When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, Hamburger Vegetable Soup is the perfect answer. This easy-to-make recipe, made right in your slow cooker, is not only comforting and delicious but also incredibly simple. With its savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is the ultimate cozy meal for a quiet evening or a small family gathering. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it an affordable and hassle-free option for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This slow cooker hamburger vegetable soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare with minimal effort. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The rich, beefy broth pairs perfectly with the vegetables, and the slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together into a deliciously savory soup.
Whether you’re cooking for just yourself, a partner, or a small family, this recipe is perfectly portioned for one or two servings. And because it’s cooked in the slow cooker, it’s the kind of meal that requires little attention while it’s cooking, leaving you free to go about your day.
The Perfect Ingredients for a Hearty Soup
To make this Hamburger Vegetable Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — these ingredients come together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
Ground beef is the foundation of this soup, providing a rich, meaty flavor. It’s important to use fresh ground beef for the best taste and texture. You can choose lean beef or regular, depending on your preference. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can drain the fat after browning the beef. - 1 cup beef broth (substitute with tomato sauce or juice for a twist)
The beef broth adds depth to the soup and helps create a savory base. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor, feel free to use tomato juice or tomato sauce in place of the broth. This can give the soup a tangier, richer flavor, perfect if you prefer a tomato-based soup. - 4 oz frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
Frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are a convenient way to pack in some extra nutrients. They hold up well in the slow cooker and provide a nice texture and sweetness to balance the savory beef broth. - 1/4 small onion, diced
Onion is a must for creating flavor in the base of any soup. It adds a mild sweetness when cooked and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. - 1 clove garlic, minced
Garlic provides an aromatic, savory note that rounds out the flavors of the soup. - 1 cup diced tomatoes
The tomatoes add a slight acidity to the soup, balancing the richness of the beef and broth. They also contribute to the overall heartiness of the soup. - 1 peeled and chopped potato
The potato adds a nice, starchy texture to the soup, making it more filling. It also helps thicken the broth slightly as it cooks.
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the soup and brings everything together. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. - 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a warm, herby depth to the soup, making it taste even more comforting. - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
This sauce adds a rich, umami flavor, giving the soup a savory edge and a slight tang.
How to Make the Soup: Simple Steps for a Delicious Meal
Making this Hamburger Vegetable Soup is incredibly easy. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can simply set it and forget it while the flavors meld together over several hours. Here’s how to make this delicious soup:
- Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. You can sprinkle some seasoned salt along with a bit of onion powder and garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the beef as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain the fat if desired, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker. - Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the onion and garlic, and dice the potato into small chunks. This ensures that the potatoes cook through evenly and don’t take too long to become tender. - Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
To the slow cooker, add the browned beef, beef broth, thawed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and the chopped potato. Then, season with the salt, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to combine. - Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours, or high for about 3 hours. You’ll know the soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Don’t worry too much about exact timing, as this soup is forgiving — the longer it cooks, the better it will taste! - Optional Step for Crisper Vegetables
If you prefer your vegetables to stay a little crisper, add the mixed vegetables during the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll be heated through but won’t become mushy from extended cooking. - Serve and Enjoy!
Once your soup is done cooking, it’s time to serve. Spoon the soup into bowls and enjoy it with some fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread for dipping. This hearty soup is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s even better the next day as leftovers!
Make It Your Own: Variations and Tips
While this Hamburger Vegetable Soup is perfect just as it is, you can make small tweaks to suit your preferences:
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add More Vegetables: If you love vegetables, feel free to add more! Potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, or even green beans would all be delicious additions to the soup.
- Try Different Broths: Experiment with using chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter soup. You could also make your own homemade broth for an extra depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the soup with a side salad, a slice of garlic bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts: A Hearty Meal That Warms Your Soul
This Baby Slow Cooker Hamburger Vegetable Soup is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, blending the flavors into a savory, satisfying soup that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it stores well and makes for excellent leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy!