Name: Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced (~2 cups); 1 green bell pepper, diced (~1 cup); 6 garlic cloves, minced; 10 oz. (1 large) sweet potato, peeled and cubed (~2 cups); 10 oz. (2-3) Yukon gold potatoes, cubed (~2 cups); 2 medium carrots, diced (~1 cup); 2 ribs celery, diced (~1 cup); 2 (14-oz.) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste; 1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium beef broth (or bone broth); 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 8 oz fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (or frozen green beans); 2 cups chopped and packed kale, tough stems removed (optional)

If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that’s both nourishing and surprisingly simple to throw together, you’re going to love this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food without feeling weighed down or uncomfortable afterward. Packed with vibrant veggies, lean beef, and cozy flavors, this soup has become a staple in my kitchen—especially during chilly evenings when a slow-cooked meal is exactly what my family needs.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: You just brown the beef and chop veggies, then the crock pot does all the magic while you relax.
Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein and plenty of fiber-rich vegetables, it’s satisfying without the guilt.
Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the veggies and seasoning to match what you have on hand or your family’s tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers keep really well, making weeknight dinners quick and stress-free.

A close-up view of a thick vegetable and meat stew in a brown pot, showing a rich reddish-brown broth filled with chopped green beans, orange carrots, yellow potatoes, green kale leaves, and ground meat bits. A silver ladle is scooping some stew, highlighting the colorful mix of vegetables and meat pieces, all soaked in the hearty sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe come together to create a flavorful, balanced bowl of goodness. I like using bone broth for that extra depth of flavor, but any low-sodium beef broth works great. Also, don’t skip the fire-roasted tomatoes—they add a subtle smokiness that really elevates the soup.

Lean ground beef: I always pick 90% lean to keep it hearty but not greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when it cooks down.
Green bell pepper: Vibrant flavor and crunch that softens beautifully in the slow cooker.
Garlic cloves: Six cloves might sound like a lot, but the slow cooking mellows them to sweet, savory perfection.
Sweet potato (or butternut squash): This adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that just rounds everything out.
Yukon gold potatoes: They hold their shape well, giving texture to each spoonful.
Carrots: Classic soup veggie that brings natural sweetness.
Celery: Adds a fresh, aromatic background note.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: The smoky flavor here is key to a rich, satisfying broth.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor to boost the soup’s richness.
Low-sodium beef (or bone) broth: Keeps the soup light and allows you to control saltiness.
Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herb flavors—basil, oregano, thyme—all at once.
Sea salt and black pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
Green beans (fresh or frozen): Added near the end to keep a slight crunch and bright green color.
Kale (optional): Tossed in for a nutrient boost and a nice tender bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is flexible. Over time, I’ve tweaked it depending on what’s in season or what my family’s preferences are. Don’t be afraid to swap out veggies or add your own twist!

Meat Variation: I’ve made this with ground turkey for a lighter version, and it still turns out hearty and flavorful.
Vegetarian Twist: Leaving out the beef and adding extra beans or lentils works wonders—just swap the broth for vegetable stock.
Spice it Up: Throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika if you want a little heat or smokiness beyond the fire-roasted tomatoes.
Seasonal Veggies: Try swapping kale for spinach or adding mushrooms when you want an earthy depth.

How to Make Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the ground beef and aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef along with diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally to break up the beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I like doing this first because it develops flavor and keeps the soup from tasting “raw.” Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep things light, then transfer everything into your crock pot.

Step 2: Add the veggies, tomatoes, and broth

Now toss in your cubed sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a gentle stir to combine. This is where the soup starts looking like the warm comfort meal it is going to be.

Step 3: Slow cook to perfection

Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for 8-9 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 5-6 hours. I usually start this in the morning and let it cook while I’m out or busy with other tasks. The slow simmer allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add green beans and kale

About an hour before serving, lift the lid and stir in the green beans and kale. If you want a thinner soup, this is the perfect time to add a bit more broth. Replace the lid and let it cook until the green beans are tender but still have some snap—usually about an hour. If you’re using frozen green beans, wait to add them until just 30 minutes remain so they don’t get mushy.

Step 5: Final seasoning and serve

Before serving, taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. This last step makes all the difference—you’ll find that after slow cooking, sometimes a little bump in seasoning really brightens everything up. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Brown Meat Properly: Browning the beef with veggies first adds flavor and removes excess fat, keeping the soup from getting greasy.
Don’t Skip Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Their subtle smoky taste really lifts the soup—regular canned tomatoes won’t quite have the same effect.
Add Greens at the End: Toss kale and beans near the last hour to avoid mushiness and keep vibrant color and texture.
Adjust Broth Consistency: If the soup is thicker than you like, add extra broth late in cooking to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.

How to Serve Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a chunky vegetable and meat soup. The soup has several layers of colors and textures: orange carrot cubes, pale yellow potato pieces, green beans cut into segments, small browned ground meat bits, and a tomato-based broth with visible herbs and small vegetable chunks. Black pepper and green herb sprinkles top the soup, adding texture and contrast. A copper-colored spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the soup surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with another white bowl partially visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess without extra heaviness. Fresh chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper on top gives it a fresh, bright finish. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of good olive oil adds a silky touch that feels extra cozy.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so packed with veggies and protein, I typically keep sides light. A slice of a crusty whole-grain bread or a warm whole wheat roll with a smear of butter pairs perfectly. If you want something lighter, a crisp side salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the hearty soup wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, ladling the soup into brightly colored bowls with a rustic bread basket is my go-to. If I’m serving guests, I’ve tried small, individual crock pots right at the table to keep the soup warm and cozy plus it looks charming and inviting. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens is a fun way to dress it up for a special occasion without much fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully—just let it cool a bit, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. In my experience, the flavors even deepen after sitting overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this soup in individual portions to make busy weeknights effortless. Just be sure not to add kale before freezing—it can get mushy when thawed. I usually freeze the soup base and add fresh greens when reheating. Frozen for up to 3 months, it defrosts and reheats like a charm.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If it’s thickened too much, I add a splash of broth or water. Add fresh greens or green beans during reheating if you froze the soup without them, cooking until tender but still vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times stay about the same, but the flavor will be a bit lighter. You can also opt for plant-based crumbles if you want to make it vegetarian, but remember to swap out beef broth for vegetable broth.
How do I make sure the vegetables don’t get too mushy?

The key is to add more delicate vegetables like green beans and kale near the end of the cooking process as described. Root veggies (potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes) are hardy enough to withstand long cooking, but leafy greens and quick-cooking veggies should be last-minute additions to maintain texture and color.
Is this soup good for meal prepping?

Definitely! I often make a big batch on the weekend, and it stores well in the fridge for several days. It also freezes beautifully if you want to portion it out for future meals. Just remember to add fresh greens when you reheat to keep that fresh taste and texture.
Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

While you can, fresh or frozen veggies are superior in texture and flavor for this soup. Canned vegetables tend to become mushy with long cooking, which might make your soup less appealing. If you do use canned, add them toward the end and rinse them well to reduce excess sodium.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes I’m always excited to share because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl but keeps things fresh and nutritious. It’s easy enough to make ahead and flexible for your family’s tastes, so I hope you give it a try soon. Once you experience how simple it is to get dinner ready in the morning and come home to this amazing meal, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!