These cozy bowls of Crock Pot Hamburger Soup simmer with lean beef, chunky potatoes, and garden-fresh vegetables in a rich broth that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. With 36g of protein per serving and a prep time under 20 minutes, it’s one of the best hamburger soup recipes for weeknight dinners or chilly Sundays.
My kids call this the “cozy cowboy soup.” It was born out of a fridge clean-out years ago, and now it’s on rotation every winter. Hearty, satisfying, and packed with veggies , it’s our go-to slow cooker soup recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs (Slow Cooker), 35 mins (Stovetop)
Total Time: 5 hrs 15 mins (Crockpot) or 50 mins (Stovetop)
Gather Your Goodness: What You’ll Need
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs 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 chopped
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp no-salt added Italian seasoning
- 3 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 quart chicken stock or beef broth
- 1 cup water
Betty’s Step-by-Step: Crockpot & Stovetop Versions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet over medium. Cook onion 3–4 mins.
- Add ground beef + 1 tsp salt. Brown until no longer pink. Drain.
- Add beef & onion to slow cooker with all remaining ingredients.
- Stir well, cover, and cook: high 4–5 hrs or low 7–8 hrs.
- Uncover, add a splash of red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust.
Stovetop Instructions
- Heat oil in large Dutch oven. Cook onion 3–4 mins.
- Add beef + 1 tsp salt. Brown and drain excess fat.
- Add carrots, celery, peppers, potatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, 2 tsp salt, pepper. Cook 2–3 mins.
- Stir in tomato paste. Cook 1 min.
- Add broth and water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer covered 30–35 mins, until veggies are tender.
- Add red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Real-Life Flavor Tips
- Make it spicy: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with seasonings.
- Boost flavor: Finish with a splash of Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar.
- Make it cheesy: Top bowls with shredded cheddar or Parmesan.
What’s Inside? (Per Serving)
- Calories: 415
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g (4g sat fat)
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 784mg
- Vitamin A: 9228 IU
- Vitamin C: 89mg
Flavor Variations We Love
- Serve with crusty sourdough or grilled cheese for dipping.
- Ladle over cooked rice or egg noodles for extra comfort.
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes.
Storing the Cozy
- Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days in sealed container.
- Freezer: Cool completely. Portion in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Batch Tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for later!
Oops! Here’s What I Learned
One time I added raw potatoes to the crockpot without cutting them small enough , total mashy mess. Now I always aim for 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly and hold shape. Also, don’t skip browning the beef , it adds so much depth!
Your Questions Answered
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, just add a touch more salt and a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for richness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Try lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth.
Can I prep it ahead?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and chop the veggies the night before.
Share Your Soup!
If you try this hamburger soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Tag @FlavorsByBetty or pin it to your “Crockpot Comforts” board. Happy simmering!