Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. With tender ground beef, mixed vegetables, and rich broth, it’s an easy dish that simmers all day for deep, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (venison or turkey would also work)
- 1 ½ cups cooked beans of your choice (kidney beans recommended) or 1 can beans, rinsed and drained
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the browned beef to a 4-quart crock pot. Then add cooked beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, salt, dried onion, oregano, thyme, and pepper.
- Step 3: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
Tips & Variations
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or venison for beef without changing the cooking time.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to enhance depth of flavor.
- Use fresh vegetables like diced carrots and celery if you prefer, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- To thicken the soup, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of cooked beans?
Yes, simply rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the crock pot. This saves time and works just as well.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crock pot?
Browning the meat adds flavor and helps reduce excess fat in the soup, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The soup will still cook thoroughly but with a milder taste.
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Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any day. Combining ground beef with a medley of cooked beans, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables, this slow-cooked recipe develops rich flavors over 8 hours. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dish ideal for busy schedules and makes a filling, warm soup that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (venison or turkey can also be used)
Beans
- 1 ½ cups cooked beans of your choice (kidney beans recommended) or 1 can beans, rinsed and drained
Vegetables
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
Liquids and Broth
- 3 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness in the soup.
- Combine ingredients in crock pot: Transfer the browned ground beef to a 4-quart crock pot. Add 1 ½ cups cooked beans or canned beans (rinsed and drained), 28 ounces of undrained diced tomatoes, 12 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables, 3 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried onion, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon thyme, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Cook slowly: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the soup on the low setting for 8 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and the ingredients to soften perfectly, creating a rich and hearty soup.
- Serve and enjoy: After 8 hours, stir the soup well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a comforting meal for any occasion.
Notes
- Using different types of beans (e.g., black beans, pinto beans) can add variety.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or venison for the beef.
- You can add extra vegetables such as diced carrots or celery for more texture and nutrition.
- If short on time, cooking on high for 4-5 hours is an acceptable alternative but the flavor may be less developed.
- Drain any excess fat thoroughly after browning meat to make the soup less greasy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Vegetable Beef Soup, Hearty Soup, Ground Beef Soup
