Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup
Cozy, easy, and utterly comforting, this Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup brings together tender beef, vibrant veggies, and rich broth for a healthy, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh for best flavor)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (use fire-roasted for extra depth)
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with ½ teaspoon each)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added last 30 minutes)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no pink remains. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper as it browns.
- Add onion and garlic to the pan with the cooked beef, and cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir everything together.
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle swirl to distribute flavors.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until veggies are tender and beef is melt-in-your-mouth.
- Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving. Let them heat through.
- Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Mash a few potato chunks against the side to thicken naturally if desired.
Notes
I learned that browning the beef and quick-sautéing the onions really lift the flavor—don’t skip it! For a silky texture, stir in a splash of half-and-half or Greek yogurt before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste. Freeze leftovers for future meals.
Love this recipe?Follow us at @thenandnowspace for more