There’s something wonderfully comforting about a simmering pot of soup when the weather begins to cool. This Hearty Homestyle Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup fills your kitchen with a savory aroma, enticing everyone to gather around the dinner table. If you’re looking for a comforting, fuss-free meal that only gets better with time, this is your perfect recipe.

Ingredients

- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until no pink remains, breaking it up into small pieces as you go. Drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside momentarily. This quick step ensures your soup doesn’t turn greasy in the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about three to four minutes. You can then transfer the cooked onion, garlic, and ground beef to your slow cooker.
Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine the flavors.
Cover and cook on low heat for six to eight hours (or on high for three to four hours) until the vegetables are tender. As the soup nears the end of its cooking time, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup in warm bowls, topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or chopped parsley if you’d like an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe is a winner when you need a big pot of something satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s also a breeze to modify—swap in turkey for the beef, use sweet potatoes instead of carrots, or add a handful of frozen peas toward the end if you want more veggies.
Thanks to its rich, slow-cooked flavor and gentle, simmered appeal, this soup is a comforting option for families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a homestyle favorite without all the work.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
