Hearty Crockpot Hamburger Soup with Pasta and Vegetables
There are some meals that instantly make you feel at home, no matter where you are or what season it is. This hearty crockpot hamburger soup with pasta and vegetables is one of those recipes. Rich, filling, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of soup that simmers slowly and fills your kitchen with warmth while bringing everyone to the table without having to call twice. Whether you grew up eating versions of beef and vegetable soup or you’re discovering it for the first time, this dish checks every comfort food box imaginable.
This soup combines tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and a savory tomato-based broth that thickens beautifully as it cooks. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic yet practical, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep for the days ahead. Best of all, it’s incredibly forgiving and customizable, making it ideal for home cooks of any skill level.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make this soup step by step, how to customize it to your family’s taste, how to store and reheat it, and why it’s become such a beloved staple in so many kitchens. We’ll also cover nutrition information and answer common questions so you can make this recipe with confidence every single time.
Why This Hamburger Soup Is a Family Favorite
This crockpot hamburger soup stands out because it delivers big flavor using simple, affordable ingredients. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly what makes it so good. Every spoonful has a balance of savory beef, tender vegetables, soft pasta, and a broth that’s deeply satisfying without being heavy.
One of the biggest reasons people love this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap vegetables based on what you have on hand, adjust the seasoning to your preference, or even make it thicker or soupier depending on your mood. It’s also a fantastic way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a meal that feeds a crowd.
Another reason this soup is so popular is convenience. Made in a slow cooker, it requires minimal hands-on time. Once the ingredients are added, the crockpot does the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours. It’s a perfect solution for busy families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a comforting dinner waiting for them at the end of the day.
Ingredients for Crockpot Hamburger Soup
This soup uses everyday ingredients you can find in almost any grocery store. Exact amounts can be adjusted to taste, but this list reflects the classic version shown in the image.
Main Ingredients
Ground beef
Onion, diced
Green bell pepper, diced
Celery, sliced
Carrots, diced
Garlic, minced
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Kidney beans
White beans or cannellini beans
Small pasta such as ditalini or macaroni
Seasonings
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Bay leaf
Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a soup that’s colorful, filling, and deeply flavorful. The combination of beans and pasta adds heartiness, while the vegetables provide sweetness and texture that balance the richness of the beef.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Soup Step by Step
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginners. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it nearly foolproof.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain off excess grease to keep the soup from becoming oily. This step builds flavor and improves the texture of the finished soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, chop all your vegetables. Dice the onion and bell pepper, slice the celery, and dice the carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup in the Crockpot
Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker along with the chopped vegetables, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, beans, and seasonings. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the vegetables to become perfectly tender.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Let it cook until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Soup
Browning the beef first is essential for flavor. While you technically could add raw beef directly to the crockpot, browning adds depth and prevents clumping.
Cut vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Add pasta toward the end so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra broth or water before serving.
Variations and Customizations
This soup is endlessly customizable, which is part of its charm.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño for heat.
Make It Creamy
Stir in a splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese at the end for a richer texture.
Make It Low-Carb
Skip the pasta and reduce the beans, adding extra vegetables instead.
Make It Italian-Style
Add basil, oregano, and a parmesan rind while cooking for deeper flavor.
Make It Kid-Friendly
Use mild seasoning and smaller pasta shapes for easier eating.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides.
Crusty bread or garlic bread
Side salad with a light vinaigrette
Grilled cheese sandwich
Buttery dinner rolls
For gatherings or potlucks, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that stays warm and delicious for hours.
Storage and Reheating
This hamburger soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve over time.
Freezing
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider leaving out the pasta and adding it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 380–420
Protein: 22–26g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 18–22g
Fiber: 7–9g
Sodium: varies based on broth and seasoning
This soup offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes. Brown the beef in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients except pasta, and simmer for 45–60 minutes. Add pasta during the last 15 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well and creates a lighter version of the soup.
What pasta works best?
Small shapes like ditalini, macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they cook evenly and fit well on a spoon.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and use vegetable broth.
Why did my pasta get mushy?
Pasta was likely cooked too long. Always add it near the end of cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Very much so. It reheats well and stays flavorful for days.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This crockpot hamburger soup with pasta and vegetables isn’t just a recipe, it’s a dependable go-to meal that works in almost any situation. It’s affordable, filling, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family, feeding a crowd, or stocking your freezer, this soup delivers every time.
The combination of beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta creates a complete meal in one bowl, while the slow cooker method keeps things stress-free. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it becomes a repeat favorite in so many homes.
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels warm, familiar, and satisfying, this is one you’ll want to save and make again and again.
