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.

Easy Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup (So Cozy!)

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

Scale

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

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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