Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup for a Cozy Weeknight Meal

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl on a chilly evening, is there? And today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that truly embodies that feeling: our delightful Crockpot Hamburger Soup. It’s a dish that brings smiles to every face, a hearty hug in a bowl that warms you from the inside out, making even the busiest weeknight feel special and full of love.

My own journey into the world of comforting, home-cooked meals often takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember the scent of simmering goodness that would fill her home, a promise of a meal made with patience and love. This recipe, much like those cherished memories, reminds me that the simplest ingredients, when tended with care, create the most magical tastes.

This particular soup offers such wonderful benefits — it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a dream for busy families, and it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish the soul. My top practical tip? Always take the time to brown your ground beef properly; it locks in so much flavor for this hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this soul-satisfying soup starts with a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors in every spoonful of this comforting Crockpot Hamburger Soup. From the savory lean ground beef to the medley of vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, each component plays a vital role. I always recommend using fresh garlic; its aroma truly elevates the dish! You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Soup

Creating this heartwarming meal is a breeze, truly. You’ll begin by browning your lean ground beef with the aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic – a crucial step for building a flavorful foundation. Then, everything simply gets combined in your slow cooker with broth, tomatoes, potatoes, and seasonings. Let it simmer gently, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together, before stirring in the green beans for a final touch. It’s hands-off cooking that leads to your delicious Crockpot Hamburger Soup!

Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup

This comforting Crockpot Hamburger Soup is a delicious and easy one-pot meal, packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion medium, chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 carrots medium, peeled and sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
• 1 can diced tomatoes 28 oz, undrained
• 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
• 2 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional, for depth of flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
• 1 can green beans 15 oz, drained, or 1 cup frozen green beans
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• 6-quart or larger Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Large Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare Ingredients

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet (no need to clean), add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.

Combine and Cook

1. Add the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Finish and Serve

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the drained canned green beans (or frozen green beans). If using frozen, allow an extra 15-20 minutes for them to heat through.
2. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) if needed.
3. Ladle the Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

For a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the cooked potato cubes against the side of the slow cooker before serving. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips for Making This Crockpot Hamburger Soup

To ensure your Crockpot Hamburger Soup is nothing short of perfect, I’ve gathered a few of my most trusted tips from years in the kitchen.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to properly brown and drain the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. This simple step renders out excess fat and creates a richer, more profound flavor base, ensuring your soup isn’t greasy and truly shines.

When it comes to the vegetables, I like to dice them fairly uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker and you get a harmonious bite in every spoonful. Don’t rush this prep step; it truly makes a difference in the final texture of your hearty soup.

For a deeper, more robust flavor, I often add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a bay leaf right at the beginning. These small additions infuse the entire soup with an incredible depth that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving. Sometimes, a final pinch of salt and pepper can perfectly balance all the wonderful flavors, elevating your Crockpot Hamburger Soup to its peak deliciousness.

Fun Variations for Crockpot Hamburger Soup

One of the greatest joys of cooking, for me, is the freedom to get creative and make a recipe truly your own! This Crockpot Hamburger Soup is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to experiment with flavors and textures.

Spice it Up!

If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the other vegetables. My friend, Sarah, always asks me to add a dash of her favorite hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick!

Veggie Boost

Feel free to incorporate other hearty vegetables you have on hand. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen corn can be added during the last hour of cooking to amp up the nutrients and flavor in your Crockpot Hamburger Soup.

Herbaceous Twists

While Italian seasoning is wonderful, try experimenting with other herbs. A touch of dried thyme or a sprig of fresh rosemary can lend a lovely, different aroma and taste. My mom often uses a blend of her garden herbs, making it uniquely hers.

What to Serve With Crockpot Hamburger Soup

A warm bowl of Crockpot Hamburger Soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can make it an even more delightful experience. I always love thinking about how to round out a comforting meal!

My personal favorite way to serve this hearty soup is with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. There’s something so satisfying about dipping warm bread into a bowl of warm Crockpot Hamburger Soup.

For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea. It adds a lovely freshness and crunch that beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the soup.

And for those who like a little extra indulgence, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top just before serving can add a creamy richness that’s absolutely divine.

How to Store Crockpot Hamburger Soup

Keeping your delicious creations fresh for longer is always a smart baker’s move, and this Crockpot Hamburger Soup is no exception! It’s wonderful for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

To store leftover Crockpot Hamburger Soup in the refrigerator, simply transfer it to airtight containers once it has cooled completely. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days, and the flavors often deepen even more overnight!

For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. My personal tip? A fresh sprinkle of parsley after reheating always brings it back to life and adds a pop of color!

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with wholesome goodness. With lean ground beef providing excellent protein and a colorful array of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes offering essential vitamins and fiber, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It truly embodies my philosophy of creating comforting food that combines indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this Crockpot Hamburger Soup is perfect for making in advance! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Faq 2

What kind of ground beef is best for Crockpot Hamburger Soup?
I recommend using lean ground beef (85-90%) for this Crockpot Hamburger Soup. It provides rich flavor without excessive grease. Be sure to brown and drain any fat before adding it to the crockpot to keep your soup light and flavorful.

Faq 3

Can I add pasta to my Crockpot Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely! For a heartier meal, you can add a cup of small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just ensure there’s enough liquid, as pasta absorbs a lot! This makes the Crockpot Hamburger Soup even more filling.

Faq 4

How can I thicken my Crockpot Hamburger Soup if it’s too thin?
If your Crockpot Hamburger Soup is thinner than you’d like, try making a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stirring it into the hot soup during the last 30 minutes. Cook until thickened to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

There you have it, dear friends — a truly heartwarming recipe for Crockpot Hamburger Soup that promises comfort, convenience, and deliciousness in every bowl. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create meals that truly bring people together and build cherished memories. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones around the table, savor this wonderful creation, and find as much joy in making it as I do in sharing it with you. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with sweet aromas and happy moments!