Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4–5 cups potatoes, peeled & diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups chicken or beef broth

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional but good)

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)

Optional add-ins

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• Chopped bacon

• Green onions or parsley

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Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
   Drain excess grease.

2. Load the crockpot
   Add browned beef, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   Stir well.

3. Cook

   • Low: 6–7 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours
     Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Make it creamy
   About 30 minutes before serving:

   • Melt butter in a small saucepan

   • Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute

   • Slowly whisk in milk and cream

   • Cook until thickened

   Stir this mixture into the crockpot.

5. Final touch
   Add cheese and/or sour cream if using.
   Let cook another 20–30 minutes until creamy and smooth.

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Serving ideas

• Crusty bread or garlic toast 🥖

• Crackers

• Extra cheese on top (always yes)

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Tips & swaps

• Extra thick: mash a few potatoes right in the crockpot

• Lighter: use half-and-half instead of cream

• Loaded version: add corn, carrots, or bacon bits

• Spicy: dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes

If you want a dump-and-go version (no browning) or a cheesy loaded potato twist, I got you 😄