Warm Up Fast with Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, look no further than Crock Pot Hamburger Soup. This hearty, wholesome classic blends tender beef, savory smoked turkey bacon, and an array of fresh veggies simmered until bursting with flavor. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to cozy up on cool days while nourishing your body with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding family or just savoring a solo dinner, this Crock Pot Hamburger Soup delivers satisfying taste and easy preparation in one delicious package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Busy-Weeknight Friendly: Simply toss in the ingredients and let your crock pot work its magic without standing by the stove.
• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of tender beef and smoked turkey bacon delivers a rich, meaty depth that warms you from the inside out.
• Veggie-Packed Goodness: Fresh carrots, celery, and tomatoes add color, texture, and nutrients for a well-balanced meal.
• Customizable Flavor: Easily tweak spices and veggies to suit your craving or dietary needs without losing that comforting soup vibe.
• One-Pot Cleanup: Minimal dishes and effortless cleanup make it a winner for busy kitchens and relaxed evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Crock Pot Hamburger Soup lies in its simplicity each ingredient plays a key role, from flavor foundation to texture enhancement, creating a perfectly balanced bowl full of heartiness and fresh brightness.

• Ground beef: Provides the rich, beefy base and protein you crave in every bite.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a delightful smoky flavor that elevates the soup’s savory profile.
• Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and a vibrant orange pop to the bowl.
• Celery: Offers a crisp, aromatic contrast to soften with slow cooking.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor with its natural sweetness deepening as it simmers.
• Diced tomatoes (natural): Provide acidity and a juicy texture that brightens the overall dish.
• Beef broth: Serves as the soup’s flavorful and hearty liquid base.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity enhancing all the savory notes.
• Garlic: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth that carries through the broth.
• Potatoes: Give comforting body and a creamy bite once tender.
• Paprika and black pepper: A gentle kick and earthy undertone to round out the spices.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps thicken the soup slightly for a perfect consistency without heaviness.

Variations for Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

This classic crock pot hamburger soup is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize with what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some ways to adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

• Vegetarian twist: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and add extra beans for protein-rich warmth.
• Extra greens: Toss in chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking to boost nutrition and brighten the flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat that complements the smoked turkey bacon.
• Tomato variety: Swap diced tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes for an added smoky depth stemming from the stove-top.
• Whole grains: Stir in cooked barley or quinoa before serving to make the soup even heartier and more filling.

How to Make Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces and crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until golden for that extra smoky aroma. Brown the ground beef gently to lock in flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

Add the browned beef, cooked smoked turkey bacon, and chopped vegetables directly into the crock pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (natural), and season everything with garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of the natural gelling agent for body.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crock pot on low and let the ingredients meld together gently for 6 to 8 hours. The slow heat blends the complex flavors into a hearty, rich broth while rendering the veggies tender and juicy.

Step 4: Final Touches

Before serving, give the soup a good stir and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The potatoes should be perfectly tender and the broth thickened slightly by the natural gelling agent. This signals the perfect cozy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

• Use lean ground beef: Helps reduce grease buildup while keeping the soup rich and meaty.
• Sauté veggies first: Enhance their sweetness and soften their texture before slow cooking for better flavor.
• Don’t skip the smoked turkey bacon: Its smoky taste is the secret star adding complexity to the broth.
• Check liquid levels: Add extra broth or water mid-cook if the soup thickens too much from the natural gelling agent.
• Season gradually: Taste halfway through cooking and adjust seasoning since slow cooking intensifies flavors over time.

How to Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top introduce brightness while a dollop of plant-based sour cream can add creamy richness. Crumbled smoked turkey bacon sprinkled on the surface enhances both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic herb rolls to soak up every drop. Alternatively, a simple mixed greens salad dressed in grape juice vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the robust soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crock Pot Hamburger Soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming, edible vessel that impresses guests. Or portion it into mason jars for convenient, grab-and-go lunches with all the cozy comfort intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy reheats on chilly days.

Freezing

Crock Pot Hamburger Soup freezes beautifully portion it into freezer-safe containers and enjoy for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave space at the top of containers to accommodate expansion during freezing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to re-incorporate the natural gelling agent. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without a crock pot?

Absolutely! Use a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, typically about 1 to 1.5 hours.

What can I substitute for smoked turkey bacon?

Try smoked turkey slices fried crisp for a similar smoky, savory element, or omit it entirely and add a bit more vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for umami.

Is the natural gelling agent necessary?

It helps thicken the soup for a richer mouthfeel, but you can adjust amount or omit if you prefer a lighter broth consistency.

Can I add beans or lentils to this soup?

Yes! Adding beans or lentils boosts protein and fiber, making the soup more filling and nutritious without overpowering the classic flavors.

How spicy is this soup?

The base recipe has mild warmth from black pepper and paprika, but you can easily adjust heat by adding cayenne or chili flakes according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Hamburger Soup after a busy day. With its rich, smoky flavors, tender beef, and fresh veggies all slow-simmered to perfection, this recipe is a true kitchen companion for cozy living. Try making it this week you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner that hugs you from the inside out.

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