This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Made with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and classic vegetables, everything slowly simmers into a rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy soup. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, homemade meal with minimal hands-on time—just set it, forget it, and come back to cozy goodness.
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15, excess fat drained)
1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white)
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
3 large carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
4 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best)
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add to the crockpot.
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery to the crockpot. Stir in thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and gently mix everything together.
Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the vegetables are tender. Try not to lift the lid too often to keep the heat steady.
During the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If a thicker soup is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook a few more minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Browning the beef adds deeper flavor and better texture.
Always use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest result.
Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamier soup than other varieties.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or more smoked paprika.
This soup reheats beautifully—great for leftovers and meal prep.