This Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, healthy, and absolutely delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and just the right blend of spices, it’s an easy slow cooker soup that your family will devour—and you’ll love how effortless it is to make.

The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or helping with homework, this soup will simmer away until it’s ready to comfort you with every spoonful. Forget standing over a stove—this is all about set-it-and-forget-it simplicity.

Why This Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking: Once everything’s in the crockpot, you’re free for the next 8 hours. No babysitting needed.
Time-saving shortcut: Traditional beef soup recipes can take hours on the stovetop, but this easy slow cooker soup lets you skip that entirely.
One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, so clean-up is minimal. Win!
Make-ahead friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long.
Healthy and filling: Packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich veggies, and just the right balance of flavors, it’s a low calorie soup recipe you can feel great about.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup

Making this homemade beef soup is a breeze when you’ve got the right tools. Here’s what I recommend:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re in the market for one, I love models with programmable timers so you don’t have to worry about overcooking.
Large Skillet: You’ll need a skillet to brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics. This quick step adds a ton of flavor.
Ladle: A good ladle makes it easy to serve this vegetable-packed soup straight from the crockpot.

Pro Tip: If you’re tight on counter space, consider using a multi-cooker like an Instant Pot in slow cooker mode. Just follow the same steps!

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup

This soup keeps it simple with pantry staples and fresh produce:

Lean ground beef: I use 90% lean ground beef to keep the soup light but satisfying. Turkey or chicken would also work!
Vegetables galore: Sweet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, and kale pack in nutrients and color. Feel free to use pre-chopped veggies to save time.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add a smoky depth to the broth. Regular diced tomatoes work in a pinch, but fire-roasted ones take the flavor up a notch.
Low-sodium beef broth: I opt for bone broth when I can—it’s rich in flavor and nutrients. If you’re out, vegetable broth works too.

Shortcut Tip: Frozen green beans are a great swap for fresh ones when you’re in a pinch.

Recipe Details

Servings: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Complete Ingredients List

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced (~2 cups)
1 green bell pepper, diced (~1 cup)
6 garlic cloves, minced
10 oz. sweet potato (or butternut squash), peeled and cubed (~2 cups)
10 oz. Yukon gold potatoes, cubed (~2 cups)
2 medium carrots, diced (~1 cup)
2 ribs celery, diced (~1 cup)
2 (14-oz.) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
1 quart (4 cups) low-sodium beef broth
1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (or frozen)
2 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed (optional)

How to Make Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft.
Drain any excess grease, then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the sweet potato, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, celery, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8–9 hours or high for 5–6 hours.
An hour before serving, add the green beans and kale to the soup. Stir to incorporate and put the lid back on.
If you’re using frozen green beans, add them 30 minutes before serving instead of an hour.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup

Browning is key: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef—it builds a deeper, richer flavor.
Customize the veggies: Toss in whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, and frozen corn are great additions.
Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better on day two, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners.
Store it right: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat like a pro: Warm individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the soup.

Easy Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup Variations

Make it spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Go low-carb: Swap potatoes for diced cauliflower or zucchini to cut back on carbs.
Add grains: Stir in cooked barley, quinoa, or small pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier option.
Vegetarian twist: Replace beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.

Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen veggies like green beans or peas work perfectly. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Follow the Instant Pot instructions in the recipe notes and enjoy an even quicker version of the soup.

How do I make this soup thinner?

If your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in some extra broth during the last hour of cooking until you reach your desired consistency.

This Crockpot Healthy Hamburger Soup is truly a lifesaver for busy days. What are your favorite time-saving slow cooker recipes? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to trade tips!