Hearty Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup Recipe

Need a filling, healthy meal that’s versatile and can be made in just a few simple steps? This Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup combines lean ground beef, plenty of vegetables, and a flavorful broth into a comforting dish the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand—let it simmer in the slow cooker and dinner will take care of itself.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

This is one of my go-to family recipes because it’s straightforward, forgiving, and adaptable. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can serve a satisfying dinner with little active time. It’s great for weeknights and meal prep alike.

Why this soup works so well:

• Minimal steps and little advance planning—brown the meat and dump everything into the slow cooker.
• Loads of vegetables make it a nutritious one-pot meal.
• Highly adaptable: make it low-fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower-carb depending on your ingredients and swaps.
• Budget-friendly—stretch inexpensive ingredients into a hearty, filling soup.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound lean ground beef – brown and drain any excess grease.
• 1 small onion – diced for flavor.
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables – a convenient, colorful addition that adds texture and nutrition.
• 1 1/2 cups frozen cubed sweet potatoes – cook well in the slow cooker and add a touch of natural sweetness and heartiness.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes – adds acidity to balance the beef.
• 2 teaspoons Italian-style seasoning or dressing mix – a blend of herbs and spices that brings savory depth.
• 2 cups chicken broth – use your preferred variety; bone broth is a good option for extra protein and flavor.

How To Make Easy Hamburger Soup In The Slow Cooker

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker along with the diced onion, frozen mixed vegetables, frozen cubed sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and vegetables are heated through.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

This soup is an excellent base for substitutions—swap proteins, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your pantry and preferences.

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Swap the mixed veggies for any frozen vegetables you prefer—green beans, peas, corn, and carrots work especially well.
• Use diced fresh sweet potatoes or regular potatoes if you don’t have frozen cubes; dice into 1-inch pieces and add at the same stage.
• For a smoky twist, try fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
• Replace the Italian seasoning with burger seasoning, steak seasoning, or a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
• To stretch the soup, stir in precooked rice or cook some small pasta separately and add to bowls when serving.

What To Serve With Hamburger Soup

Pair a bowl of this hamburger soup with garlic bread, warm cornbread, or crusty rolls. A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or cheddar works nicely on top, and a simple green salad completes the meal.

Storing and Reheating

This soup freezes and reheats very well, making it ideal for meal prep. To prep freezer meals, cook and cool the ground beef, then combine the meat and other dry/frozen ingredients (omit the broth) in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, defrost and add the contents to the slow cooker with the broth.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze single portions for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup FAQs

• Can you use frozen vegetables for hamburger soup? Yes. Frozen vegetables are convenient and cook well in the slow cooker, which is the design intent of this recipe.
• Can you put raw hamburger in the slow cooker? While some recipes allow raw ground meat in the slow cooker, browning the meat first for this soup improves flavor and lets you drain excess fat.
• Can this recipe be made into a stew? Yes. To thicken, add 4–6 ounces of tomato paste or stir in a cornstarch slurry until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
• Can hamburger soup be made on the stovetop? Absolutely. Brown the meat with onion, then add all ingredients to a large pot, bring to a gentle boil, and simmer until potatoes are tender.

More Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

• Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
• Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
• Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Creamy Meatball Soup in the Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup