfort food, slow-cooker soup, one-pot meal.
- Cuisine: Classic American, with flavors rooted in homestyle cooking traditions.
- Cost: Affordable. Common ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and cheddar cheese are budget-friendly, with minimal specialty items needed.
- Season: Best enjoyed in fall and winter when warm, hearty dishes are most appreciated.
- Occasion: Ideal for family meals, casual get-togethers, or meal prep sessions for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Taste and Texture Appeal: The combination of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and perfectly seasoned beef makes each spoonful a delightful experience. The melted cheddar provides a savory richness, while the green onions add a fresh contrast.
2. Convenience and Preparation Benefits: This is true set-it-and-forget-it cooking. After a little prep work, the crockpot handles the rest, freeing up your time for other tasks or relaxation.
3. Nutritional Advantages: Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the potatoes, this soup is as satisfying as it is delicious. Plus, you can tweak it with lighter ingredients if preferred.
4. Social and Entertaining Value: Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit at potlucks or game nights. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
5. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: All ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and the recipe is affordable enough to make on repeat for your weekly meal rotation.
The Recipe
Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 7 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 7 hrs 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix in salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Set crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes until cheese fully melts and soup is creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.