Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying on a chilly night as a warm, hearty bowl ofCrockpot Hamburger Soup. This ultimate slow-cooker sensation is brimming with flavorful ground beef, a vibrant medley of tender vegetables (carrots, celery, bell pepper, potatoes, corn, and green beans), all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory beef broth. It’s the kind of wholesome, filling soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, yet requires minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Perfect for busy weekends, cozy weekends, or easy meal prep, this Hamburger Soup is a timeless classic that promises to warm you from the inside out and bring a smile to everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

For the Beef & Aromatics:

• 1 pound ground beef (leaner ground beef is good as it creates less fat to drain)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Vegetables:

• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped (any color works, eg, green, red, yellow)
• 2 cups potatoes, diced (about 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh or frozen)

For the Liquids & Seasoning:

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef & Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
   • If using beef that renders a lot of fat, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
   • (Optional, but recommended for deeper flavor): Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step can also be done by adding raw onion and garlic directly to the crockpot, but browning them first adds richness.
2. Load the Crockpot:
   • Transfer the browned ground beef (and cooked onion/garlic, if you did that step) to your slow cooker.
   • Add the diced carrots, diced celery, chopped bell pepper, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
   • Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and the 4 cups of beef broth.
3. Season the Soup:
   • Stir in the Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients and ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection:
   • Cover the crockpot with its lid.
   • Cook onLOW for 6-7 hoursor onHIGH for 3-4 hours, or until all the vegetables, especially the potatoes and carrots, are tender when pierced with a fork, and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Add Final Vegetables:
   • During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, carefully remove the lid and stir in the frozen corn and the chopped green beans (fresh or frozen). This ensures they cook through but remain vibrant and crisp-tender, rather than becoming mushy.
   • Replace the lid and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
6. Taste, Garnish, and Serve:
   • Once cooking is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • Ladle the hot, hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup into individual bowls.
   • Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate comforting meal!

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Beef Type:80/20 ground beef works well for flavor, but 90/10 or even ground turkey can be used for a lighter version. If using fattier beef, definitely drain the fat after browning.
• Thicker Soup:For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot during the last hour, or mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Herb Variations:Feel free to add other dried herbs like a pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf (remove before serving) for extra depth of flavor.
• Spicy Kick:A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will give it a gentle heat.
• Cheese Topping:For an extra layer of comfort, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan on top of each bowl just before serving.
• Pasta Addition:If you want to make it even heartier, stir in 1 cup of small pasta (like elbow macaroni or ditalini) during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the soup gets too thick.
• Storage:This soup is fantastic for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing:Hamburger soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Pairings:

• Bread:Crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or cornbread are perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Toppings:Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella), a dollop of sour cream, or crushed crackers add extra flavor and texture.
• Side Salad:A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time:15 minutes
• Cook Time:3-7 hours (depending on setting)
• Total Time:3 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
• Servings:6
• Approximate Calories:~320 kcal per serving
• Kitchen:American Comfort Food
• Effort Level:Easy (mostly hands-off)