If youβre craving a cozy, hearty meal, look no further than my Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup. This easy comfort dish combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich flavors in one pot. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, you can enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that the whole family will love. Ready to discover how to make it? Letβs dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This soup combines hearty ingredients that create a warm and inviting dish perfect for chilly evenings.
- Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and a slow cooker, this recipe allows for a hands-off cooking experience.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and savory taste make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting with different proteins.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
This soup starts with ground beef. I love using 1 pound for a rich flavor. Next, we need 4 medium potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces. They add heartiness. A medium onion, chopped, brings depth. I also add 3 cloves of minced garlic for that great aroma.
Beef broth is essential. Four cups make the soup flavorful and filling. Carrots add sweetness and color. One cup, sliced, is perfect. Heavy cream is what makes this soup creamy. I use 2 cups to get a smooth texture.
Frozen corn adds a pop of sweetness. One cup works well here. For flavor, I add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. It brings a nice umami kick. Dried thyme adds a hint of earthiness, so just 1 teaspoon is enough.
Donβt forget salt and pepper to taste. They enhance all the flavors. Finally, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a bright touch and looks lovely in the bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Browning the ground beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef. Cook it until itβs brown. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once itβs done, drain any fat and set it aside.
- Preparing vegetables
While the beef cooks, wash and dice four medium potatoes. Chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. Slice one cup of carrots. Gather these ingredients to add to your crockpot.
Crockpot Cooking Steps
- Combining ingredients in the crockpot
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and one cup of frozen corn. Pour in four cups of beef broth. Then, add the cooked ground beef. Stir in one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking times for low and high settings
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours. If youβre in a hurry, set it to high for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Final Touches
- Adding cream before serving
About 30 minutes before you serve, stir in one cup of heavy cream. This makes the soup creamy and rich. Let it warm through.
- Adjusting seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup. Add more salt and pepper if needed. This step helps enhance the flavor. When itβs ready, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To enhance flavor in your soup, start by browning the ground beef well. This adds depth and richness. Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
To avoid mushy potatoes, choose a waxy type like Yukon Gold. These hold their shape better when cooked. Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. If you want them firmer, add them halfway through cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A slice of warm bread helps soak up the creamy goodness. You can also serve it with some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
For presentation, use rustic bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness. Consider adding a side of crunchy crackers for texture.
Common Mistakes
One common error is overcooking the potatoes. This can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially if you use high heat.
If you donβt have beef broth, chicken broth works well, too. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed.
Pro Tips
- Brown the Beef: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for deeper flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Use Fresh Herbs: For a brighter flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or parsley just before serving.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot before serving.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can make this soup lighter by using leaner meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They give a nice taste without too much fat.
If you want a lighter soup, consider cream alternatives. You can use half-and-half or coconut milk. These options keep it creamy while changing the flavor slightly.
Flavor Variations
To spice things up, think about adding spices for heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will add warmth. If you like it spicy, go for it!
You can also use different vegetables in this soup. Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture.
Dietary Adjustments
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free beef broth. Many stores sell it. Just check the label before you buy.
For vegan adaptations, swap out the ground beef for lentils or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. This keeps the soup rich and tasty without animal products.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it up evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, so it warms through.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this soup for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen. It will stay fresh for about three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready, reheat it on the stove or microwave, stirring well.
Shelf Life
This soup is safe to eat for three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, enjoy it within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, itβs best to throw it out.
FAQs
Can I use other meats?
Yes, you can switch out the ground beef. Turkey or chicken work well too. They keep the soup light and tasty. You could also use sausage for a spicy kick. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Sausage may need less time to cook. Ground lamb can add a nice flavor as well. Feel free to experiment!
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, donβt worry. You can add more broth or water to it. Stir well to combine. If you want a creamier texture, add more heavy cream. Heat it through on low for a bit. This will help blend the flavors nicely. Always taste it again after adding more liquid. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
How can I make this recipe quicker?
To make this soup faster, try a few tricks. First, use a pressure cooker instead of a crockpot. It can cook in about 30 minutes. You can also prep your veggies ahead of time. Dice your potatoes and chop your onions in advance. Lastly, use pre-cooked ground beef. Just warm it up in the pot before adding other ingredients. This saves time and still tastes great!
This blog post covered all you need for a hearty soup. We explored essential ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and garlic. You learned the right preparation steps and how to use a crockpot effectively. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Plus, we looked at tasty variations and storage methods.
Remember, cooking is fun. Donβt hesitate to try new flavors or adjust recipes to fit your needs. Enjoy making this soup your ow



