- Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Add the onion and garlic. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stage 2: Assembling the Soup in the Crockpot
- Add ingredients to the crockpot. In the crockpot, add the browned ground beef, cooked onions and garlic, diced potatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low. Cover and cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Stage 3: Creaming the Soup
- Add dairy. Once the soup is done cooking, add the milk (or heavy cream) to the crockpot and stir until combined. If you want extra creaminess, stir in the sour cream at this point as well.
- Add cheese. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Stage 4: Serving
- Serve hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and optional bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy! Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup:
- Use a good cheese. For the best creamy texture, use a good melting cheese like cheddar. You can also experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for extra flavor.
- Make it spicier. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Make it a one-pot meal. You can add extra vegetables, like carrots, celery, or corn, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use frozen potatoes. If you don’t want to peel and dice potatoes, you can use frozen hashbrowns or diced potatoes for convenience.
- Thicken it up. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher to thicken it up or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, especially when you let the slow cooker do the work. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a filling meal for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!