1. Prepare the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot.
2. Assemble the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth to the crockpot with the ground beef mixture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
3. Cook on Low
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
4. Add Cream and Cheese
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth (if using as a thickener).
- Stir the flour mixture into the crockpot, then add the remaining heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken. Stir occasionally until the soup is creamy and smooth.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Once the soup is creamy and well combined, ladle it into bowls.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, additional shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup
- Choose Starchy Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes create a creamier texture when cooked.
- Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For an ultra-creamy soup, blend a portion of the cooked potatoes before adding the cream and cheese.
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a family favorite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for cozy nights and sure to please everyone at the table!