Immerse yourself in the rich, hearty flavors of this Healthy Hamburger Slow Cooker Soup, a recipe that promises the comfort of a classic hamburger in a nourishing, bowl-worthy form. Designed for health-conscious food lovers and busy individuals alike, this soup combines lean ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory broth, all simmered to perfection in the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutritional value, perfect for cozy nights in or as a nutritious meal prep option for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Hamburger Slow Cooker Soup:
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, offering a well-rounded meal in every spoonful.
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe.
- Comforting and Filling: Offers the homely taste of a hamburger without the heaviness, ideal for a comforting meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes For Healthy Hamburger Slow Cooker Soup:
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty yet healthy.
- Vegetables: A mix of diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and potatoes adds color, texture, and nutrients. Feel free to include other favorites like green beans or corn.
- Broth: Use a low-sodium beef broth as a base to control the salt content and enhance the flavors.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onions, and a blend of herbs like oregano and thyme complement the beef and vegetables beautifully.
- Whole Grains: Incorporate barley or brown rice to add fiber and make the soup even more filling.
Recipe Steps:
- Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet to render out any excess fat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Layer in the chopped vegetables, pour in the beef broth, and add the seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors melded.
- Final Touches: If using, add the whole grains in the last hour of cooking. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Make a Healthy Hamburger Slow Cooker Soup
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 90% lean)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cooked whole grain pasta or brown rice (optional, add at the end)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, corn (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta or Rice (Optional):
- If you’re adding cooked pasta or brown rice, stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking on LOW or the last 15 minutes on HIGH. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
