This isn't your grandma's hamburger soup (unless your grandma was a culinary genius!). This recipe elevates the classic comfort food, delivering a rich, flavorful, and incredibly tender hamburger soup perfect for a chilly evening. Made entirely in your slow cooker, it's unbelievably easy and requires minimal hands-on time. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Crockpot Hamburger Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor through simple techniques. We're not just throwing ingredients into a pot; we're building layers of taste that will leave you wanting more. Browned ground beef adds depth, while slow cooking ensures the vegetables become incredibly tender and the flavors meld beautifully. The result? A hearty, satisfying soup that's far superior to anything you'll find in a can.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. This crucial step adds depth of flavor you won't get by skipping it.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine in the crockpot: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh chopped green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
Here are some common questions about crockpot hamburger soup, answered to ensure you have the best experience possible:
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are classic in hamburger soup, you can easily substitute with other beans like pinto beans, black beans, or even Great Northern beans. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the slow cooker.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can easily thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you could mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starches.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This crockpot hamburger soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?
An 80/20 blend of ground beef is ideal, as it provides a good balance of leanness and fat. The fat renders during cooking, adding flavor and richness to the soup. However, you can use a leaner ground beef if preferred, but the soup may be slightly less rich.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them along with the onions, carrots, and celery. Keep in mind that some vegetables, like potatoes, will cook faster than others, so you may want to add them during the last hour or two of cooking.
Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Hamburger Soup!
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your preferences. Experiment with different vegetables, beans, and seasonings to create your own unique and delicious version. The key is to enjoy the process and the comforting warmth of a perfectly cooked bowl of hamburger soup on a cold day. Happy cooking!
