Hello, friend! Get ready for what might be the coziest, easiest, and most requested soup in my recipe box: this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup. This is the ultimate one-pot-wonder for a chilly day. It’s a hearty, creamy hamburger potato soup that tastes like it cooked all day, but it’s so easy to prep. Your slow cooker does all the work, and your family will be begging for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hamburger Soup
Minimal Prep Time
Just brown the meat and go! A true “dump and go” meal that saves you time in the kitchen.
Hearty & Filling
Loaded with savory hamburger and tender potatoes, this is a complete meal in a bowl. No side dishes required!
Unbelievably Creamy Texture
We use a simple, secret ingredient for a velvety, rich soup that rivals any restaurant version.
A Family-Favorite
This is a kid-friendly, husband-approved soup that everyone loves. Even picky eaters clean their bowls!
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Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a velvety cream cheese finish come together in one effortless slow cooker recipe. It’s rich, savory, and ridiculously easy to prep—perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights alike. Think: a loaded baked potato meets hamburger soup magic!
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean)
Vegetables
- 6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Base
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
Creamy Element
- 1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed (optional: 1 cup heavy cream instead of cream cheese)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Toppings
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh chives or green onions
- Crushed crackers for crunch
Instructions
- Brown the Meat (10 min)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until no longer pink (7–8 min), breaking into crumbles. Drain well. Add to Crockpot. - Add Ingredients (5 min)
To the Crockpot, add diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. - Slow Cook (6–7 hrs LOW or 3–4 hrs HIGH)
Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep cooking time consistent. - Creamy Finish (30 min before serving)
Switch Crockpot to HIGH. Add cubed cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. - Taste and Adjust
Taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire if needed. - Serve and Top
Ladle into bowls. Add your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, and chives—for a loaded effect.
Notes
- Ground Turkey Option: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Frozen Potato Hack: Use a 24–30 oz bag of frozen diced potatoes or hash browns.
- Cheeseburger Soup Variation: Stir in 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar with cream cheese for a “cheeseburger soup” twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
The #1 Crockpot Question: Do I Have to Brown the Hamburger First?
I know, I know! We all want to just dump the raw meat in, but I’ve tested this both ways. For the best Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup, I strongly recommend browning the hamburger (ground beef) first. Here’s why:
Why Browning Makes All the Difference
Better Flavor Development
Browning the meat creates a deep, savory, roasted flavor that you can’t get otherwise. Those caramelized bits on the bottom of your skillet add incredible depth to this creamy hamburger potato soup crockpot recipe.
Perfect Texture Every Time
It breaks up the meat into perfect crumbles. Nobody wants big chunks of cooked ground beef floating in their soup!
No Greasy Soup
It allows you to drain the extra fat, so your soup is rich and creamy, not greasy. This is especially important for making the creamiest potato soup possible.
My Time-Saving Trick
I brown my meat with the chopped onions and garlic all at once to save a step! It’s a time-saver and builds even more flavor right from the start. Everything goes into one skillet, and you’re done in about 10 minutes.
How to Make This Hamburger Soup Rich and Creamy
This is what makes this crockpot potato soup with ground beef so special! The creaminess comes from two simple tricks that work together beautifully.
Secret #1: The Potato Power
As the potatoes cook low and slow in your crockpot, their natural starches release into the broth, thickening it up beautifully. This is why I love using russet potatoes for this hearty hamburger soup crockpot recipe. They break down just enough to create a naturally thick base.
Secret #2: The Cream Cheese Finisher
About 30 minutes before serving, we’ll stir in a block of softened cream cheese. This is my secret weapon! It melts in, making the soup velvety and rich with a wonderful, subtle tang. It’s so much better than heavy cream alone and creates the best creamy potato soup texture you’ve ever had.
Why Not Just Use Heavy Cream?
Great question! While heavy cream works, cream cheese gives you thickness AND flavor. It won’t separate or get thin like cream sometimes does, and it adds a luxurious, restaurant-quality texture to your easy hamburger soup recipe.
Ingredients for Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup
The Protein
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 or 90/10 lean ground beef (or “hamburger”). About 1.5 pounds is perfect for this easy hamburger soup recipe. The 80/20 has more flavor, but 90/10 means less fat to drain.
The Vegetables
Potatoes: Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds are perfect. Russets break down a bit more, which helps thicken the soup naturally. You’ll need about 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
Yellow Onion: One medium onion, diced. This is part of our flavor base.
Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic makes such a difference!
The Liquid Base
Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is my favorite for this hearty hamburger soup. You’ll need about 6 cups. Low-sodium gives you better control over the final seasoning.
The Creamy Element
Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese. You can also use heavy cream (1 cup), but cream cheese is my top pick for flavor and thickness!
The Seasonings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for extra depth
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons – my other secret for a deep, savory, umami flavor!
Optional Toppings
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh chives or green onions
- Crushed crackers for crunch
This recipe is a hearty cousin to my classic Loaded Baked Potato Soup. If you love that, you’ll adore this meaty version!
How to Make This Crockpot Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Meat (10 minutes)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your hamburger with the chopped onion and garlic. Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break up the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Drain any excess fat thoroughly and add the mixture to the bottom of your Crockpot.
Step 2: Add Your Ingredients (5 minutes)
Add your peeled and diced potatoes, beef broth, and all your seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce). Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
Make sure: Your potatoes are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Aim for 1/2-inch cubes.
Step 3: Let It Cook (6-7 hours)
Cover your Crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are perfectly tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
During cooking: Resist the urge to lift the lid! Every time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Finish (30 minutes before serving)
Turn the Crockpot to HIGH if it isn’t already. Add your block of softened cream cheese, cubed into small pieces so it melts faster.
Stir gently until it’s completely melted and the soup is thick and creamy. This is when your Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup transforms into pure comfort!
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your soup! Add more salt or pepper if needed. Sometimes I add an extra splash of Worcestershire for more depth.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Ladle this amazing soup into bowls. I love to top it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and some fresh chives, just like a loaded baked potato!
Easy Tips & Variations
How to Make Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
The Cheesy Twist
This is a super popular variation! To make this a Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, just stir in 1-2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese at the end along with the cream cheese.
Best Cheese to Use
Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. You can also use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
When to Add the Cheese
Add it right when you add the cream cheese, and stir until completely melted. It’s delicious and adds that classic cheeseburger flavor everyone loves!
Protein Substitutions
Ground Turkey Option
Absolutely! This is a great, lighter swap. Brown it just like you would the hamburger. The flavor will be slightly milder, but it’s still a fantastic easy hamburger soup recipe alternative. Season it a bit more generously since turkey is leaner.
Ground Chicken
Works great too! Follow the same browning process. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter when browning for added richness.
Time-Saving Shortcuts
Using Frozen Potatoes
Yes! To save even more time, you can use a 24-30 ounce bag of frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. No need to thaw, just dump them in. This makes it an even easier crockpot hamburger soup! They work perfectly and nobody will know the difference.
Pre-Diced Fresh Potatoes
Many grocery stores sell pre-diced fresh potatoes in the refrigerated section. These are perfect and save you all the peeling and chopping!
Texture Adjustments
Want It Thicker?
If you want an even thicker soup, mash about half of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot with a potato masher before adding the cream cheese. This releases more starch and creates an ultra-creamy, almost chowder-like texture.
Want It Thinner?
Simply add more beef broth or even some milk until you reach your desired consistency. Start with 1/2 cup at a time.
Best Topping Combinations
Classic Loaded Style
Think loaded baked potato! Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions create the perfect bite.
Cheeseburger Style
If you made the cheeseburger variation, top with extra cheese, diced pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. Sounds weird, but it’s amazing!
Lighter Option
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice keeps it bright and fresh.
Love a hearty, meaty soup? My High Protein Creamy Lasagna Soup is another one-pot meal you have to try!
FAQ: Your Creamy Hamburger Soup Questions
How do I make hamburger soup creamy?
The best way to make hamburger potato soup creamy is to add a “finisher” like cream cheese, heavy cream, or even a can of evaporated milk about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking in the Crockpot. For this creamy hamburger potato soup crockpot recipe, I swear by cream cheese for the richest, most velvety texture. The natural starches from the potatoes also help thicken and create creaminess.
Do you have to brown hamburger before putting it in a crockpot?
I highly recommend it! Browning the hamburger (ground beef) adds a deep, roasted flavor and allows you to drain off the excess fat, which keeps your creamy soup from becoming greasy. It only takes 10 minutes and makes a huge difference in the final taste of your crockpot potato soup with ground beef. The Maillard reaction from browning creates complex flavors you simply can’t get from raw meat.
What’s the best thickener for this soup?
The potatoes themselves are a great natural thickener! But the real secret to a thick and creamy soup is stirring in a block of softened cream cheese at the end. It’s the perfect, easy thickener that also adds incredible flavor. You can also mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry if you want it even thicker.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns to make this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup even faster. Just add them straight from the freezer. They’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot! No thawing needed, which makes this an even easier weeknight meal.
What can I serve with this potato and hamburger soup?
This hearty hamburger soup is a meal-in-one! I enjoy serving it with crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad, garlic bread, or just some saltine crackers. Buttermilk biscuits are also incredible with this soup. It’s filling enough to stand on its own though!
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Of course! Just brown the meat and onions in a large pot or Dutch oven, add the broth and potatoes, and simmer for 20-25 minutes (or until the potatoes are fork-tender). Then, stir in the cream cheese at the end. You’ll have the same delicious best creamy potato soup in less time! This method is perfect when you need dinner faster.
For another amazing soup, check out my Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store your Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken considerably as it cools, which is completely normal.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezer Instructions
This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating from Frozen
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. The texture might separate slightly, but a good stir will bring it back together. You may need to add a bit more cream cheese or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Why This Is the Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
It’s Not Trying to Be Something It’s Not
What sets this Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup apart from other soup recipes is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. It’s not trying to be a cheeseburger soup (though you can absolutely make that variation!). Instead, it’s a rich, creamy potato soup that’s been elevated with savory, perfectly seasoned hamburger.
The Slow Cooker Magic
The slow cooker method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. When you come home, your house smells incredible, and dinner is basically done. Just add that cream cheese finisher, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality creamy hamburger potato soup crockpot meal that costs a fraction of takeout!
Comfort Food Done Right
This is comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out on a cold day, the kind your kids will request for their birthday dinner, and the kind you’ll make again and again because it’s just that good and that easy.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
With simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, this hearty hamburger soup crockpot recipe feeds a family of 6-8 for under $15. That’s hard to beat!
If you love a comforting, creamy soup, my Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is another must-try!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup is about to become your new cold-weather favorite. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be on repeat all season long. The combination of tender potatoes, savory hamburger, and that impossibly creamy broth is pure magic.
What I love most about this easy hamburger soup recipe is how it makes my whole house smell amazing and how excited my family gets when they know it’s on the menu. It’s become our Friday night tradition, and I hope it becomes yours too!
Give it a try this week and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to top it generously—those toppings really make it special!