This Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup makes for the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food on cold winter days! This rich, flavorful and satisfying soup is made with tender potatoes, hearty ground beef, and a velvety cheese-infused broth. Chock-full of vegetables and flavored with dried herbs, it’s a healthful, one-pot dinner that’s just as simple to make as it is to eat.

Just throw everything into your crockpot and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day. The cheese, with its melted strings, adds a creamy (smooth) mouthfeel that makes this soup as comfortable as a broken-in mother’s embrace. Pair it with a crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side — and you have a family-friendly dinner everyone will fall in love with!

Why You’ll Love It:

This soup is pure comfort in bowl form, and there’s a lot to love about it:

Set it and Forget it Crockpot Recipe: Just put everything in and let your crockpot do the work for you!

One-Pot Wonder: Not much cleanup because this all simmers in a single pot.

Kid-Approved: The creamy Velveeta and mild flavors are a hit with the little ones.

Customizable: Switch up the veggies, change the seasonings or make it gluten-free — it’s highly versatile.

Meal Prep Hero: Good for making in advance and reheating, and it freezes beautifully.

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Key Ingredients:

Russet Potatoes: The best option because their starchy texture helps to thicken the soup.

Prep Tip: Cut the potatoes so they’re roughly the same size, to help them cook at the same speed.

Lean Ground Beef: Use lean or extra lean to avoid greasy burgers. Fat would have to be drained for a smooth soup.

Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Quick and easy! And search for a blend, with carrots, peas, corn and green beans.

Fresh Veggies: Do you want to use fresh? Dice small for even cooking.

Why Velveeta? The smooth, melty texture makes it the MVP for creamy soups.

Substitute: Shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Basil and Parsley: Create pungent, herbaceous overtones. You could also throw in thyme or oregano for additional complexity.

Garlic: You need fresh garlic for some aromatic punch.

For all the specifics regarding quantities and instructions for all the ingredients scroll down to the recipe card below

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 medium white onion, peeled, diced

1 large garlic clove minced

6 cups chicken broth

6 cups of peeled and diced Russet potatoes

2 cups frozen vegetable mix

3 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tablespoons cornstarch

8 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1½ lbs ground beef until browned with 1 diced onion (approx 6–8 minutes while onion softens).

Drain Grease: Do drain some of the excess grease so you’re not having greasy soup.

Sauté garlic: Stir in 1 crushed garlic and cook 1-2 minutes feeling fragrant.

Step 2: Transfer to Pot

Add to Crockpot/Stockpot: Transfer beef mixture to your crockpot or stockpot.

Step 3: Add Main Ingredients

Potatoes + Broth: Add in 6 cups diced Russet potatoes and 6 cups chicken broth.

Add in Vegetables and Latters: Mix in 2 cups frozen vegetables, 3 tsp dried basil, and 2 tsp dried parsley flakes.

Step 4: Cook

Crockpot: Pour on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

Stovetop: Bring to a boil, lower heat down and simmer for 30 to 40 mins until potatoes easily break apart.

Step 5: Thicken Soup

Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1½ cups milk until smooth.

Spoon into Soup: Slowly drizzle in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Melt Velveeta: Add in 8 oz cubed Velveeta cheese, stir until fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle Into Bowls: Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley if you’d like.

Serving Suggestions:

Bread Pairings: For dipping, crusty French bread, buttery biscuits and even garlic toast.

Garnishes: This is when a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can go a long way in adding a pop of color and flavor.

Side Salads: Accompany with a light side salad such as Caesar or a crunchy cucumber-tomato mixture to counter the richness.

Drinks: A glass of chilled white wine or a cozy mug of apple cider would both pair nicely with this dish.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

For Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring from time to time.

Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to containers safe for freezing. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat.

Batch Cooking: Double the above recipe for an easy freezer meal option that’s available when you need a soothing dinner.

Variations:

Lighter Version:

Substitute reduced-fat cheese for the Velveeta, lines up a little evaporated milk for the whole milk.

Swap in ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner protein.

Vegetarian Option:

No ground beef here, double up on the veggies. Toss in canned white beans for protein.

Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Spicy Twist:

Chop up some jalapeños if you like it spicy or add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.

Loaded Potato Style:

Top with crunchy bacon bits, shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded potato vibe.

Gluten-Free Friendly:

Use cornstarch or a gluten-free thickeners to keep this recipe 100% gluten-free. Check broth and frozen veggie mix for hidden gluten.

Conclusion:

Moo Cow Chowder: The Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup You Never Knew You Needed (but definitely do) Whether you’re snuggling up on a chilly night, serving a crowd or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. The creamy, rib-sticking blend of potatoes, beef and cheese is a classic comfort that always hits the spot.

I just say use your crock pot, make this yummy soup, and enjoy the smell in your house. Be sure to play around with the variations and make it your own. Believe me—you’ll be serving up seconds (and perhaps thirds) before you know it! Enjoy!