As the crisp autumn leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of a hearty soup simmering away in my crockpot. After a long and busy day, the soothing aroma of my Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup wafts through my home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With its robust blend of protein-rich ground beef and colorful, nutrient-packed vegetables, this easy-to-make dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul.
What I love most about this recipe is how minimal the hands-on time is—just a bit of browning, chopping, and stirring, and then it’s all about letting the slow cooker work its magic. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or trying to get the family excited about dinner, this soup never fails to impress. So, grab your favorite bread for dipping, and let’s dive into this delicious and satisfying comfort food that promises to be a staple at your table, too!
Why is Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup a Must-Try?
Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for busy cooks.
Hearty Nutrition: Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a wholesome option for any meal.
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and smoky tomatoes creates a deliciously rich taste that warms the soul.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week; it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, everyone will leave the table satisfied.
With tips for substitutions and variations, this Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup ensures you have a go-to recipe that adapts to your tastes!
Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Ingredients
For the Base
• Olive Oil – Used for browning meat; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
• Onion – Adds flavor and sweetness; can substitute with shallots.
• Ground Beef (2 lb) – Provides protein and richness; opt for 85/15 for a leaner option or mix with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Garlic (5 cloves) – Enhances taste with aromatic notes; freshly minced is best; can use garlic powder in a pinch.
• Beef Broth (4 cups) – Base liquid for soup; vegetable broth for a lighter option.For the Vegetables
• Potatoes (4 cups) – Provides body and texture; Yukon Gold or Russets work well; sweet potatoes can be substituted for a different flavor.
• Carrots (4) – Adds sweetness and color; can use parsnips for variation.
• Celery (3 stalks) – Adds crunch and depth of flavor; can be omitted if desired.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (45 oz) – Brings smoky flavor; regular diced tomatoes are a substitute.
• Corn (1 cup) & Peas (1 cup) – Provide sweetness and texture; can use frozen vegetables.For the Seasoning
• Worcestershire Sauce (1.5 tsp) – Adds umami; soy sauce can be used as an alternative.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp) – Cooks herbs and spices into the soup; use individual herbs (oregano, basil) if not available.
• Onion Powder (1/2 tsp) – Enhances flavor; leave out if using fresh onion.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) & Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp) – Adds heat; substitute with black pepper for less spiciness.
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp) – Contributes a smoky depth; regular paprika is a substitute.
• Bay Leaves (2) – Adds aromatic notes; remove before serving.For Thickness and Flavor
• Tomato Sauce (1 cup) – Thickens broth and adds sweetness; tomato puree is an alternative.
• Tomato Paste (6 oz) – Thickens broth and enhances flavor; can skip if unavailable.
With these ingredients, your Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup will be a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights in!
How to Make Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until well-browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease to keep the soup light.
Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop potatoes, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and meld perfectly into the soup.
Transfer & Mix: Add all prepped vegetables to the crockpot, along with the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Incorporate the Meat: Pour the browned beef along with any juices from the skillet into the crockpot. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors and ensure even cooking.
Cook: Cover and set the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-5 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender. The longer, the better for flavor development!
Finish the Soup: About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the tomato paste. Add corn and peas, cooking uncovered until heated through. Remember to remove the bay leaves before ladling the soup into bowls.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy your Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Make Ahead Options
These meal prep-friendly Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup ingredients are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can brown the ground beef and sauté the onions up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, chop your vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and celery) the day before, placing them in an airtight container to keep them crisp. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply combine all the prepped ingredients in the crockpot, add your remaining liquids and seasonings, and cook as directed. This make-ahead strategy not only saves you valuable time but ensures you have a comforting, hearty meal waiting for you after a long day!
Expert Tips for Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup
Browning Technique: Brown the beef in batches instead of all at once to develop a deeper flavor, avoiding steaming the meat.
Tomato Timing: Stir in the tomato paste just before serving to prevent it from thickening too much during cooking.
Fat Drain: Always drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep your soup light and prevent it from becoming greasy.
Even Cooking: Cut vegetables into uniform size for even cooking; smaller pieces will soften more, blending seamlessly into your Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup.
Spice Adjustments: Adjust red pepper flakes and other spices according to your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal without too much heat.
What to Serve with Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup?
A cozy bowl of hearty soup deserves delightful companions to elevate your meal experience.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth, a warm baguette or artisan loaf adds texture and comfort.
Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the meal, balancing the soup’s savory flavors beautifully.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Indulgent and flavorful, this option provides a warm crunch, enhancing every spoonful of soup you enjoy.
Roasted Vegetables: Tender, caramelized veggies offer a wonderful contrast in texture while complementing the robust flavors of the soup.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and hearty, this classic side pairs perfectly, turning your soup into a satisfying dinner plate.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist, cornbread adds an inviting warmth and subtle sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the savory soup.
Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Variations
Feel free to make this comforting soup your own with delightful adjustments that tantalize the taste buds!
Lean Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier soup full of flavor.
Vegetable Medley: Change up the veggies! Add zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and crunch in every spoonful.
Sweet Potato Twist: Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes to bring a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the soup. Stir in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Creamy Finish: For a richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream when serving—heavenly!
Heat Lover’s Delight: If you’re craving heat, increase red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños during cooking for a spicy kick.
Bean Delight: Incorporate kidney or black beans for additional protein and fiber, making the soup even heartier.
Cheesy Topping: Serve with shredded cheese on top for a melty, indulgent twist that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.
Explore these variations to create your perfect bowl of Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup!
Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ground beef for this soup?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using ground beef that is 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This gives you enough richness without excessive grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could also mix in ground turkey.
How should I store leftover Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup?
Very simple! Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup?
Definitely! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I do if my soup turns out too thick?
No need to worry! If your soup is too thick, just add a splash of beef broth or water during reheating until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well to mix.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If there are any allergies at the table, keep an eye on ingredients like garlic and Worcestershire sauce, which could contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can easily substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce.
How can I modify the recipe for picky eaters?
For those picky eaters, consider leaving out the celery or switching the veggies based on preference. You could even blend the soup slightly for a creamier texture that might be more appealing to little ones!
Classic Crockpot Ground Beef Soup for Cozy Comfort Nights
Equipment
- - Crockpot
- - Skillet
- - Knife
- - Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 lb Ground Beef Opt for 85/15 for a leaner option.
- 4 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- 5 cloves Garlic Freshly minced is best.
- Olive Oil Used for browning meat; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
- 1 medium Onion Adds flavor and sweetness; can substitute with shallots.
For the Vegetables
- 4 cups Potatoes Yukon Gold or Russets work well.
- 4 Carrots Can use parsnips for variation.
- 3 stalks Celery Can be omitted if desired.
- 45 oz Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Regular diced tomatoes are a substitute.
- 1 cup Corn Can use frozen vegetables.
- 1 cup Peas Can use frozen vegetables.
For the Seasoning
- 1.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be used as an alternative.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Use individual herbs if not available.
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder Leave out if using fresh onion.
- 0.5 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste.
- 0.5 tsp Pepper Adjust according to taste.
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Substitute with black pepper for less spiciness.
- 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika is a substitute.
- 2 Bay Leaves Remove before serving.
For Thickness and Flavor
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce Tomato puree is an alternative.
- 6 oz Tomato Paste Can skip if unavailable.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until well-browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Chop potatoes, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Add all prepped vegetables to the crockpot, along with the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Pour the browned beef along with any juices from the skillet into the crockpot. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover and set the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-5 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in the tomato paste. Add corn and peas, cooking uncovered until heated through. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.