Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this mouthwatering Creamy Crockpot Hamburger Vegetable Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, savory aromas and a pot of pure comfort waiting to be devoured. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy soup that will have your family begging for seconds – and it's so easy, you'll feel like a culinary genius with zero stress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. If you're using fresh mixed vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it is evenly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
- In the crockpot, combine the browned ground beef, diced tomatoes (with their juices), mixed vegetables, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can adjust the seasoning later, so start with a small amount.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the vegetables with a fork or potato masher.
- Once the cooking time is nearly up, stir in the heavy cream. This will give the soup a rich, creamy texture. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to heat through.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the creamy crockpot hamburger vegetable soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Brown the Ground Beef First: Taking the extra few minutes to brown the beef before adding to the crockpot will dramatically enhance the soup's depth of flavor.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth for the best taste. Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly if you're short on time.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: The 8-hour slow cook is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors. Resist the temptation to speed things up!
- Cream Addition Timing: Add heavy cream only in the last 30 minutes to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Season Gradually: Start with a conservative amount of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting near the end of cooking to prevent over-seasoning.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
