When it comes to hearty, flavorful soups, Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup is a definite winner. Combining the savory goodness of ground beef, sausage and a medley of vegetables simmered in the perfect broth.

Why Make This Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup

This recipe is so convenient to make. You can prepare the ingredients, set them in the slow cooker, and let it cook without needing constant attention. This is particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule and want a hearty meal waiting for you when you get home. Try my Slow Cooker Enchiladas and Crock Pot Chicken Satay for more slow cooked comfort meals.

This hamburger soup yields generous portions, making it ideal for leftovers. You can store any extra soup in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use, providing ready-made meals for busy days.

This recipe is highly adaptable! You can customize it to your favorite veggies. I love to throw in any leftover veggies wilting in the fridge. I often add any greens I have on hand to it to add more nutrition.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Meal

Lean Ground Beef. This is what puts the “hamburger” in hamburger soup! I like to use lean ground beef so the soup doesn’t get too greasy and it’s a little lower in calorie.

Ground Sausage. This adds insane flavor to the soup, you can of course substitute this or omit but I highly suggest you add it in for ultimate flavor and protein.

Worcestershire Sauce. This is a unique sauce that’s fermented condiment made from a base of vinegar and flavored with anchovies, molasses, tamarind, onion, garlic, and other seasonings. You can find it at most all grocery stores in the condiment aisle.

Potatoes. I prefer Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but please use any potato of choice, russet or sweet potato will work.

All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below. 

Recipe Variations

Ground Beef. You can sub ground turkey if needed, which would technically be turkey burger soup!

Ground Sausage. This is an added bonus and flavor to the recipe. If you want to skip it, just simple double the ground beef.

Worcestershire Sauce. You can use liquid smoke instead. You can also omit it if you have an allergy.

Beef Broth. Chicken broth will also work.

Veggies. You can add more veggies like peas, cabbage, kale, spinach, or zucchini and mushrooms if desired. I often add any wilted veggies that need to be eaten into this soup. Just add them when you add the green beans.

Green Beans. Use fresh or frozen then thawed green beans. If fresh, add them in at the beginning of the cook. If frozen, thawed, add about an hour before serving so they don’t wilt too much.

Steps To Make This Recipe

Step One. Start by browning the ground beef and sausage in a skillet until it’s cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the seasonings, chopped onions, garlic and peppers.

Step Two. Sauté for another 3 minutes, add in tomato paste. Mix everything well and cook for about 1 more minute, cooking the tomato paste helps to brighten the flavor before slow cooking.

Step Three. Turn the slow cooker on high, add the chopped potatoes on the bottom followed by the browned meat mixture. Next, add all other ingredients and finish with broth at the end. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for about 6 hours.

Step Four. After cooking is finished, check to ensure all veggies are tender and give it a taste to adjust if it needs more salt. If you are adding in any greens (optional!) add them in now, let them wilt and then serve and enjoy.

Garnish. If you want, I like to garnish with fresh cracked pepper and a spritz of parmesan.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe Tips

Brown the Meat: Take the time to brown the ground beef/sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic: While not essential, sautéing the onions and garlic in a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker can deepen their flavor and aroma.

Freeze/Make Ahead Individual Servings: If you anticipate having leftovers, freeze individual servings in airtight containers. This makes it easy to reheat and enjoy whenever you’re in the mood for a quick meal. I will often make two batches, enjoy one for the week and the other goes in the freezer for when times are busy. I do this with my Tuscan White Bean Soup as well.

Recipe Pairings

Complete this meal with some Overnight Bread, Air Fried Garlic Bread or my Homemade Garlic Rolls.

Other Cozy Recipes To Try

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