If you’re craving a bowl of warmth and heartiness, this Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of potatoes and savory ground beef slow-cooked to perfection, mingling with rich cheeses and fragrant herbs, creating a soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to impress family and friends. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor and a velvety texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup’s magic comes from humble, well-chosen ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and color. The blend of fresh vegetables, savory beef, creamy dairy, and aromatic herbs creates a beautiful balance that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 1.25 lb ground beef: Lean 80/20 is ideal for a richer flavor without too much fat.
- 1 large onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aroma and a hint of pungency.
- 1.5 lb potatoes (peeled and cubed): They provide hearty texture and help thicken the soup as they cook down.
- 3 cups beef broth: Swanson beef broth adds savory, meaty notes that tie everything together.
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes: Bring a slight acidity and brightness to balance the creamy richness.
- 10.5 oz cheddar cheese soup: Using Campbell’s brand gives a smooth and cheesy body.
- 1 cup milk: Helps in thinning the soup slightly while keeping it creamy.
- 1.5 tsp dried basil: Offers a sweet, herbaceous touch that complements the beef.
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano: Adds warmth and an earthy, Italian-inspired feel.
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 0.5 tsp pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat.
- 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded from a block for smoother melting and a sharper cheese flavor.
- 0.75 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to making the soup incredibly creamy and luxurious.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh green for brightness and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired to keep the soup lighter. Then add diced onions and minced garlic into the pan, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor base and ensures the beef is nicely seasoned before going into the crock pot.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Transfer the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic into your crock pot. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese soup, milk, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all elements evenly. Your slow cooker is about to work its magic to soften the potatoes and blend the flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 3 hours. This slow cooking time allows the potatoes to become tender and the spices to infuse every bite. It’s the perfect window to prepare anything else or simply relax and anticipate a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the slow cooking time is up, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. The cheese melts smoothly, enriching the soup with a velvety texture, while the heavy cream adds that extra level of indulgence. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed at this stage.
How to Serve Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your soup with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color, but also lends a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich base. For an extra touch, consider topping with crispy cooked bacon, more shredded cheddar, or even a dollop of sour cream to elevate the comforting experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to mop up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy soup’s richness perfectly, balancing the meal with fresh crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic and charming touch. Or ladle it into small mason jars for a fun, portable option if you’re packing lunch for work or school. The vibrant colors and textures look inviting, no matter your presentation style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen after sitting, and reheating gently on the stove preserves that creamy texture without breaking the soup.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When thawing, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat slowly to maintain its delicious consistency.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back to your preferred consistency. Avoid microwaving too long at once to prevent separation of cream and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well and add a slightly different texture and flavor. Russets are great for a creamier base since they break down more during cooking.
What can I substitute for the cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, you can mix shredded sharp cheddar into a basic white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. This homemade version adds more control over flavor and thickness.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning and then pressure cooking on high for about 10 minutes. Just be sure to quick-release the pressure carefully.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Definitely! This Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just remember to add the cream and cheese after thawing and reheating for the best texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a flavorful meat-free option.
Final Thoughts
This Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels like home in every bite and requires minimal fuss. Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a go-to for satisfying comfort food cravings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your family’s kitchen!
Print
Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Comforting Crock Pot Ground Beef Potato Soup is a hearty and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich blend of cheddar cheese soup, cream, and spices, it simmers slowly in the crock pot to develop deep flavors. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that combines the ease of slow cooking with the satisfying flavors of a classic comfort soup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.25 lb ground beef (preferably Lean 80/20)
- 1 large onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1.5 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Liquids and Soups
- 3 cups beef broth (Swanson beef broth recommended)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 10.5 oz Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup milk
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1.5 tsp dried basil
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese (from a block for smoother melting)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion into 1/2-inch cubes, mince the garlic cloves, peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces, and shred the cheddar cheese from a block for the best melting texture.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness before adding to the crock pot.
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, cubed potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese soup, milk, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for approximately 3 hours. This allows potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor balance between fat and lean meat.
- Shredding cheese from a block ensures smooth melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; you can reduce salt or increase herbs as preferred.
- This soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave without loss of flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding cream and cheese.
