Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is what I reach for on those nights when everyone is hungry, I am busy, and the weather has that bite in the air. You know those evenings when you want real comfort without babysitting a pot on the stove. This soup takes simple ingredients and turns them into something cozy and filling. It tastes like a hug in a bowl, and the crockpot does the heavy lifting while you get on with your day. Let me show you how I make it taste extra rich and hearty without a lot of fuss.
Recipe Essentials
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe leans on basics you probably already have. The goal is creamy, savory, and satisfying, with minimal prep and maximum comfort.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hey, I’m Cuts Food! This Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup was built for real kitchens: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is what I reach for on those nights when everyone is hungry, I am busy, and the weather has that…
- Ground beef: 1 to 1.5 pounds, browned and drained
- Potatoes: 4 to 5 medium, peeled and diced small for quick tenderness
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery: 2 ribs, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Half and half or heavy cream: 1 to 1.5 cups
- Cream cheese: 4 ounces, cubed and softened
- Cheddar: 1 cup shredded, plus more for topping
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Flour or cornstarch: 2 tablespoons for thickening, optional
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, a pinch of dried thyme
Pantry Staples and Equipment
Use a 5 to 7 quart slow cooker for best results, plus a skillet for browning beef. A ladle, cutting board, and sharp knife make prep easy. If you love slow cooker ground beef comfort meals, you might also enjoy this cozy twist later in the week: crockpot hamburger potato casserole. It hits those same warm and hearty notes.
Quick Step-by-Step Prep
- Brown the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Add potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crockpot. Top with browned beef.
- Pour in beef broth. Sprinkle in paprika, parsley, and thyme. Stir.
- Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for about 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are fork tender.
- Whisk cream cheese with a splash of hot broth until smooth. Stir into the crockpot with butter and cream.
- Add cheddar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- If you want it thicker, whisk flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in. Cook 15 more minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, chives, or cracked pepper.
That’s it. Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup, no stress, all comfort. If you like pairing your soups with classic comfort sides, keep an eye on this simple one-pan idea too: ground beef and potatoes casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something special about a soup that tastes like a cheeseburger met a creamy potato chowder. It hits all the cozy notes: savory beef, buttery potatoes, and a mellow, rich broth. The crockpot saves time and leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. The texture is creamy without being heavy if you use half and half, and super indulgent if you go with heavy cream.
Family-friendly is the name of the game here. My kids call it cheeseburger soup, and it is one of the few dinners that gets zero complaints. That winning combo of potato and beef means it is filling without a lot of sides. If this is your vibe, try a similar bowl of comfort with a touch of Italian flair like creamy Italian sausage and potato soup.
I also love that this recipe is flexible. You can lighten it up, make it richer, add more veggies, or even swap the protein. It reheats well for lunches, and it freezes pretty nicely if you skip the dairy until reheating.
I made this on a snowy Sunday and my husband went back for seconds, then asked if we could keep it in our dinner rotation. It is so cozy and surprisingly simple.
For me, Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it comfort. It is the kind of bowl that makes you want to curl up with a soft blanket and call it a night.
Variations
There are so many ways to make this soup your own. Here are a few of my favorites that keep the spirit of the recipe but change the mood.
Swap the beef: Ground turkey or chicken works great. Add a bit of extra butter or olive oil to keep the richness balanced. Ground pork adds amazing flavor too.
Make it bacon-y: Stir in crisp bacon bits just before serving for an extra smoky finish.
Veg it up: Add corn, peas, or diced bell peppers for sweetness and color. Kale or spinach can go in during the last 15 minutes.
Spice it: A pinch of cayenne, dash of hot sauce, or smoky chipotle powder will wake things up without overpowering the creamy base.
Dairy swaps: Use evaporated milk for a lighter creamy taste. Need dairy-free? Try unsweetened coconut milk or a creamy oat milk and skip the cheddar, then add nutritional yeast for savory depth.
Make it gluten-free: Stick with cornstarch or potato starch if you want to thicken. Skip flour altogether if you like a thinner soup.
Craving a soup night theme with big flavors? Try this one alongside a bowl of cozy crockpot lasagna soup for a fun two-soup supper spread.
If you are in a sausage and potato mood, consider this creamy classic too: rich and creamy sausage and potato soup.
Tips & Tricks for Hamburger Soup
When I first made Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup, I took notes on what really moved the needle. These simple tips make the soup extra lush and flavorful without extra work.
- Brown the beef well. Let it get a little color for deeper flavor.
- Dice potatoes small and even so they turn tender right on time.
- Salt in layers. Season the beef, then taste the broth before adding dairy.
- Temper the dairy. Stir warm broth into cream cheese first to avoid lumps.
- Thickness control. For thicker soup, mash a few potato chunks in the pot or add a quick cornstarch slurry.
- Cheese at the end. Stir in shredded cheddar off heat to prevent graininess.
- Garnish smart. A sprinkle of green onion or chives brightens every bowl.
- Leftover magic. Add a handful of cooked pasta on day two to stretch it into a new meal.
Make It Thicker or Thinner
For a creamier, thicker soup, bump up the cream cheese to 6 ounces or simmer an extra 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off. For a lighter spoon feel, use half and half, skip the flour, and add a splash of broth at the end. If you prefer a brothy style, use only a half cup of cream and skip cheddar completely. If you love tinkering with potato sides and soups, you might also enjoy browsing these easy ideas for the week: grilled potatoes you will love.
Storage Directions
Cool leftovers to room temp, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better by day two. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds to keep it smooth.
Freezing tip: Dairy can separate, so for best texture, freeze the soup before adding cream and cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then stir in the dairy at the end. If you have a fully finished batch you want to freeze anyway, it will still be tasty, but give it a good whisk after thawing and reheat slowly.
Leftover ideas: Add a handful of corn and a dash of smoked paprika to re-spin the flavor. Or serve small bowls as a side with grilled cheese. And if you need a second dinner later this week, this reliable favorite is a nice change of pace: comforting ground beef and potatoes casserole.
Common Questions
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer the potatoes and veggies in broth until tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the dairy and cheese off heat, then season to taste.
How do I keep the dairy from curdling?
Temper the cream cheese with warm broth first, then add it to the pot. Keep the heat low once the dairy goes in and avoid boiling.
What potatoes work best?
Russets for ultra creamy soup, gold potatoes for a silky bite that holds shape. Dice evenly for consistent cooking.
Can I add rice or pasta?
Sure. Stir in cooked rice or small pasta at the end. If uncooked pasta goes in, add extra broth and watch the cook time.
How can I lighten it up?
Use half and half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheddar. Add extra carrots and celery for volume.
Ready To Ladle Up Comfort Tonight
If you are craving a bowl of something cozy and foolproof, Easy Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup has your back. It is simple to prep, satisfying, and easy to tweak based on what you have. For more ideas and inspiration around this flavor profile, you can check out a classic take at Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup – The Country Cook or see creamy slow cooker tips in Crockpot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup – Kitchen Divas. However you spin it, this recipe brings that warm, sit-down-and-exhale feeling we all need. I hope it becomes your go-to for a busy night or a lazy Sunday. 
Crockpot Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Add potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crockpot. Top with browned beef.
- Pour in beef broth. Sprinkle in paprika, parsley, and thyme. Stir.
- Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for about 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are fork tender.
- Whisk cream cheese with a splash of hot broth until smooth. Stir into the crockpot with butter and cream.
- Add cheddar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- If you want it thicker, whisk flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in. Cook 15 more minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, chives, or cracked pepper.
