Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

When you need a hearty, filling meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup delivers every time. I throw everything into my slow cooker in the morning and come home to the most amazing smell filling my kitchen. It’s loaded with tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth that warms you from the inside out.

This recipe has saved me countless busy weekdays when I needed something nutritious and satisfying waiting for me at dinnertime.

Why I Love This Recipe

This soup checks all my boxes for a winning dinner. It feeds a crowd, costs very little to make, and uses ingredients I usually have on hand. I love how the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully. The vegetables become tender but still hold their shape, and the ground beef stays moist and flavorful.

What really gets me excited about this recipe is how hands-off it is. After the initial prep work, I can forget about it for hours while it does its thing. It’s also incredibly forgiving – if I need to leave it cooking a bit longer than planned, it still turns out great. The whole house smells incredible while it’s cooking, which makes coming home feel extra special.

Equipment

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons

Key Ingredients

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 waxy yellow potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks

Protein and seasonings:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (no-salt added)
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid:

• 1 quart chicken stock or beef broth
• 1 cup water

How To Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it’s completely browned. Season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt while cooking.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the paste from burning.
4. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add all the chopped vegetables: celery, carrots, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and potato chunks.
5. Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, remaining 2 teaspoons of salt, and black pepper over everything in the slow cooker.
6. Pour in the chicken stock and water. Stir everything together gently to make sure the seasonings are distributed evenly.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

What to Serve with Hamburger Soup

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. I often make a simple cornbread that complements the soup’s savory flavors. Grilled cheese sandwiches cut into strips work great for dunking too.

For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the rich, warm soup. Crackers work well if you want something simple, and they add a satisfying crunch.

Storage Instructions

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in covered containers. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, making it excellent for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.

You can freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some room at the top since the liquid will expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming.

Tips for Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

• Brown the ground beef first for better flavor and texture – don’t skip this step
• Cut all vegetables roughly the same size so they cook evenly
• Don’t lift the lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary – it releases heat and extends cooking time
• Use waxy potatoes instead of russet because they hold their shape better in the slow cooker
• Add extra broth or water if the soup gets too thick during cooking
• Season at the end and adjust to taste since salt levels can concentrate during slow cooking
• For richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken stock

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Green beans, corn, peas, or diced tomatoes all work well. Add frozen vegetables during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

What if I don’t have time to brown the meat first?
While browning adds flavor, you can add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker. Just break it up well and increase the cooking time slightly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute. The cooking method stays the same, though the flavor will be milder.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. The potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing, but the soup will still taste great.

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