Okay, picture this: It’s a crazy weeknight, everyone’s starving, and the thought of cooking… ugh! That’s when my slow cooker becomes my absolute best friend. And you know what my go-to recipe is? This amazing Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup! Seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food, like a warm hug in a bowl.
My grandma used to make a version of this on the stovetop, stirring it for hours. But trust me, the slow cooker makes it SO much easier. You just dump everything in, set it, and forget it. Plus, it fills the whole house with this incredible, savory smell that makes everyone’s mouth water. Even my pickiest eaters gobble it up! It’s honestly the perfect way to get a ton of veggies into them without any complaints. This recipe is a game-changer, especially when you need a hearty, delicious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
- Super Easy to Make
- Packed with Flavor
- Healthy and Veggie-Loaded
- The Ultimate Weeknight Convenience
Benefits of This Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Super Easy to Make: Seriously, I’m not kidding! There’s minimal prep work involved. You basically chop some veggies, brown the beef (which you can even skip if you’re *really* short on time!), and toss everything into the slow cooker. Then, you just let it do its thing. How easy is that?!
Packed with Flavor: This isn’t your bland, boring soup, folks. The combination of the browned ground beef, savory broth, and all those delicious veggies creates a symphony of flavors. Plus, that little splash of red wine vinegar at the end? Total game-changer! It brightens everything up and adds a subtle tang that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Healthy and Veggie-Loaded: We’re talking carrots, celery, bell peppers, potatoes… This soup is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies, especially if you have picky eaters. And because it’s made with lean ground beef and a good amount of broth, it’s a relatively healthy and satisfying meal.
The Ultimate Weeknight Convenience: Ah, this is my favorite part! You can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning before you head out for the day, and come home to a warm, comforting, ready-to-eat meal. No more stressing about what to make for dinner after a long day. It’s pure magic!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup. Don’t worry if you’re missing something, it’s super flexible!
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef – you can skip this if you’re in a RUSH!)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal (I just think it looks prettier that way!)
- 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 (like Yukon Golds or something similar)
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning (trust me on this, we’re adding salt later!)
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 quart chicken stock, or beef broth (either works great!)
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar (this is key for that little zing!)
How to Make Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated; it’s seriously easy-peasy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup in no time!
- First, grab a skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in your diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts to soften and turn translucent.
- Now, add your ground beef! Sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and cook it until it’s browned all over and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
- Alright, time to get that slow cooker going! Add the cooked onion and ground beef to your 6-quart slow cooker. Then, toss in the celery, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt, and the black pepper. Pour in the chicken stock (or beef broth) and water. Give it all a good stir until everything’s nicely combined.
- Now comes the hard part… waiting! Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and cooked through. Mmm, the smell is gonna be amazing!
- Once the veggies are soft, uncover the slow cooker and stir in the red wine vinegar. This is my secret weapon for adding that bright, tangy flavor! Give it a taste and add any additional salt, vinegar, or pepper to your liking. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust it to make it perfect for YOU!
- And that’s it! Serve it up with your favorite toppings and enjoy your amazing Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Want to take your Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, they make a difference!
- Don’t skip browning the beef! I know it’s tempting to just toss everything in raw, but browning the beef first adds SO much flavor. That little bit of caramelization makes a huge difference.
- Chop your veggies uniformly. This helps them cook evenly. Nobody wants mushy carrots and crunchy potatoes!
- Add the red wine vinegar at the VERY end. It brightens up the flavors and keeps the soup from tasting dull.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices. That’s how you make it your own!
Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup – awesome! But wanna mix it up a bit? This recipe is seriously begging for you to get creative! Here are some fun variations I’ve tried (and loved!):
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey or even Italian sausage would be delish!
- Veggie power: Add some green beans or corn for extra goodness. Zucchini works great too!
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add some serious kick.
- Herb heaven: Throw in some fresh parsley or thyme for a more complex flavor.
Seriously, don’t be shy! Experiment and see what you like best. That’s the best part of cooking, right?
Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Alright, your Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup is ready! But what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Crusty bread for dunking (duh!)
- A simple side salad to balance out the richness
- Toppings galore! Think shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions… the works!
Basically, anything goes! Just have fun with it and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Got questions about this yummy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me, so hopefully this helps you out!
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Can I make this Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup on the stovetop?
Yep, you definitely can! Just brown the beef and onions in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick!
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
No worries! If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. They’ll all add that little bit of tang that this Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup needs.
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Okay, so you’re curious about the nutritional info? Awesome! Just a heads-up: these values are estimates. They can change depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so don’t take ’em as gospel!
Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup!
Alright, that’s all there is to it! I really hope you love this Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup as much as my family does. If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on Instagram and tag me! While you’re at it, check out my other soup recipes – I think you’ll find something you love!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup in Under 5
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Simple and hearty, slow cooker hamburger soup is loaded with vegetables and ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 5 large carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal
- 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
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 quart chicken stock, or beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- To a 6-quart slow cooker, add the cooked onion and ground beef, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, chicken stock, and water, stirring until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through. Uncover and add the red wine vinegar, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt, vinegar or pepper to taste. Serve with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- This soup is intentionally not spicy. For more of a kick, add more black pepper or red pepper flakes along with the salt.
- Optional serving suggestions: chopped green onion, chopped parsley, grated cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
