Why Use the Crock Pot to Make Hamburger Soup?

Are you wondering why your trusty crockpot is the secret ingredient to making this delectable Hamburger Soup recipe even more enticing? Well, we've got a list of benefits that'll have you dusting off your slow cooker in no time. Here's why this recipe shines in your crockpot:

Effortless Cooking: Your crockpot does the heavy lifting, allowing you to set it and forget it. No need to babysit the stove or oven.
Tender Meat: Slow cooking tenderizes the ground beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Enhanced Flavors: The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying soup.
One-Pot Wonder: Throw all the ingredients into your crockpot, minimizing the need for multiple pots and pans.
Time-Saver: Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets you come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
Rich and Creamy: The addition of evaporated milk and shredded cheddar cheese creates a creamy and indulgent soup.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Hamburger Soup:

Ground beef
Carrots
Potatoes
Celery
Chicken broth
Evaporated milk
Shredded cheddar cheese
Garlic powder
Salt & Pepper
Cornstarch + Cold water

With these benefits and ingredients combined, your crockpot becomes the ultimate tool for crafting a hearty and flavorful Hamburger Soup that'll have your taste buds dancing with joy. Let's get cooking!

Freezer Meal Prep Directions for Hamburger Soup

You can turn your Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe into a freezer meal, and it's a brilliant way to prep in advance for those busy days when you crave a delicious homemade soup without the hassle. Freezer meals are a kitchen superhero, and this recipe is no exception!

Freezer Meal Directions for Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe:

Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients

Prepare all the ingredients as you normally would for the recipe.

Step 2: Bag It Up

In a 1-gallon freezer-safe bag, toss in your cooked ground beef, diced vegetables, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Season (if Desired)

Add any seasonings you prefer at this stage or make a note on the bag for seasoning when cooking.

Step 4: Cheese on the Side

Place the shredded cheddar cheese in a separate sandwich bag. Then, toss that bag into the gallon freezer bag with the broth mixture.

Step 5: Label for Clarity

Label your freezer bag clearly, indicating that you'll need a can of evaporated milk and cornstarch when you're ready to cook. Don't forget to add the date, too!

Step 6: Remove Air

Squeeze out as much air as possible from the baggie before sealing it shut. This helps prevent freezer burn and ensures your ingredients stay fresh.

Step 7: Freeze for Later

Lay the filled and sealed bag flat in your freezer. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you've got plenty of time to plan your soup night!

Step 8: Ready to Cook

When you're ready to enjoy your Crock Pot Hamburger Soup, take the bag out of the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight if possible. This allows for even cooking and melding of flavors.

Step 9: Cook It Up

Once defrosted, follow the cooking directions as mentioned earlier in the recipe. Whether you prefer your slow cooker, stovetop, oven, or even your Instant Pot, these freezer meal directions will work seamlessly for all cooking methods.

So, whether you're a "prep ahead" pro or just looking to simplify mealtime, these freezer meal directions have got you covered. Your future self will thank you for this tasty and time-saving trick!

Tips for Making Crockpot Hamburger Soup Faster

So, lots of times, time is an issue. And you need all the shortcuts you can get. Here are a few to help out with those times:

Purchase a 16-ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables to substitute for the carrots and celery. You might get green beans in the mix too, but that’s quite alright. It still works great! Psst…use half for this recipe, freeze the rest OR double the recipe.
Purchase the old-fashioned square-cut hash brown potatoes or use canned potatoes. Canned potatoes come whole, sliced or diced. They are a great shortcut when you don’t have time to deal and dice.
Cook your ground beef OVERNIGHT right in the crockpot! Freeze in portions and have it for whatever other recipes you need too!

Tips for Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

And sometimes, you want to do healthier instead of quick and easy. And that’s a great option too. But healthy to one person, doesn’t always work for another.

And I mean dietary restrictions. Allergies. Weight loss needs. Blah blah. So, this is a list of tips for different types of healthier options. If you have any more, let me know and I’ll add them.

Substitute white sweet potatoes for regular Russet or Yukon potatoes. Yep, they exist, and they are really good too!
Use Himalayan salt instead of regular table salt. There are multiple health benefits for using Himalayan salt.
If you are on the keto diet you can have this recipe with a bit of modification:
- Substitute cauliflower or cauliflower rice for the potatoes. If you use half and half, you’ll still get both a chunky and creamy consistency to your soup. And yes, you can still freeze it.
- Use half heavy cream and half filtered water to substitute for the milk in this recipe. You can use whole cream as well if you’d prefer.

And let me clarify, please. I do NOT mind requests, questions, or correspondences. I like them. But I don’t want to hold someone up when they need something if I don’t happen to be around my computer either.

And now on to the recipe…

Slow Cooker Hamburger Vegetable Soup Video

Here’s the video/slideshow for those who prefer watching to reading. It’s 22 seconds long. So, you can watch it quickly, click here to jump to the printable recipe…and hop to the rest of your day.

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter first though! You can get our news, menus and recipes delivered right to your inbox. That’ll save you a ton of time too!

Printable Recipe for Creamy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Recipe

Creamy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen

This creamy crockpot hamburger vegetable soup absolutely hits the spot on cold winter days! It's delicious, easy, budget-friendly excellence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 10

Course Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Soup

Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef fried and drained
2 cups carrots diced
2 cups potatoes diced
3 stalks celery diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt & Pepper to Taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

Prep the vegetables. Fry and drain the ground beef.
Toss the prepped hamburger, vegetables and broth in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours. Or high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
30 Minutes Before Serving:
Stir the soup. And turn the crock pot to high.
Slowly stir in the evaporated milk and shredded cheese.
Add your seasonings. Cover while you’re working on the slurry.
Cornstarch Slurry: Mix the cornstarch with the 1/4 cup of cold water, stir to mix well.
As soon as the cheese has melted, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Cover and allow to cook on high until the soup thickens a bit. About 20 minutes.
Add salt and pepper as needed.
Top with more shredded cheese, croutons, sour cream, etc. Serve with rolls.

Freezer Meal Directions:

Dump the cooked ground beef, vegetables and broth in a 1-gallon freezer safe bag.
Add the seasonings now if desired or make a note on your freezer label.
Place the shredded cheese in a sandwich bag and toss that bag in the gallon freezer bag with the broth mixture.
Make a note on your freezer label you'll need a can of evaporated milk and cornstarch when you're making this recipe.
Lay flat, label and freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Leftovers:

Freeze the cooled leftovers in portion sized canisters or freezer bags.
Use within 6 weeks.
Note: There may be some separation. Just allow to defrost completely and stir well to reincorporate.

Notes

You can save some time by purchasing frozen and/or canned vegetables for this recipe.
You can also save yourself some time by making a big batch of our make ahead ground beef OVERNIGHT, freezing and using as you need it.
We've supplied multiple substitutions for dietary restrictions and preferences.
Freezer Meal Note: Substitute frozen old-fashioned potatoes for the fresh potatoes. OR make sure they are completely covered with the broth to avoid rubbery textures and discoloration.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Q&A: Your Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Questions Answered

Do you have any questions related to our Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe? We've got you covered with answers to your most pressing questions:

Q1: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in a crockpot?

Absolutely! To make it on the stove, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer it to a pot with the other ingredients. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

You sure can! Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative that works great in this recipe. Just swap it out for the ground beef.

Q3: Can you recommend a hearty side dish to pair with this soup?

Of course! A slice of crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side salad complements this soup beautifully. It's all about your personal taste.

Q4: How long does it take to cook this soup in a crockpot?

Cooking time in a crockpot typically ranges from 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The low and slow method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup for a delicious meal on a cold day?

Absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully. Follow our freezer meal directions, and you'll have a tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Q6: Are there any variations for dietary preferences or food allergies?

Yes, we've provided multiple substitutions in the recipe for dietary restrictions and preferences. Feel free to adjust based on your needs.

Q7: Can I use tomato paste or tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?

Certainly! Tomato paste or sauce can be used, but you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve your desired tomato flavor.

Q8: Is this recipe a family favorite for picky eaters?

It's known to be a family favorite! The combination of ground beef and hearty vegetables in a creamy broth is a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

Q9: How do I prevent excess grease in the soup?

Browning and draining the ground beef before adding it to the soup helps reduce excess grease. Choosing lean ground beef also helps.

Q10: Can I make this soup in advance for the next day?

Absolutely! Prepping the soup the night before and storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld even more. Just remember to add the cheese and evaporated milk before heating.

Q11: Can I customize the vegetables in this soup based on what I have in my fridge or what's available at the grocery store?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix and match vegetables to your liking. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn can be fantastic additions.

Q12: Can I substitute ground chicken for ground beef for a lighter version of this hearty soup?

Certainly! Ground chicken is a lean and healthy alternative. It pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients and offers a unique flavor profile.

Q13: How can I store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness?

To keep your leftovers fresh, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's perfect for reheating when you need a quick meal.

Q14: What can I do with the remaining ingredients in my kitchen after making this soup?

Get creative! Leftover ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste can be used in various recipes. Freeze the extra tomato paste, toss the sauce in the refrigerator, experiment with new dishes, and discover more culinary delights.

Q15: Are there any other classic soup recipes similar to this one that I can explore?

Definitely! If you're a fan of hearty soups, you might check out our list of crockpot soup recipes. You'll have lots of options for creamy, dreamy goodness.

Q16: Can I prepare this recipe with minimal effort in a Dutch oven?

Absolutely! A Dutch oven is an excellent alternative for this recipe if you prefer a stovetop approach with minimal effort.

Q17: Are there any tips for achieving perfectly tender potatoes that are neither mushy nor undercooked?

To achieve tender, but not mushy, potatoes, try cooking them until they are "al dente." This means they should be firm to the bite but not crunchy.

Q18: What's the ideal way to store this soup for longer-term enjoyment?

If you'd like to store this soup for longer periods, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Q19: Can I use different types of potatoes like red or russet potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! Red potatoes or russet potatoes work just as well. They add their unique texture and flavor to the soup, making it your own special creation.

Q20: Is there anything special I should know about reheating this soup on busy weeknights?

Reheating is a breeze. Simply take it out of the fridge or freezer, and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It's perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.

We hope these answers make your Crock Pot Hamburger Soup journey even more enjoyable. Feel free to explore the delicious possibilities and make this recipe your own!