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 or butternut squash, 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); 8 oz fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (can also use frozen green beans); 2 cups chopped and packed kale, tough stems removed (optional); 2 (14-oz.) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste; 1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium beef broth (bone broth preferred), plus additional if needed; 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition, you’ve got to try this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s a soul-warming bowl packed with colorful veggies, lean ground beef, and cozy, fire-roasted tomato flavors that develop beautifully over hours in the slow cooker. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s effortless to assemble, perfect for busy days, and the leftovers taste even better the next day—trust me, you’re going to want to make a double batch!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Slow Cooking: Just toss ingredients in your crock pot and forget about it—perfect for busy days or busy cooks.
Loaded with Veggies: Sweet potatoes, green beans, kale, and more make for a nutrient-dense, colorful bowl.
Lean and Healthy: Using lean ground beef along with wholesome ingredients keeps it hearty but balanced.
Flavorful and Comforting: Fire-roasted tomatoes and Italian seasoning give it a rich, cozy taste your family will crave.

The image shows a close-up of a thick vegetable stew in a large bowl with a deep reddish-brown color. The stew has multiple layers including small chunks of orange carrots, light yellow potatoes, green beans, and dark green kale leaves, all mixed evenly throughout. There are pieces of cooked ground meat scattered in the stew, adding texture with tiny brown crumbles. The broth looks rich and slightly glossy, coating the ingredients with a warm reddish hue. A silver ladle is scooping up some of the stew, filled with a balanced mix of vegetables and meat, showing the chunky and hearty nature of the dish. The stew sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. I suggest choosing the freshest veggies you can find and lean ground beef to keep things light but hearty enough to please everyone.

Lean ground beef: I always go for 90% lean to keep the soup healthy without sacrificing that meaty flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
Green bell pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness that complements the tomatoes.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic amps up the aroma and savory notes.
Sweet potato (or butternut squash): I love the natural sweetness it contributes, and butternut squash works just as well if you want a twist.
Yukon gold potatoes: These hold up nicely during slow cooking without turning mushy.
Carrots: Dill, sweet, and packed with vitamins to boost the soup’s nutrition.
Celery: Adds that classic soup base flavor and a little crunch.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: The star of the show, giving a smoky tang that enriches every spoonful.
Tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor perfectly.
Low-sodium beef broth (or bone broth): I prefer bone broth for the extra nutrients and deeper flavor.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that brings herbs like basil and oregano to tie everything together.
Sea salt and black pepper: To taste—don’t underestimate seasoning when you’re making soup!
Fresh green beans: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they add a lovely texture without overpowering.
Kale (optional): I always toss in some chopped kale for an extra green punch, but you can skip it if you prefer.

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 how versatile this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is — it’s a great base you can tweak depending on what you have in your fridge or your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and try different combos.

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken: I’ve done this when I’m craving something a bit lighter, and it works beautifully.
Add beans for extra protein and fiber: Pinto or kidney beans make a great addition if you want a heartier soup.
Use different greens: Spinach or Swiss chard can stand in for kale if that’s what you have on hand.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some smoked paprika for a spicy twist that surprised my family’s taste buds in the best way.

How to Make Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

I always start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then cooking the lean ground beef along with diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. This step builds a solid flavor base and softens the veggies just right. Cook until the beef isn’t pink anymore—about 5 to 7 minutes—and make sure to stir regularly to break up any lumps. Once done, drain the excess fat to keep the soup lighter (this really helps with the “healthy” part of our recipe).

Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Transfer your cooked beef mixture into the crock pot, then add all the other ingredients except green beans and kale. This includes your chopped sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Give everything a good stir to combine it well.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 5 to 6 hours works too. The slow cooking melds all those flavors beautifully and ensures the veggies become tender without falling apart.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Kale

About an hour before serving, stir in the green beans and kale. If you’re using frozen green beans, add them just 30 minutes before the end so they don’t overcook. This step keeps the greens vibrant and fresh, giving the soup a lovely texture contrast. Feel free to add a splash more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 5: Final Taste and Season

Right before serving, taste the soup carefully and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a tiny extra pinch of salt makes all the difference. Then, ladle it up and enjoy that warm, comforting bowl you’ve put together with minimal effort but loads of love.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Brown the beef first: I used to skip this step and found the soup lacked depth; browning really boosts flavor and improves texture.
Use bone broth for richness: It adds a natural, savory boost that regular broth doesn’t quite achieve.
Add tender greens last: This keeps kale and green beans from overcooking and turning mushy.
Adjust liquid last: If you want your soup thinner, add extra broth at the end rather than at the start to control consistency.

How to Serve Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a chunky stew featuring three main layers: the bottom layer is a rich brownish-red broth with a slightly thick texture; the middle layer includes bright orange carrot cubes, light yellow potato pieces, and green beans cut into small segments scattered throughout; the top layer has browned ground meat pieces mixed with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled for garnish; a silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, slightly submerged in the stew, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I like to top it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a little pop of freshness. Sometimes a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy tang that balances the tomato base really nicely. A little shredded Parmesan can be a simple but luxurious touch, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to side for this soup is crusty whole-grain bread or warm garlic breadsticks—perfect for dipping and soaking up all those savory juices. You can also serve a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side for a light contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when entertaining, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—they make the meal feel extra cozy and festive. Another fun idea is to set up a “soup bar” with different toppings like shredded cheese, chopped scallions, hot sauce, and avocado slices so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the first meal, this soup stores wonderfully in airtight containers in your fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool it completely before refrigerating, then just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers practically become a whole new meal.

Freezing

It freezes well too! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to the right consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Add delicate vegetables like kale and green beans afterward or near the end using the sauté mode to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your broth and tomato products to be sure there’s no gluten-containing additives.
Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?

Fresh veggies offer the best flavor and texture, but if you use canned, add them near the end to avoid overcooking. Be mindful of added salt in canned items to prevent oversalting.
How do I make this soup lower in sodium?

Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added broth and tomatoes, then season to taste at the end. You can always add salt, but it’s harder to fix a soup that’s too salty.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

I like reheating gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra broth, stirring occasionally to get the soup back to its perfect consistency without breaking down the veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Crock Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for weeknight dinners and meal prep alike. It’s just so easy to throw together, and the way the flavors meld over hours in the slow cooker still surprises me every time. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might find it becomes a family classic, like it has in my house. Whether you’re squeezing in dinner on a busy day or craving a comforting bowl of goodness, this soup has got you covered!