Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup
Cozy up with this easy Potato & Hamburger Crockpot Soup filled with rich, comforting flavors slow-cooked to perfection. This hearty soup features tender potatoes, savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices, making it a perfect one-pot meal for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying dish.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Bacon bits or green onions (optional toppings)
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain excess fat before adding the beef to the crockpot to reduce greasiness.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef cooks, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and dice the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to ensure fresh, flavorful texture in the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the browned beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender without turning mushy.
- Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves and taste to adjust seasoning as needed. Top with shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold to prevent disintegration during cooking.
- Browning the beef adds significant flavor and helps reduce excess grease in the soup.
- Adding tomato paste early deepens the savory flavor base of the soup.
- If your crockpot allows, stir the soup halfway through cooking to avoid sticking.
- For thicker soup, mash a few potato chunks before serving or reduce broth quantity slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: potato soup, hamburger soup, crockpot recipe, slow cooker soup, ground beef soup, comforting soup, easy dinner, hearty soup, budget-friendly meal