Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hamburger Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that you can throw together with minimal effort. This simple recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a warm and satisfying dish waiting for you at dinner time. With just five ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious soup that the whole family will enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it takes very little time to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. Second, it’s customizable, so you can add or substitute ingredients based on what you have at home. Lastly, it’s budget-friendly. You can make a filling meal without breaking the bank, making it ideal for families or anyone looking to save on cooking costs.
How to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hamburger Soup
Making this soup is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen diced potatoes
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Directions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, and drain off any excess grease.
- Add the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the frozen diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have blended.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hamburger Soup
Serve this hamburger soup hot in bowls. You can add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Some people enjoy it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hamburger Soup
After making the soup, let it cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to label your container with the date so you know how long it’s been stored.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Hamburger Soup
- To save even more time, use pre-browned ground beef or leftover cooked beef.
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs, to enhance the taste.
- If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes during cooking or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by adding different vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers. You could also add beans for extra protein and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you check the ingredients of your beef broth and other packaged items, this soup can be gluten-free.
