If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s also packed with nutrients, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe is my go-to for those busy days when you want a wholesome meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, lean ground beef, and cozy seasonings that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a regular on your meal plan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Convenience: You prep it once, then let your crock pot do all the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fresh veggies and lean beef, it’s a filling, healthy soup that satisfies without stuffing you.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The seasonings and ingredients are mild yet rich, making it a big hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, saving you time during busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe works harmoniously to build flavor and nourish. I always suggest going for fresh vegetables when possible and lean ground beef to keep it healthy but tasty.
- Lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps this soup healthy without sacrificing that meaty richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—diced finely so it melds perfectly with the beef.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, mild bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Garlic cloves: Lots of garlic infuses warmth and amazing aroma.
- Sweet potato: Offers a subtle sweetness and creamy texture once cooked down.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Great for that comforting starchiness everyone loves in soup.
- Carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch when cooked just right.
- Celery: Classic soup veggie that provides a subtle aromatic backbone.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These bring smoky depth and a slight tang that’s so inviting.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for richer, thicker broth.
- Low-sodium beef broth (or bone broth): I prefer bone broth for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs ties everything together.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Fresh green beans: Added near the end to keep their bite and vibrant color.
- Kale (optional): A nutrient powerhouse that I love tossing in for extra greens.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to mix it up and make it your own.
- Swap ground turkey or chicken: I once made this with ground turkey for an even leaner version, and my family couldn’t tell the difference!
- Kick up the heat: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for a spicy twist that wakes up the flavors.
- Dairy-free option: This soup is naturally dairy-free, but if you want creaminess, swirl in some coconut milk right before serving.
- More greens: Toss in spinach or swiss chard instead of kale for a different nutritional profile and flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef and aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies soften just a bit—this usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where you build the base flavor. Then, drain off any excess fat before transferring the mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the hearty vegetables and liquids
Into the slow cooker with the beef mixture, add your sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beef broth. I like to give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly. This blend of veggies brings such a great mix of textures and flavors—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Step 3: Slow cook low and slow
Put the lid on and set your crock pot to low for 8 to 9 hours, or high for about 5 to 6 hours if you’re short on time. I usually go low and slow for the deepest flavor and best texture, especially on a chilly day.
Step 4: Add greens and green beans later
With about an hour left to cook, open the lid and stir in your green beans and kale if you’re using it. This timing keeps them vibrant and just tender instead of mushy. If you find the soup a bit thick at this point, adding a splash more broth will loosen it up nicely. If you’re using frozen green beans, wait until 30 minutes before the end to add them so they don’t overcook.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings
Once the cooking time is up, give it a good stir and taste. Don’t be shy to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to balance it all out. This last tweak really makes a difference and is totally worth it for the perfect bowl.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Drain the Beef Well: I learned the hard way that draining the beef mixture prevents greasy soup and keeps the broth nice and clean.
- Layer Your Ingredients: Placing denser veggies like potatoes on the bottom helps them cook evenly in the crock pot.
- Hold Off on Greens: Adding kale and green beans at the last hour keeps them fresh, vibrant, and full of texture instead of soggy.
- Use Bone Broth: I switched to bone broth for the liquid and noticed a richer flavor and fuller body in the soup—total game changer.
How to Serve Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little shredded Parmesan. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the smoky tomatoes. Fresh cracked black pepper finishes it off perfectly.
Side Dishes
Crusty whole grain bread or garlic breadsticks are my favorites to serve alongside this soup—you can never go wrong with something to dunk! For a lighter option, a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s fun and feels special without extra fuss. Or, ladle it into individual rustic mugs for a cozy, grab-and-go lunch presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup goes straight into an airtight container and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve flavors and texture. It’s an easy go-to lunch the next day and actually tastes even better as the flavors meld.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Just be mindful that potatoes can change texture slightly after freezing, but overall it’s just as comforting.
Reheating
I like to reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. Stir gently to keep the veggies intact and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too—just make sure to cover the bowl and stir halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I make this Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can sauté the beef and veggies directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté setting, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to add the green beans and kale after cooking and let them soften on the sauté setting for a few minutes before serving.
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Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check the labels on your canned tomatoes and tomato paste. It’s a safe and hearty option for those avoiding gluten.
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Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
For most veggies, fresh is ideal in this soup for texture and flavor, but frozen green beans can be added toward the end of cooking. I don’t recommend using all frozen veggies here because they can become mushy after hours in the crock pot.
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How do I make the soup less thick if it’s too hearty?
Just stir in extra beef broth or water toward the last hour of cooking. Add a little at a time until you reach the consistency you love. Sometimes thicker soup is comforting, but it’s nice to customize it based on your mood.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe has been such a staple in my kitchen—especially when life gets hectic. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent but is truly nourishing, and I love that I can walk away and come back to a house filled with wonderful smells. I really hope you give it a try because there’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of this soup on a chilly evening. It’s like a warm hug you can eat—and who doesn’t want that? Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crock Pot Healthy Hamburger Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal, packed with lean ground beef, a variety of fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, green beans, kale, and fire-roasted tomatoes for a hearty, wholesome soup ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (~2 cups)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (~1 cup)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 oz. (1 large) sweet potato, peeled and cubed (~2 cups)
- 10 oz. (2-3) Yukon gold potatoes, cubed (~2 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (~1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, diced (~1 cup)
- 8 oz fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (can also use frozen green beans)
- 2 cups chopped and packed kale, tough stems removed (optional)
Pantry and Seasonings
- 2 (14-oz.) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
- 1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium beef broth + additional if needed (bone broth recommended)
- 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally until the ground beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the vegetables are softened. Drain the excess fat from the mixture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Remaining Ingredients: Place the cooked ground beef mixture into a large slow cooker. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, diced carrots, diced celery, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 9 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Green Beans and Kale: Approximately 1 hour before the end of cooking, open the slow cooker and stir in the green beans and kale. If you prefer your soup to be less thick, add extra beef broth or bone broth at this time. Cover and continue cooking until the green beans are tender. If using frozen green beans, add them in 30 minutes before cooking ends instead of an hour.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, healthy hamburger soup.
Notes
- Using bone broth instead of regular beef broth enhances the nutritional content and flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra broth when you add the green beans and kale.
- Adjust the cooking time if using frozen green beans by adding them later for optimal texture.
- Kale is optional but adds extra nutrients and a pleasant leafy texture.
- This soup stores well and flavors often improve after a day or two in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
