Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Have you ever craved a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that’s not only filling but also super easy to make? Well, look no further because Crock Pot Hamburger Soup is here to meet all your cozy dinner needs. The beauty of this dish lies in how simple it is to prepare-just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The result is a rich, flavorful soup that’s packed with beef, veggies, and a savory broth that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re busy with work, running errands, or just want something to serve the family that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this soup is the answer.

What makes this recipe even better? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s great for meal prepping too. Plus, it’s flexible-you can make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding some extra flair. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s equal parts delicious and convenient? Let’s go!

This is the type of recipe where you don’t need to sweat over any complex steps. The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, and in a few hours, you’ve got a warm, wholesome meal. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so good. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this soul-warming Crock Pot Hamburger Soup:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular): The star of the show! Ground beef adds the hearty richness that makes this soup filling and satisfying. You can choose between lean ground beef or a higher fat percentage depending on your preference.
1 medium onion (diced): The onion gives the soup that aromatic base and sweet, savory depth.
3 garlic cloves (minced): For a subtle burst of flavor that takes the soup from good to great.
4 cups beef broth: The broth is the backbone of the soup, giving it a warm, savory essence.
2 cups diced potatoes: Potatoes add a nice starchy texture and bulk up the soup, making it more filling.
2 carrots (peeled and sliced): Sweet and earthy, carrots add natural sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks (diced): Celery provides a lovely crunch and an herbal note to balance out the richness of the beef.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained): Tomatoes add a touch of acidity and brightness that complements the beef.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This brings an herby, slightly floral note that’s classic in many soups.
1 teaspoon dried basil: For a sweet, slightly peppery touch.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of spice without overwhelming the dish.
1 bay leaf: A must-have for slow-cooked soups, bay leaves add depth and complexity to the overall flavor.
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get this soup cooking. It’s honestly as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Brown The Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your Crock Pot.
Prepare The Veggies

While the beef is cooking, dice your onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. It’s not a race, but chopping the veggies in uniform sizes will help everything cook evenly.
Combine Everything In The Crock Pot

To the Crock Pot, add the browned ground beef along with the diced veggies, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine.
Set And Forget

Cover the Crock Pot with its lid, and set it on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s bursting with flavor.
Finishing Touches

About 30 minutes before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed-add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’d like, top with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side, and you’ve got yourself a full meal!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup brings something special to the table, and understanding why they’re included can elevate your appreciation for this dish.

Ground Beef: It’s the key protein, providing richness and umami. If you prefer a leaner soup, you can go for lean ground turkey or chicken instead.
Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Onion): These veggies are not only nutritious but also add texture, flavor, and color to the soup. The potatoes break down slightly during cooking, adding a comforting, thick texture.
Beef Broth: The base of the soup’s flavor, beef broth adds depth and makes the soup filling without being too heavy. If you want a lighter version, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a good alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: These bring acidity and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the beef. If you want a more robust flavor, go for fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Herbs (Oregano, Basil): These bring warmth and a little Italian flair, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

Expert Tips

Browning the Beef: While you can skip this step, browning the beef before adding it to the Crock Pot brings out a deeper flavor and a nice caramelization that really adds to the richness of the soup.
Customize the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of a particular veggie, feel free to swap it out. Leeks, parsnips, or bell peppers can be great additions or substitutions.
Leftovers: This soup makes for great leftovers. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Want to prep ahead? This soup freezes wonderfully. Just allow it to cool completely, and transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is super adaptable, and you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini. They’ll absorb the flavor beautifully and keep the dish lighter.
Spicy Kick: Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to add some noodles, go for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Vegetarian Version: You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan option. Be sure to choose a vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.

Final Words

Crock Pot Hamburger Soup is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s simple, delicious, and can be made in a variety of ways to suit almost any dietary preference. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a batch for meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with plenty of time to relax, and the end result is a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe