1. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
- In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients.
3. Add the Beef and Broth
- Add the cooked ground beef to the crockpot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution.
4. Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
5. Make It Creamy
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. For a thicker soup, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with the milk before adding it in.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal, but here are a few ideas to make it even more enjoyable:
- Top with Crispy Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon on top for a salty, crunchy finish.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or fresh dill brighten up the rich flavors.
- Serve with Bread: A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Add Extra Veggies: For a nutrition boost, stir in some spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Customization Tips: Make It Your Own
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Make It Lighter: Replace some of the cream with extra broth or use evaporated milk for a lighter texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about a slow-cooked soup. The flavors have time to meld and deepen, creating a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy broth is pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Set it, forget it, and come home to a pot of soul-warming goodness that’s ready when you are. This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly delicious.
Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, hearty spoonful!