This slow cooker hamburger potato soup is a rich, flavorful, and cozy dish made with ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner!
Author:Beth
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time:8 hours
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup, Comfort Food
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled & diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained, optional)
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 bay leaf
For the Creamy Finish (Optional)
1 cup milk or heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (to thicken, if needed)
For Garnish
Fresh parsley or green onions
Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef(Optional, but adds flavor)
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes.
Drain excess grease, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Add potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (if using), garlic, onion, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
Stir to combine, cover, and cook on:
LOW for 6–8 hours (best for tender potatoes)
HIGH for 3–4 hours (for a quicker meal)
3. Make It Creamy (Optional)
If a creamier soup is desired, stir in milk or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To thicken, mix cornstarch with water, stir into the soup, and cook for another 15 minutes.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf, stir in cheese (if using), and mix until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or extra cheese and serve hot!
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a pot over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Notes
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for different flavors.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist.