There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty soup simmering away in the kitchen, and this Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of sizzling onions and garlic fills your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. I discovered this recipe on one busy evening when I desperately craved a meal that would nourish both body and spirit without keeping me chained to the stove.
This soup stands out for its ease of preparation and the depth of flavor it delivers. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying dish that blends tender ground beef with a delightful mix of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, tomato-based broth. Best of all, it’s family-friendly, making it the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights. So grab your crockpot and let’s dive into a comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a mug!
Why is Crockpot Ground Beef Soup a must-try?
Simplicity in Preparation: This recipe is incredibly easy to put together, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Rich, Hearty Flavor: The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings creates a savory experience that warms you from the inside out.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, encouraging them to enjoy wholesome ingredients without complaint.
Time-Saving Convenience: With minimal hands-on time and the magic of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it—just let it simmer while you go about your day.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making each bowl ever so slightly different depending on your pantry! If you want more delicious options, check out other hearty recipes in our collection like Hearty Vegetable Stew.
Crowd-Pleasing Winner: This soup is a guaranteed hit at dinner parties or family gatherings—everyone leaves happy and satisfied!
Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Ingredients
For the Base
• Olive Oil – Adds richness and aids in sautéing. Use any cooking oil if preferred.
• Onion – Provides a sweet base after cooking down. Shallots or leeks can be substituted for a different flavor.
• Ground Beef – Main protein source, recommended 80/20 or 85/15 for flavor and texture. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version.
• Garlic – Enhances depth of flavor and aroma. Use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is preferable.
For the Vegetables
• Potatoes – Adds heartiness and serves as a filler. Substitute with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
• Carrots – Provide sweetness and color. Parsnips or bell peppers can be used instead.
• Celery – Adds crunch and enhances soup flavor. Omit for low-sodium options or if not preferred.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Introduces a smoky richness to the soup. Regular diced tomatoes can substitute, but omit extra seasoning.
• Corn – Adds a sweet crunch and color. Substitute with frozen peas or green beans.
• Peas – Contributes texture and sweetness. Omit for a simpler vegetable blend.
For the Broth & Seasoning
• Tomato Sauce – Helps to thicken the soup and deepen its flavor. Use low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
• Beef Broth – Provides the soup’s base flavor. Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian version.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and depth. Soy sauce can be used for a similar flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances overall flavor. Homemade mixes can be used.
• Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Smoked Paprika, Bay Leaves – Seasoning essentials for enhanced taste. Adjust based on personal preference and heat tolerance.
• Tomato Paste – Thickens the broth and increases the tomato flavor intensity. Optional canned pumpkin or pureed beans can replace for thickness.
This hearty Crockpot Ground Beef Soup is just waiting to warm your heart and home, so gather these ingredients and let’s get started!
How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened, then toss in the ground beef. Cook until browned, around 8-10 minutes, and drain any excess grease.
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Prep Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots and celery. This step ensures smooth assembly when combining all the ingredients.
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Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, layer the prepped potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to combine well.
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Combine Beef: Add the browned beef and onions to the crockpot. Mix thoroughly with the vegetables, ensuring everything is well distributed.
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Cook: Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-5 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
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Finish Soup: About 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the tomato paste, corn, and peas. Cook uncovered to heat through and thicken the soup slightly.
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Serve: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before ladling into bowls. Serve warm and enjoy every hearty spoonful!
Optional: Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Always let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened during storage.
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare this hearty Crockpot Ground Beef Soup in advance. It’s perfect for meals when you’ve got a busy schedule!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
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Keep It Lean: Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy soup. This ensures a hearty, flavorful dish without unwanted greasiness.
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Season with Care: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and spices to match your family’s preferences for a personalized touch in every bowl.
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Vegetable Choices: Avoid soggy veggies by ensuring they’re cut evenly and not overcooked. Use the timing wisely for added fresh ingredients like corn and peas.
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Slow and Steady: For maximum flavor, cook on low; high heat can lead to mushy vegetables. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Customize Your Broth: Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option, maintaining delicious depth in your Crockpot Ground Beef Soup.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting bowl whenever your soul needs it!
Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting soup! Your taste buds will thank you.
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Lean Turkey: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey to create a lighter version that still satisfies. It offers a lovely flavor without the extra fat.
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Seasonal Veggies: Switch the carrots and celery with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh twist. Your soup will reflect the bounty of each season!
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Pasta Addition: Stir in cooked pasta toward the last 30 minutes of cooking for an even heartier meal. Who doesn’t love a satisfying scoop of noodles in their soup?
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you crave some heat. Bring on the warmth that will awaken your senses.
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Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese right before serving for extra creaminess. It makes each bowl a luxurious treat!
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Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or fresh basil added in the last few minutes of cooking for a fragrant boost. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen!
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Sweet Potato Swap: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutritious alternative. They add a delightful creaminess as they cook down.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of broth for a rich, dairy-free version that adds an exotic twist to this classic soup. Each bite will be a taste adventure!
What to Serve with Crockpot Ground Beef Soup?
Imagine a cozy gathering where bowls of warm, savory soup welcome everyone to the table—and the perfect pairings elevate your meal even further.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, the rustic texture of a good crusty bread enhances the soup’s heartiness with each delightful bite.
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Simple Green Salad: A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to balance the hearty flavors of the soup.
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Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft and buttery, these rolls soak up the soup beautifully and make every meal feel like a warm hug.
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Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top melts to add a deliciously creamy contrast to the rich broth.
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Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream is the perfect way to finish your bowl, giving it a rich and creamy touch.
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Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a burst of flavor and color that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s savory richness.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp delivers a sweet finish that rounds off the meal nicely, contrasting against the bowl of soup.
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Hot Apple Cider: This warm drink accentuates the cozy atmosphere while making the experience more comforting, especially on chilly evenings.
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Blackberry Cobbler: A fruit cobbler brings a lovely balance of sweetness, your taste buds transitioning from savory to sweet in a delightful way.
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Ground Beef Soup ingredients are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time on busy nights! You can chop your vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and celery) and store them in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Additionally, you can brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, letting them cool before refrigerating for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, ensure everything is stored in airtight containers, which will help retain freshness and flavor. When ready to cook, simply combine the prepped ingredients into the crockpot, add the remaining items, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-5 hours—creating a delicious, hearty meal just as comforting and flavorful as if made fresh!
Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
I recommend using ground beef that is 80/20 or 85/15, as it provides a good balance of flavor and texture. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well!
How should I store Crockpot Ground Beef Soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. I often enjoy leftovers, so this storage tip comes in handy!
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or microwave. If it thickens during storage, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What if my soup is too thick?
If you notice that your soup has thickened more than you like, simply stir in a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. This is an easy fix, and it keeps the flavors intact!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can swap the beef broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Also, check for any allergies related to specific vegetables or seasonings in the recipe!
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while it cooks for an aromatic touch. Don’t forget to taste the soup before serving to adjust the seasonings—this allows it to be perfectly suited to your family’s preferences!
Hearty Crockpot Ground Beef Soup for Cozy Family Nights
Equipment
- crockpot
- - Skillet
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Use any cooking oil if preferred.
- 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can be substituted for a different flavor.
- 1 pound Ground Beef Recommended 80/20 or 85/15 for flavor and texture.
- 2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is preferable.
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups Potatoes Substitute with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
- 2 medium Carrots Parsnips or bell peppers can be used instead.
- 2 stalks Celery Omit for low-sodium options or if not preferred.
- 1 can Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Regular diced tomatoes can substitute, but omit extra seasoning.
- 1 cup Corn Substitute with frozen peas or green beans.
- 1 cup Peas Omit for a simpler vegetable blend.
For the Broth & Seasoning
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce Use low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
- 4 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be used for a similar flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Homemade mixes can be used.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Optional canned pumpkin or pureed beans can replace for thickness.
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened, then toss in the ground beef. Cook until browned, around 8-10 minutes, and drain any excess grease.
- While the beef is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots and celery.
- In your crockpot, layer the prepped potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to combine well.
- Add the browned beef and onions to the crockpot. Mix thoroughly with the vegetables, ensuring everything is well distributed.
- Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-5 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- About 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the tomato paste, corn, and peas. Cook uncovered to heat through and thicken the soup slightly.
- Remove the bay leaves before ladling into bowls. Serve warm and enjoy every hearty spoonful!