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Craving something warm, hearty, and easy to make? This Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup has it all – rich flavors, creamy textures, and the kind of comfort only a bowl of homemade soup can offer. Packed with tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheese, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for chilly nights or laid-back Sundays. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this creamy hamburger potato soup is satisfying, simple, and sure to become a household favorite. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation!
Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup
Equipment
- Equipment:
- 8-quart slow cooker (or similar size)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for browning beef)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife (for chopping onion and dicing potatoes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced into large chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots optional
- 1 can 10.5 oz cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed (or shredded cheddar as a substitute)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until no pink remains and onions are soft, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, return beef mixture to the pan, and stir in minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer beef mixture to an 8-quart slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese soup, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours) until potatoes are tender.
- About 1 hour before serving, add heavy cream and Velveeta cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
- Stir well before serving until soup is creamy and fully blended. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cooking Time:
- 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time:
- 7 hours 15 minutes (low) / 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Serving Size:
- 6 servings
- Yield:
- About 6 bowls
- Cuisine:
- American
- Course:
- Main Course, Soup
- Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Featured Image:
- A steaming bowl of creamy hamburger potato soup, topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs, and served with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 How should I cut the potatoes for this soup?
I recommend dicing the potatoes into larger chunks, so they hold their shape and add a hearty bite to every spoonful. Smaller pieces tend to break down during cooking and can get lost in the creamy base. Take a look at the photos below for a visual guide on the size I use.
🔹 Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup by adding your favorite vegetables like corn, green beans, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots or leave them out entirely based on your preferences.
🔹 What can I use instead of Velveeta?
If you prefer a different cheese, you can easily swap Velveeta with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack in your Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup for a unique twist.
🔹 Why is my soup thinner than expected?
Slow cooker soups often turn out thinner because they cook covered, limiting evaporation. To thicken your soup, you can either remove the lid and cook on high until it reduces, or stir in 1/4 cup of instant mashed potato flakes – it thickens up beautifully in minutes!
🔹 What sides go well with this soup?
This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but a slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. For something lighter, pair it with a fresh green salad.
🔹 Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simply cook the potatoes in chicken broth in a large pot until tender. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, combine everything in the pot and stir until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. If it’s too thick, add more broth, milk, or water until it’s just right.
🔹 How do I store leftovers?
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup stores perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it also freezes well, making it great for meal prep.
🔹 What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stove, in the microwave, or even in the slow cooker. If using the slow cooker, stir occasionally and watch the edges to avoid scorching.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Full recipe in the card below):
- Ground Beef:
You can easily swap this for ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even sausage if you enjoy a different flavor twist. Each option brings a unique taste to the soup! - Fresh Garlic:
Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor, but if you’re short on time, pre-minced jarred garlic works too. - Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:
Opt for low-sodium broth to avoid an overly salty soup. The Velveeta and cheddar soup already add enough saltiness. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end. - Medium Russet Potatoes:
Russets are ideal for their texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes make a great substitute if you prefer a buttery flavor. - Frozen Peas and Carrots:
Don’t like peas and carrots? Feel free to leave them out or replace them with your favorite vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers. - Cheddar Cheese Soup:
Look for canned cheddar cheese soup in the soup aisle of your grocery store. If you can’t find it, a creamy alternative like cream of chicken will do the trick. - Heavy Cream:
Skip the milk and go for heavy cream to get that rich, velvety texture in your soup. - Velveeta Cheese:
Not a fan of Velveeta? You can use any good melting cheese like shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even make your own homemade Velveeta substitute!
These simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup recipe.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup
- Cook the Ground Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, and continue until the beef is fully cooked (no pink remains) and the onions are tender, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain and Add Garlic:
Drain off any excess fat from the skillet, then return the beef mixture to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Tip: If you’re using jarred garlic, you can skip this step and simply add it straight into the slow cooker. - Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Pour the seasoned beef mixture into the bottom of your 8-quart slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. - Add Remaining Ingredients:
To the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese soup, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything gently to combine all the flavors. - Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours, allowing the potatoes to become tender and soak up all the savory goodness.
Note: You can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but for the best texture, low and slow is recommended. - Finish with Cream and Cheese:
About one hour before serving, pour in the heavy cream and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover again and let the cheese melt completely. Once melted, stir well until the soup is creamy, rich, and perfectly blended.
Once all the ingredients are combined, your Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup will be ready to enjoy after hours of slow cooking.
🍽️ Craving More Recipes?
If you loved this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup, here are more delicious and easy recipes you’ll want to try next:
- 🥔 Lipton Onion Soup Potatoes: Crispy, savory, and perfect as a side dish for any comfort meal.
- 🍲 Soup Bone Benefits & Uses: Discover how soup bones can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your homemade soups.
- 🍽️ Frozen Burrito Casserole Recipe: A quick and hearty dinner idea the whole family will enjoy.
- ⚡ Quick & Easy Ninja Foodi Recipes: Fast, tasty meals perfect for busy weeknights!
🔥 Tips, Variations & Expert Tricks
- Want a spicier version? Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick!
- Make it lighter: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, yet still creamy texture.
- Add more veggies: This soup is versatile! Try adding corn, green beans, or even chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your cheddar cheese soup and broth are gluten-free certified to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Thickening Trick: For an ultra-creamy soup, blend a small portion of the cooked potatoes with broth and stir it back in.
- Meal Prep Tip: This soup is perfect for meal prep – it tastes even better the next day! Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
🥦 Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx.):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
💡 Health Tips & Customization Ideas:
- Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and swap heavy cream for light cream or milk to reduce fat.
- Boost the fiber: Add extra veggies like spinach or kale, or serve with whole-grain bread.
- Low-sodium option: Use a homemade broth with less salt and skip the Velveeta for natural cheeses.
- High-protein tip: Add cooked lentils or quinoa to boost the protein content naturally.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup is the perfect recipe to try. It’s a simple, family-friendly dish that brings together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend meal, this easy crockpot soup will satisfy every appetite. Don’t wait—give this Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup a try and make it your new go-to comfort food. Your family will love it, and you’ll love how effortless it is to prepare!
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