Are you craving a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that's also easy to make? Look no further! This Hamburger Vegetable Soup recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock pot, is the ultimate comfort food. It's packed with delicious vegetables, tender hamburger, and a rich, savory broth – the perfect healthy meal for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike, offering a delicious and satisfying homemade meal without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a depth of flavor that you won't get if you skip it!
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Crock Pot Magic
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, peas, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cooking Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Before serving, remove the bay leaf (if used). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This delicious and quick dinner idea pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
- Make it a beef stew: Use cubed beef instead of ground beef and increase the cooking time.
- Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Meal prep friendly: This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This hearty and healthy hamburger vegetable soup is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes. It's a delicious, satisfying, and convenient meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this best recipe and let us know what you think!