If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, this Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender potatoes, and savory ground beef all simmered to perfection, it’s a true hug in a bowl. Whether you want a simple dinner after a busy day or a hearty leftover for the next, this soup checks every box for flavor, ease, and satisfaction. It’s no surprise this recipe quickly became my go-to for feeding family and friends with love and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, combining to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. From the rich, juicy beef to the fire-roasted tomatoes adding a smoky sweetness, each component enhances the vibrant character of this soup.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and brown the beef for deep, rich flavor.
- Onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and savory base that builds the soup’s depth.
- Lean ground beef (2 lb): The hearty protein that makes this soup filling and satisfying.
- Carrots, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch to the mix.
- Yukon potatoes, bite-sized: Bring creamy texture and help thicken the broth naturally.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes (3 cans, 15 oz each): Infuse the soup with smoky, bold tomato flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3-4): For a punch of aromatic warmth and depth.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): Thickens the broth and complements the tomatoes.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds a tangy umami boost that lifts all the flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): A fragrant herb blend that enhances the savory taste.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Reinforces the onion flavor subtly.
- Sea salt (½ tsp) and pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasoning for balance and brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): For a touch of gentle heat.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Bay leaves (2): Impart a subtle, herbal aroma during cooking.
- Tomato paste (6 oz): Thickens and intensifies the tomato essence.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a delightful pop of texture.
- Frozen peas (½ to 1 cup): Contribute color and mild sweetness in the final minutes.
How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Tomatoes
Start by adding the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper into your crock pot. Stir them gently to combine so that the veggies and tomatoes are evenly distributed, setting the stage for rich flavors to meld over the cooking process.
Step 2: Brown the Onions and Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they are translucent and fragrant. Next, add the lean ground beef, cooking it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink inside. This step is crucial because browning builds savory depth and prevents excess greasiness in your soup. Drain any excess fat before transferring the beef and onions to the crock pot.
Step 3: Combine and Add the Broth
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the crock pot with the other ingredients. Give everything a good stir to mix and distribute the flavors uniformly. This is where the soup begins to come alive, as the broth brings all those ingredients together for a comforting base.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it to low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 5 hours. You want the carrots, celery, and potatoes to become tender and fork-ready, allowing the flavors to intensify slowly. This slow cooking process makes the soup wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas, corn, and tomato paste. The tomato paste will thicken the broth beautifully, but feel free to add less if you prefer your soup a little more brothy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.
How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup shines with a sprinkle of shredded cheese melting on top for an indulgent finish. Fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves add an extra pop of color and freshness that brighten up every spoonful.
Side Dishes
A crusty piece of garlic bread or warm, buttered dinner rolls complement this soup perfectly. The crunch and soak-up-the-broth power of those sides make the meal feel complete and deeply satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve individual portions in bread bowls to impress guests and make the meal feel extra special. Alternatively, ladle it over steamed rice or buttered noodles for a comforting twist that stretches the servings and soaks up every bit of that delicious broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover soup into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an easy choice for busy weeknight meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
Once cooled completely, this soup freezes beautifully in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results, so the texture and flavors remain wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. If the broth has thickened too much after resting, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder. You may want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the taste.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the ground beef for hearty lentils or diced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The vegetables and spices still deliver great flavor in this cozy soup.
What can I do if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can make this soup on the stovetop in a large pot. Brown the meat and vegetables, then simmer everything covered over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
How thick should the soup be?
The thickness is quite flexible and depends on your preference. Adding more tomato paste or reducing the broth will thicken it up, while adding broth makes it lighter and more brothy.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them similarly and add during the initial slow cook phase for the best texture and flavor integration.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a homemade bowl of soup, especially one as flavorful and satisfying as this Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers. I hope you give this recipe a try soon — it just might become your new favorite comfort food as it is mine!
PrintCrock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
This hearty Crock Pot Hamburger Soup is a comforting and filling meal perfect for any day. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base, this slow-cooked soup delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners, this veggie-packed and protein-rich soup is sure to become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 Yukon potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½–1 cup frozen peas
Meat
- 2 lb lean ground beef
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 3 cans fire-roasted tomatoes (15 oz. each)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (plus more for thinner broth)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 T Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and combine: Add the diced potatoes, chopped carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, sea salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and bay leaves into the crock pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sauté onions and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Transfer the cooked beef and onions into the crock pot on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Add broth and Worcestershire sauce: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-5 hours, until the carrots and celery are soft and the potatoes are fork tender.
- Add finishing ingredients: About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas, frozen corn, and tomato paste to the soup. The tomato paste will thicken the broth; adjust the quantity if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, add more tomato paste. Serve hot with shredded cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Always brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Adding raw beef directly can result in a greasy texture and less flavorful meat with a rubbery consistency.
- This soup is ideal when made a day ahead, as flavors meld and deepen. Reheat the next day in the slow cooker set to warm for 1-2 hours before serving.
