Crock Pot Hamburger Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a wholesome meal with minimal effort. Packed with lean ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy-to-make soup is a winner every time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes, not drained
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions:
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to your crock pot.
- Add Ingredients: To the crock pot with the cooked ground beef, add diced onion, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in Beef Broth: Pour the beef broth over the other ingredients in the crock pot and give it a gentle stir to incorporate everything evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Once the soup is cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for extra spice.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix to your liking. You can add fresh vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers if you prefer.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can use a combination of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly before adding it to the crock pot.
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? A: Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen ones. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh vegetables may cook faster than frozen.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this soup keto-friendly, omit the tomato sauce and use a low-carb alternative such as crushed tomatoes or tomato paste. You can also reduce the amount of onions or skip them altogether to further reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb option, simply reduce the amount of tomato sauce used in the recipe. You can also add more low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach to bulk up the soup without adding extra carbs.
Crock Pot Hamburger Soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method, it’s a breeze to make and delivers a delicious meal every time. Whether you’re following a keto diet, watching your carb intake, or simply looking for a hearty soup to warm you up, this recipe fits the bill. So grab your crock pot and give this flavorful soup a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
