You are going to love this easy crockpot vegetable beef soup recipe. This slow cooker dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The beauty of this crockpot vegetable beef soup lies in its simplicity and the delightful aroma that fills your home as it cooks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting bowl on a chilly day, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into the crockpot, and let it do the work while you relax.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables creates a savory broth that warms the soul.
- Versatile Meal: Customize with your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here are some necessary items to help you create this delicious crockpot vegetable beef soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crockpot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart crockpot: This size is perfect for making large batches of soup, ensuring everyone gets enough!
- Sharp knife: A good knife allows for quick and safe chopping of vegetables, saving you time in preparation.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your seasoning is just right for optimal flavor.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- 3 potatoes (peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces)
- 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz cans)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
How to Make Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onions and potatoes, then brown the ground beef in a skillet before draining excess fat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
- Place all prepared ingredients into the 6-quart crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth along with diced tomatoes.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Once cooked, give the soup a good stir. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy this comforting meal!
How to Serve Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Serving your Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with simple accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to elevate your soup experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Fresh Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread – Add flavor with garlic bread, which complements the soup’s hearty ingredients.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese create a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
- Garden Salad – A light garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness to your meal.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a creamy finish.
- Parmesan Crumbles – Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra umami kick.
How to Perfect Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
To make your Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture in your soup.
- Brown the Meat First – Browning ground beef before adding it to the crock pot adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Adjust Seasonings – Taste before serving and adjust salt or Italian seasoning as needed for the best flavor.
- Add Herbs at the End – Fresh herbs like parsley added just before serving brighten up the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Complement your Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup with these delicious side dishes. They pair well and enhance the overall meal experience.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing; make it with your favorite cheese for a gooey treat.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet and savory cornbread muffins add texture and flavor balance to your soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra nutrition and flavor to your table.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soup’s softness.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for a colorful and filling side.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf provides a mild base that complements the hearty flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes can make your Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Always brown and drain it before adding it to the crock pot.
- Overloading the crock pot: Filling the pot beyond capacity can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting as you go allows for better flavor balance. Don’t be afraid to tweak seasonings based on your preference.
- Using low-quality broth: A flavorful broth enhances the soup’s overall taste. Opt for a good quality beef broth or homemade options when possible.
- Not letting it cook long enough: For optimal flavor, cooking on low for a longer time is best. Resist the urge to rush; let it simmer gently.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making this delicious soup, here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use other meats in my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
How do I customize my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or green beans according to your taste.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup?
The total cooking time is around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the beef and use vegetable broth along with your favorite plant-based protein sources.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it perfect for any palate. Give this hearty soup a try today!
Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
- Total Time: 10 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, the perfect comfort food for busy families and chilly evenings. This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth, creating a savory dish that fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s not just about flavor; this soup is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this versatile soup allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- 3 potatoes (peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces)
- 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz cans)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Brown 2 pounds of ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a 6-quart crockpot, combine the browned beef, ½ diced onion, 3 diced potatoes, 16 oz of frozen mixed vegetables, 3 cans of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each), and 4 cups of beef broth.
- Season with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Stir before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, feel free to incorporate more vegetables such as zucchini or green beans. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving for optimal flavor.
