Cozy Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup Recipe
Warm up with a hearty Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup that is easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and perfectly suited for busy days or cozy nights at home. This recipe combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and flavorful broth into a delicious stew that simmers slowly in your crockpot, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying goodness. Whether you’re new to crockpot cooking or searching for a fuss-free comfort meal, this Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup will quickly become a favorite go-to dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep: Simply add ingredients to the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle your day.
- Comfort food classic: The rich, hearty flavors bring warmth and satisfaction every time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable staples like potatoes and ground beef without compromising taste.
- Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Meal prep miracle: Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that build layers of flavor and provide a wonderful texture. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this stew both wholesome and delicious.
- Ground hamburger: Provides savory richness and protein to fuel your body and satisfy hunger.
- Russet potatoes: Offer creamy softness and heartiness that soak up the broth perfectly.
- Onion and garlic: Add aromatic depth for a more complex, inviting flavor base.
- Beef broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Carrots and celery: Bring subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch for contrast.
- Dried herbs: Such as thyme and parsley, for herbal freshness and a comforting aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors just right.
Variations for Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
One of the best parts about this Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to tailor it according to what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or flavor desires without losing any of the hearty goodness.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan near the end to add creamy indulgence.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to brighten and heat things up.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves for different aromatic profiles.
- Thicker soup: Mix in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water for extra creaminess.
How to Make Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Hamburger
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground hamburger until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart into small pieces. This step develops deeper flavor and removes excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release its aroma evenly throughout the soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Layer the browned hamburger, chopped vegetables, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Pour in the beef broth until ingredients are just covered.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set the crockpot to low heat and let the soup simmer for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender without falling apart.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Garnish as desired and enjoy the comforting warmth.
Pro Tips for Making Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
- Use russet potatoes: Their starchy texture holds up well during slow cooking without turning mushy.
- Drain excess fat: After browning hamburger, drain fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Layer flavors: Browning the meat enhances depth, so don’t skip this step even though it’s an extra pan to clean.
- Don’t over-stir: Let the crockpot do the work and avoid breaking up potatoes by stirring too much during cooking.
- Timing matters: Cooking longer on low helps flavors develop better than a fast-high setting.
How to Serve Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a bright burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the hearty soup base. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream also complements the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a simple side salad to round out the meal. These sides provide a nice texture contrast and help soak up the delicious broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming presentation, or ladle into warm mugs for a cozy, handheld comfort food experience. Adding a side of pickles or tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing balance to the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This makes for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also warm in the microwave, stopping to stir every minute to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this soup; just make sure to brown it thoroughly.
What if I want the soup thicker?
Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir into the soup near the end of cooking, then let it cook a little longer to thicken.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add peas, green beans, or corn to boost the veggie content and add extra flavor and color.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients, but peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can brown the meat using the sauté function, then add other ingredients and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup, especially when it’s packed with simple, wholesome ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re seeking a stress-free weeknight meal or a nurturing dish to warm up your evening, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and soon it will be one of your cherished favorites for both busy days and quiet nights in.
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Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
Warm up with a hearty Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup that is easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and perfect for busy days or cozy nights. This slow-cooked soup combines tender russet potatoes, savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful beef broth into a delicious stew that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying goodness. Ideal for families and meal prep, this budget-friendly comfort food is a go-to dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground hamburger (ground beef)
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 6 cups beef broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Hamburger: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground hamburger until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness and develop deeper flavor.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the russet potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to evenly release its aroma throughout the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Layer the browned hamburger, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Pour in the beef broth until the ingredients are just covered.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking time allows flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender without falling apart.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream if desired, then enjoy the comforting warmth.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for their starchy texture that holds up well during slow cooking.
- Drain excess fat after browning the hamburger to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Browning the meat adds flavor depth, so don’t skip this step despite the extra pan to clean.
- Avoid over-stirring the soup during cooking to prevent breaking up the potatoes.
- Cooking longer on low heat develops better flavor than a quick high setting.
- Optional: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan near the end for a cheesy twist.
- Optional: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for lentils or mushrooms.
- For thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch with water and stir in near the end of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: potato soup, hamburger soup, crockpot recipe, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy soup, family-friendly, budget-friendly, hearty soup