Print

Hearty Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Soup

hearty slow cooker hamburger potato soup - featured image

A comforting and easy slow cooker soup combining seasoned hamburger, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground hamburger (80/20 preferred)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.
  3. Peel and dice potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Slice carrots and celery. Add all vegetables to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine gently.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Check after 6 hours on low; potatoes should be tender but not falling apart.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash more milk or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Brown the meat before slow cooking to enhance flavor. Add milk near the end of cooking to prevent curdling. Cut potatoes evenly to avoid mushiness. Stir gently when combining ingredients. Check doneness after minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking. For thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir in during last 30 minutes of cooking. Can be adapted for Instant Pot using sauté and pressure cook functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, hamburger soup, potato soup, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty soup, crockpot recipe