Description
A hearty, zesty slow cooker hamburger soup loaded with tender vegetables, savory ground beef, herbs, and noodles — the perfect cozy, flavorful meal for any slow-cooked weekend.
Ingredients
1½ pounds ground beef
3–4 carrots, chopped
3–4 celery stalks, chopped
1 large shallot, chopped
4–5 cloves garlic, pressed
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (24 oz) can tomato sauce (or 14 oz for lighter consistency)
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 cups beef broth (or 4 cups water + 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Veggie Base)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
3 cups cooked noodles (Farfalle or preferred pasta)
Optional: ½–¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef, carrots, celery, shallot, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
- Check around the 5-hour mark; if too thick, add a bit more water or broth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the noodles separately in salted water about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, reserving ¼–½ cup pasta water.
- Add noodles and reserved pasta water to the slow cooker during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs if desired, alongside bread or a salad.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy version.
Include corn, peas, or green beans for extra vegetables.
Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Serve with garlic bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg