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Cozy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

cozy slow cooker ground beef and vegetable soup - featured image
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A hearty, comforting slow cooker soup made with ground beef and vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this forgiving recipe requires minimal prep and delivers rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Scrape this into the slow cooker with the beef.
  3. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. They only need to heat through.
  8. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Browning the beef is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds richness. If the soup is too thin, mash some potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to thicken. Add frozen vegetables at the end to avoid mushiness. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, ground beef soup, vegetable soup, cozy soup, easy dinner, meal prep, budget-friendly

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/cozy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-and-vegetable-soup/