So yesterday, after a full day running errands and managing Alex’s soccer schedule, I realized it was time for dinner. You know those moments when you want something homemade, but you’re not quite up for a kitchen marathon? That’s exactly when Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup comes to my rescue. It's been a hit in our household. Alex calls it “that hearty soup” and Sarah, surprisingly, loves the carrots in it—an absolute win in my book.
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When life gets busy, this soup is like a warm hug waiting at the end of the day. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner when you need something easy yet satisfying. Plus, the kids love helping with this recipe because it’s basically foolproof. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
You might also like checking out our Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost, perfect for busy school mornings!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Hamburger Soup is all about simplicity and flavor. With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, it’s ideal for families like ours who juggle busy schedules. The soup is hearty, nutritious, and truly a comfort dish. It’s full of real ingredients that you'll love serving up for dinner. Plus, clean-up is a breeze—only one pot gets dirty!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese for serving
Step-by-step instructions
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and minced garlic until the beef is lightly browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, sea salt, and pepper into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Introduce the diced carrots, bell pepper, and the cooked ground beef mixture into the slow cooker; give it one good stir.
Cook the soup on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Add the elbow macaroni during the last hour of cooking (1 hour on low or less if on high).
Once the macaroni is cooked to your satisfaction, taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as desired.
Serve it warm, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Recipe tips & variations
One thing I’ve figured out is that browning the beef adds a deeper flavor profile. If you’re out of ground beef, you can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Also, trying different veggies based on what’s in your fridge is a fun way to change things up. Sometimes I add frozen corn or peas for an extra splash of color and nutrients.
Storage & reheating
Leftover soup? No problem! This Hamburger Soup stores beautifully. Simply put it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or warm it on the stove. The flavors get even better, trust me.
FAQs
Can Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup be made with different types of ground meat?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your preferences or dietary needs. They all blend beautifully into this soup.
When should the pasta be added to Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup for the best texture?
I recommend adding the pasta for the last hour of cooking if you’re cooking on low. If you’re using high heat, it cooks faster, so just keep an eye on it!
What vegetables can be substituted or added to Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup?
Feel free to add peas, corn, or even diced zucchini for extra veggies. You can really make it your own.
Can Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup be frozen and reheated later?
Yes, it freezes very well! Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stove.
Recipes you may like
For more dinner ideas, check out Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies and Pineapple Green Smoothie for a refreshing, healthy boost.
Print
Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty, comforting Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup that's easy to make and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and minced garlic until the beef is lightly browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, sea salt, and pepper into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Introduce the diced carrots, bell pepper, and the cooked ground beef mixture into the slow cooker; give it one good stir.
- Cook the soup on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Add the elbow macaroni during the last hour of cooking (1 hour on low or less if on high).
- Once the macaroni is cooked to your satisfaction, taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as desired.
- Serve it warm, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Notes
- Browning the beef adds a deeper flavor profile.
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add frozen corn or peas for an extra splash of color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
