Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe Ever

Cold nights beg for hearty hamburger potato soup that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Our crock pot version simplifies comfort cooking with minimal effort.

Cozy aromas will drift through your home, promising deliciousness ahead.

Tender potatoes and savory ground beef create a rich, satisfying blend that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this foolproof recipe that everyone at the table will love.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor every comforting spoonful.

Why Hamburger Potato Soup Warms Every Bowl

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this hearty soup with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying dinner solution.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables, swapping ground beef for turkey, or topping with crispy bacon bits to match your taste preferences.
  • Budget-Friendly Family Pleaser: Combines affordable ingredients like potatoes and ground beef into a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget while keeping everyone happy and full.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Let your slow cooker do the hard work, allowing you to enjoy hands-free cooking that produces a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients for This Comfort-Filled Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and protein for the soup. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
Starchy Vegetables:
  • Potatoes, Onions: Potatoes add creamy thickness and substance, while onions bring depth and aromatic base to the soup. Select russet or Yukon gold potatoes for best consistency.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Beef Broth, Water: Broth creates the soup's liquid foundation and enhances overall meaty flavor. Chicken broth works as an alternative if preferred.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for more robust flavor.

How to Make Soup in the Crock Pot

Step 1: Brown The Beef

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat
  • Crumble ground beef into the pan
  • Cook until meat turns golden brown and loses its pink color
  • Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking
  • This should take about 5-7 minutes

Step 2: Prepare The Meat

  • Remove beef from heat
  • Drain away excess grease using a colander
  • Transfer browned meat to the slow cooker

Step 3: Add Vegetable Base

  • Dice the following ingredients
  • Onions
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Toss chopped vegetables into the slow cooker with the beef

Step 4: Pour In Liquid Ingredients

  • Add to slow cooker
  • Beef broth
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Stir everything to combine well

Step 5: Season The Soup

  • Sprinkle in
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Mix seasonings thoroughly

Step 6: Add Potatoes

  • Peel and cube potatoes
  • Gently place potato chunks into the slow cooker
  • Stir to distribute evenly

Step 7: Slow Cook To Perfection

  • Cover slow cooker
  • Set to low heat
  • Cook for 6-8 hours
  • Potatoes should become tender and soup will thicken

Step 8: Final Touch

  • Stir soup before serving
  • Optionally top with
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crispy bacon bits

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Hamburger Potato Soup!

Tips for Rich Texture and Cozy Flavor

  • Drain Beef Thoroughly: Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove maximum grease, ensuring a lighter, less oily soup texture.
  • Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking and better absorption of flavors from meat and seasonings.
  • Control Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized chunks to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to elevate the soup's overall taste profile and provide a subtle complexity.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that maintains the soup's hearty character.

How to Store Soup Without Losing Creaminess

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for longer storage, lasting up to 2-3 months.
  • When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the soup's creamy texture.
  • Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup to keep the best quality and food safety.

Perfect Sides to Serve With This Soup

  • Unleash Rich Red Wine Pairing: A bold cabernet sauvignon complements the hearty beef and potato soup, cutting through its richness with smooth tannins and bringing out deeper meat flavors.
  • Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a fresh, zesty contrast on your palate.
  • Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread alongside the soup for perfect dipping, soaking up the delicious broth and adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Craft Beer Refreshment: Select a malty amber ale that echoes the soup's robust profile, offering a smooth, slightly hoppy backdrop that enhances the ground beef's savory notes.

Ways to Customize This Hearty Dish

  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Amp up the flavor by adding diced green chiles, a dash of cumin, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Incorporate diced carrots, celery, and corn to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the hearty soup.
  • Creamy Bacon Upgrade: Crisp and crumble bacon on top, then stir in a dollop of sour cream for a rich, indulgent version that takes the soup to new comfort food heights.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Blend in fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley to introduce bright, aromatic herbs that elevate the classic soup's depth of flavor.

Common Questions About This Crockpot Soup

  • What makes this hamburger potato soup different from other soups?

This soup combines hearty ground beef with creamy potatoes in a slow cooker, creating a comforting one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and super easy to prepare.

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture and taste. Frozen potatoes can become mushy and lose their structure during the slow cooking process.

  • Is this soup budget-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and basic seasonings, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

Not at all! This recipe is perfect for beginners. You just brown the beef, transfer ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it do the work. It’s basically foolproof and requires minimal cooking expertise.

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Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe

Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup warms hearts with comforting layers of ground beef, creamy potatoes, and rich seasonings. Slow-simmered goodness invites you to savor each spoonful of this soul-satisfying midwestern classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 cups (600 grams) potatoes, peeled & diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 2 cups (240 grams) carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (drained, optional)
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water (to thicken, if needed)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions
  • Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully breaking it into small, uniform crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Drain the excess fat thoroughly, ensuring the meat is lean and well-prepared for the soup.
  3. Transfer the seasoned ground beef directly into the crock pot, creating a rich protein base for the soup.
  4. Dice the potatoes into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture throughout the soup.
  5. Add the diced potatoes into the crock pot, layering them gently over the browned meat.
  6. Finely mince the onions and garlic, releasing their aromatic flavors that will enhance the overall soup profile.
  7. Sprinkle the minced onions and garlic evenly across the meat and potato mixture, distributing their robust flavors.
  8. Pour the chicken broth carefully into the crock pot, creating a liquid foundation that will help meld all ingredients together.
  9. Incorporate cream cheese and milk, stirring gently to create a smooth, creamy consistency that will bind the soup’s components.
  10. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to elevate the soup’s depth of flavor.
  11. Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to simmer and merge their flavors for 6-7 hours.
  12. Occasionally stir the soup to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
  13. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced and comforting meal.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce extra fat and create a lighter soup texture.
  • Brown meat thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors that enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.
  • Consider using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best creamy consistency and smooth mouthfeel.
  • Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the soup’s hearty character.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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