Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy potato and hamburger soup revamps ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming culinary experience that captures winter’s cozy essence.

Cold evenings demand something substantial and nurturing, and this hearty recipe delivers precisely that comfort.

Rich, velvety textures blend seamlessly with robust seasonings and tender meat chunks.

Slow-cooking methods allow complex flavors to develop naturally, creating depth beyond simple meal preparation.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this soup both accessible and delightful for home cooks.

Every spoonful promises a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and savory ground beef that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant family favorite.

Tricks to Keep It Rich Without Being Heavy

• Trim Meat Fat Wisely: Drain excess grease thoroughly to keep soup light and prevent an oily surface, ensuring a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Potato Perfection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for maximum creaminess and better soup consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add Velveeta cheese cubes gradually and stir gently to prevent clumping and create smooth, even melting.
• Vegetable Versatility: Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal options for added nutrition and flavor variety.
• Thickness Control: Adjust cornstarch mixture slowly to reach desired soup thickness, preventing lumps and maintaining silky texture.

Best Ways to Store and Enjoy Later Without Losing Creaminess

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste.
• Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Separate liquid and solid ingredients if possible to prevent texture changes during freezing.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if the soup seems too thick.

What to Serve Alongside for a Cozy, Full Meal

• Elevate the Hearty Soup with Red Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot perfectly complements the rich, meaty flavors of this creamy potato and hamburger soup. Its smooth tannins and fruity undertones balance the soup's hearty profile.
• Crunch Up Your Comfort Meal: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or buttery crackers to add a delightful textural contrast. The crunch will provide a wonderful counterpoint to the soup's creamy, smooth consistency.
• Cool and Tangy Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing cuts through the soup's richness. Consider a mixed greens salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon-herb dressing to refresh the palate.
• Beer Lover's Soup Companion: A robust amber ale or brown ale matches the soup's deep, meaty flavor profile. The beer's maltiness will enhance the beef and cheese notes, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Flavor Variations That Reinvent This Cozy Crockpot Classic

• Spicy Southwest Beef Soup: Replace frozen vegetables with corn, black beans, and diced green chilies. Add a teaspoon of chili powder and cumin for extra southwestern kick. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
• Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the soup. Use sharp cheddar instead of Velveeta for a more robust cheese flavor. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before serving for added crunch.
• Lean Veggie Protein Soup: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for increased nutrition. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
• Mediterranean-Style Soup: Incorporate oregano and thyme instead of basil. Add diced tomatoes and swap Velveeta for crumbled feta cheese. Include a handful of spinach for a fresh Mediterranean touch.

Why This Crockpot Soup Is the Definition of Cozy

• Capture Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich blend of ground beef, tender potatoes, and velvety cheese, perfect for chasing away cold-weather blues.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: Unleash the crockpot's power to transform simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal with minimal prep work and maximum flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Disguised as Comfort Food: Pack in 22 grams of protein, essential vegetables, and a balanced mix of nutrients while indulging in a deliciously creamy soup that feels like a guilty pleasure but actually supports your health goals.

What Goes Into Each Creamy, Beefy Spoonful

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein that adds rich, meaty flavor to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and enhances overall soup depth.

• Onion: Aromatic base that delivers depth and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: Provides robust, intense flavor and classic savory undertone.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that creates thick, comforting texture and substance.
• Frozen Vegetables: Quick and convenient mix that adds nutritional variety and color.

• Milk: Helps create smooth cornstarch mixture and adds creaminess.
• Cornstarch: Natural thickening agent that gives soup desirable consistency.
• Velveeta Cheese: Melts smoothly and delivers ultra-creamy, rich cheese flavor.

• Basil: Adds fresh, aromatic herb note to enhance overall soup taste.
• Parsley: Provides bright garnish and subtle herbal background flavor.

How to Build Layers of Flavor in a Single Pot

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef And Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef and diced onions until beef is fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the meat mixture.

Step 2: Transfer Meat To Crockpot

Move the cooked beef and onion mixture into your crockpot or large stockpot.

Step 3: Add Soup Base Ingredients

• Diced potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Dried basil
• Chopped parsley

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Cook The Soup

Cooking options:

Crockpot method: Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes become tender.

Stovetop method: Simmer everything together for 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Create Soup Thickener

In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, continuing to cook until the soup thickens.

Step 6: Add Creamy Cheese

Introduce Velveeta cheese cubes to the pot. Stir gently until cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.

Crockpot Potato & Hamburger Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty potato and hamburger soup simmers slowly in the crockpot, blending rich beef flavors with comforting potatoes. Warm spices and creamy texture invite home cooks to savor this satisfying one-pot meal that delivers classic midwest comfort on a chilly evening.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cubed Velveeta cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) diced Russet potatoes (peeled)
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium white onion (diced and peeled)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

Liquids and Thickeners:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, ensuring meat is fully cooked. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, then drain excess fat thoroughly.
2. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into a 6-quart (5.7 liters) crockpot or large stockpot.
3. Add cubed russet potatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, mixed frozen vegetables, dried basil, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the pot.
4. Configure crockpot to low temperature setting for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours. Alternatively, use stovetop method and simmer contents for 35-45 minutes until potatoes become tender.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk cornstarch with whole milk until achieving a smooth, lump-free liquid consistency. Slowly incorporate this thickening agent into the soup, stirring continuously.
6. Gently fold cubed Velveeta cheese into the hot soup, stirring periodically to ensure complete melting and creating a rich, creamy texture.
7. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and optionally garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley for enhanced visual appeal and subtle herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup combines comforting ground beef with creamy potato goodness.
• Convenient crockpot method transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
• Freezing leftovers works wonderfully – simply store in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Sneaky vegetable additions provide extra nutrition without compromising delicious flavor profile.
• Cornstarch creates magical thickening power, ensuring soup reaches ideal creamy consistency.
• Cheese melts seamlessly, delivering rich, velvety texture that makes every spoonful irresistible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 351 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 790 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 64 mg