We’ve all craved a hearty bowl of soup on those chilly evenings and our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup delivers just that. It’s a cozy family favorite that blends tender potatoes savory ground beef and rich creamy flavors for ultimate comfort.
Using your crockpot makes this recipe a breeze so we can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend this simple dish promises big flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup, we start with a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order you’ll use them, ensuring easy prep and maximum taste. Each one contributes to the comforting, creamy texture and savory depth that make this dish a go-to favorite.
Main Components
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef, browned in a skillet to remove excess fat and enhance its savory flavor.
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes for tender, creamy bites that form the heart of the soup.
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped to build a robust base and release sweet aromas as it cooks.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced for a pungent kick that infuses the soup with warmth.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, sliced into ½-inch rounds to add subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped for a fresh, crisp element that balances the richness.
Liquids and Creaminess
- Beef Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, poured in to create a hearty foundation and meld the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream, added later for that ultra-creamy finish that coats every spoonful.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, used as a thickener to achieve the perfect soup consistency without clumping.
Seasonings and Extras
- Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, adjusted to taste for optimal seasoning.
- Dried Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano, sprinkled in to elevate the earthy notes of the Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.
This selection ensures our recipe delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal prep—perfect for busy days. Note that quantities can be scaled based on servings, as shown in the table below for nutritional estimates per serving (based on 6 servings total).
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | 18% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 11% |
| Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 26% |
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup with ease, we need a few essential tools and equipment that streamline the process from prep to serving. Building on our ingredients list, which includes browned ground beef and chopped vegetables, selecting the right tools ensures everything comes together smoothly in the slow cooker.
Here’s a curated list of the key items we recommend:
- Crockpot (6-quart size): This is the star of our recipe, allowing for slow cooking that infuses flavors without constant monitoring. We opt for a 6-quart model to accommodate the volume of potatoes, beef, and broth for up to 8 servings.
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for browning the lean ground beef quickly on the stovetop before adding it to the crockpot, ensuring a savory base without excess grease.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board: These are crucial for efficiently chopping the russet potatoes, yellow onion, garlic, carrots, and celery stalks. We suggest a sharp chef’s knife for precision and safety during prep.
- Measuring cups and spoons set: Accuracy is key for our soup’s creamy texture, so we use these to measure out items like the 4 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Sturdy mixing spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients in the crockpot and skillet, helping to combine the seasonings and prevent sticking as the soup simmers.
| Tool/Item | Quantity Recommended | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Crockpot | 1 (6-quart) | Slow cooking the soup |
| Skillet or frying pan | 1 (large, 10-12 inch) | Browning ground beef |
| Chef’s knife | 1 | Chopping vegetables |
| Cutting board | 1 | Safe surface for prep work |
| Measuring cups and spoons | 1 set | Precise measurement of liquids and dry ingredients |
| Mixing spoon or spatula | 1 | Stirring and combining ingredients |
Instructions
We love how this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup comes together effortlessly with just a few simple steps, turning everyday ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal. Let’s dive into the process, using the tools we mentioned earlier for seamless preparation.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we gather and prepare our fresh ingredients to build the flavorful base of this soup. Start by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink and has a savory, caramelized edge—about 5-7 minutes—then drain any excess fat for a lighter broth.
Next, chop 4 medium russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become irresistibly tender. Slice 2 carrots and chop 2 celery stalks into thin pieces for a crisp contrast, and finely dice 1 large yellow onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic to release their aromatic punch as they cook.
Cook in Crockpot
We assemble everything in our 6-quart crockpot for slow-cooked perfection. Layer the browned ground beef at the bottom, followed by the chopped potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for even flavor distribution.
Add 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth to cover the ingredients, then season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs to taste—about 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to enhance the savory notes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour mixed with a bit of water to create a slurry, ensuring a creamy texture without lumps. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are soft and the soup develops a rich, creamy aroma that fills your kitchen.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, we ladle it into bowls while it’s still hot, allowing the velvety creaminess from the 1 cup of heavy cream—stirred in during the last 30 minutes—to shine through. Top with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or shredded cheese for added flavor, and pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this comforting Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We understand that life gets busy, so making our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup ahead of time or storing leftovers properly keeps it fresh and flavorful for those unexpected moments. Let’s break down the best practices to maximize convenience without compromising on the soup’s creamy texture and savory beef notes.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing this soup in advance allows the flavors to meld even more, creating a richer, more comforting dish when you’re ready to serve. We recommend these steps for seamless preparation:
- Prep Ingredients Early: Chop the vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness and prevent browning.
- Assemble the Crockpot: Brown the ground beef and layer all ingredients except the heavy cream in the crockpot the night before. Cover and refrigerate the crockpot insert if it’s removable. In the morning, simply plug in the crockpot and cook as directed, stirring in the cream just before serving to preserve its silky consistency.
- Full Soup Preparation: Cook the entire soup up to 2 days in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely, then stir in the heavy cream and store as outlined below. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the creamy texture and prevent separation.
This approach not only saves time but also enhances the soup’s hearty potato and beef flavors, making it taste even better the next day.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage ensures our Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup retains its appealing creaminess and robust taste. Use these methods to keep it safe and delicious.
For quick reference, here’s a breakdown of storage times and tips in a table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-4 days | Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge to maintain the tender potatoes and savory beef without sogginess. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn. The creamy base may separate slightly upon thawing, so stir well and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of broth to restore its smooth, velvety texture. |
When reheating, we advise using low heat to preserve the soup’s comforting warmth and prevent the cream from curdling, ensuring every spoonful delivers that perfect blend of tender veggies and flavorful beef.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this hearty Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup recipe, as it’s become a staple in our kitchen for its simple prep and comforting flavors. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth to any meal without fussing over the stove.
Give it a try on your next busy day, and we’re sure it’ll quickly join your family’s favorites—tweak the herbs if you like, and enjoy every savory bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
This is a hearty, comforting soup featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy flavors, ideal for chilly nights. It’s made in a crockpot for easy preparation, combining simple ingredients like beef, veggies, and broth for a family-friendly meal that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need 1 pound of browned lean ground beef, 4 medium russet potatoes, 1 large chopped yellow onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 sliced carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and dried herbs. This mix creates a rich, creamy texture.
How do I make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup?
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Chop vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Layer everything in a 6-quart crockpot with beef, veggies, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender, then stir in heavy cream before serving. Garnish with parsley or cheese if desired.
How long does it take to cook the soup?
The soup cooks on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours in a crockpot, depending on your schedule. This slow-cooking method ensures tender potatoes and flavorful beef with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and assemble in the crockpot the night before. You can also make the full soup up to two days ahead; cool it quickly, then refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to three months to keep it fresh.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to prevent curdling and maintain the creamy texture for the best results.