Hamburger Soup Crockpot Recipe

Try This Hearty Hamburger Soup Crockpot Recipe Today

Hearty soups bring comfort to chilly evenings, and this hamburger soup crockpot recipe delivers pure warmth and satisfaction.

Packed with robust ground beef and tender vegetables, the soup simmers slowly, melding flavors into a delicious one-pot meal.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet nutritious solutions that everyone loves.

Each spoonful brims with rich, savory goodness that fills hungry bellies quickly.

The crockpot does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a soul-warming dish.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a reliable meal.

Ladle this soup into bowls and watch smiles spread around the dinner table.

Why Hamburger Soup in the Crockpot Wins

  • Crockpot magic transforms complex cooking into an effortless meal preparation with minimal hands-on work, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious comfort food.
  • Loaded with lean ground beef, mixed vegetables, and hearty potatoes, this soup delivers a balanced, protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.
  • Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like ground turkey, different vegetable combinations, or added spices to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Familiar hamburger-inspired flavors make this soup appealing to both kids and adults, creating a universally loved meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Crockpot Hamburger Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery: Aromatic base vegetables that provide depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup.
  • Frozen Vegetables: Convenient mix that adds nutrition and color to the dish.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and robust flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Beef Broth: Provides the liquid base and adds rich meaty flavor to the soup.
  • Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a tangy and slightly acidic foundation for the soup.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A herb blend that adds aromatic and savory notes.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, umami flavor to the soup.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used to brown the meat and add a subtle richness.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup.

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drop in ground beef, onions, salt, and black pepper.

Break up the beef with a spoon while cooking until meat transforms from pink to brown.

Transfer beef and onions to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving excess fat behind.

Step 2: Layer Delicious Ingredients

Add these ingredients to the slow cooker:
  • Celery
  • Tomato paste
  • Garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Potatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Frozen mixed vegetables
  • Beef broth

Stir everything thoroughly to blend flavors and ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and set to LOW temperature.

Let soup simmer for 7-8 hours until potatoes become tender.

For faster cooking, use HIGH setting for 4-5 hours, though low and slow develops richer taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.

Scoop into serving bowls.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added freshness.

Serve hot and savor every spoonful of this comforting meal.

Tips for Crockpot Hamburger Soup Success

  • Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors that elevate the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for a more vibrant and personalized soup experience.
  • Use low temperature setting to allow ingredients to merge seamlessly, creating a more complex and harmonious taste.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Adjust beef broth quantity based on desired soup consistency – less broth for thicker soup, more for a lighter version.

How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Soup

  • Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Frozen hamburger soup stays good for 2-3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
  • Pour soup into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly. Stir gently to maintain vegetable and meat texture.

What Pairs Well with Hamburger Soup

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty beef and vegetable flavors, cutting through the richness with its robust character.
  • Cheese Companion: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or aged Parmesan on top of the soup to add a tangy, salty dimension that enhances the meaty base and provides a creamy texture contrast.
  • Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic sourdough slice to soak up the delicious broth, adding a satisfying crunch and helping to make the meal more filling and comforting.
  • Herb Accent: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives to introduce a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness and adds a pop of color and light, herbal flavor.

Hamburger Soup Recipe Variations

  • Veggie-Loaded Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian option that maintains rich, hearty flavor and nutritional value.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure tomato products are certified gluten-free to make the soup safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's satisfying texture and taste.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to transform the classic recipe into a zesty, southwestern-inspired meal with extra kick.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef the only meat option for this soup?

No, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile.

  • Can I make this soup without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can prepare this soup in a large pot on the stovetop. Simply follow the same instructions and simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours until vegetables are tender.

  • Are frozen vegetables necessary for this recipe?

Not at all. You can use fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans instead. The key is to choose vegetables that hold up well during long cooking times.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Consider adding a cup of cooked rice or small pasta like orzo directly into the soup during the last hour of cooking to increase its heartiness and nutritional value.

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Hamburger Soup Crockpot Recipe

Hamburger Soup Crockpot Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger soup simmers with rich, comforting flavors that transport home cooks to grandmother’s kitchen. Savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and robust seasonings create a one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings when you crave warmth and satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, and carrots)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 15 ounces (443 ml) tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounces (430 ml) petite diced tomatoes
  • 32 ounces (946 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Cook until beef is completely browned and onions are translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to the crockpot, leaving excess grease behind.
  2. Add celery, tomato paste, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, potatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, frozen vegetables, and beef broth to the crockpot. Thoroughly mix all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
  3. Cover the crockpot and set to LOW temperature. Allow soup to simmer for 7-8 hours, which enables flavors to develop and potatoes to become tender. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours if time is limited.
  4. After cooking, taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Some cooks might want to enhance with additional salt, pepper, or herbs.
  5. Serve hot in individual bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and brightness. The soup can be accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat thoroughly from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version that doesn’t compromise flavor intensity.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives that maintain protein content.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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