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Zesty Hamburger Soup for Slow Cooker Saturdays

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

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

pounds ground beef

34 carrots, chopped

34 celery stalks, chopped

1 large shallot, chopped

45 cloves garlic, pressed

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (24 oz) can tomato sauce (or 14 oz for lighter consistency)

12 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

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef, carrots, celery, shallot, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
  4. Check around the 5-hour mark; if too thick, add a bit more water or broth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Cook the noodles separately in salted water about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, reserving ¼–½ cup pasta water.
  6. Add noodles and reserved pasta water to the slow cooker during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using.
  7. 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