This easy crock pot vegetable beef soup uses fresh vegetables and cooks in about two hours on high (or longer on low). It’s a healthy one-pot meal with potatoes, tomatoes, green beans and ground beef, turkey, or sausage.
I love my slow cooker for busy days. This recipe is simple to assemble and makes a hearty dinner when paired with bread or crackers. It’s perfect for families on the go—prep takes just a few minutes, then the slow cooker does the rest.
Prep is minimal: brown the ground meat, chop any fresh vegetables you’re using, or simply add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables for even less work. In cold weather, a warm pot of soup is especially comforting. Serve with rolls or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Soup is an affordable, filling comfort food that usually appeals to kids and adults alike. With this crock pot version you get a nutritious, flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredient Notes
Choose ground beef, ground turkey, or spicy ground sausage for extra flavor. You can also use stew meat if you prefer a chunkier bite. I often use spicy sausage when available because it adds depth and a touch of heat, but any ground meat works well.
Best Vegetables to Add
Good options include celery, carrots, green beans, corn, onions and potatoes. Fresh vegetables hold their texture best; frozen are convenient and work well; canned vegetables will be softer, so keep that in mind if you prefer firmer veggies.
For the broth, use chicken or beef stock depending on what you have. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the meat for extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.
Can you use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes. Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables all work. Fresh vegetables keep more texture and bite, frozen vegetables are convenient and preserve nutrients, and canned vegetables will be the softest. Choose based on preference and what’s available.
How long to cook vegetable beef soup in slow cooker
For tender vegetables and well-flavored meat, cook on low for about 6 hours. If you prefer firmer vegetables, you can cook on low for 4 hours or on high for approximately 2–2.5 hours.
Does soup taste better in a slow cooker?
Many people prefer slow-cooked soup because the gentle, even heat lets flavors meld without constant attention. A slow cooker requires little stirring and reduces the risk of scorching while producing tender, well-developed flavors.
Can you add noodles?
You can add cooked noodles at the end (about 2 cups) or add dry small pasta directly to the cooker near the end of cooking. If cooking in the slow cooker, add about 1 cup of small shells or macaroni in the last 30 minutes so the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cans tomatoes, diced petite
- 48 oz chicken broth, or vegetable broth for vegetarian; add more for a thinner soup
- 1 large potato, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled, sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery, cut into bite-size chunks
- 2 cup green beans, can use frozen
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 ears corn, kernels removed
Instructions
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Slice vegetables and brown the meat in a skillet. If using canned vegetables, drain them; if using frozen, add them directly.
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Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for about 2–2.5 hours. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Stovetop Method
You can cook this on the stovetop if preferred. Brown the meat in a large pot with a little oil, add the vegetables, broth and tomatoes, then simmer with a lid for 30–60 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors have melded. The slow cooker remains the most hands-off option.
Other meat and vegetable recipes you’ll love
Try slow cooker corned beef and cabbage or a whole chicken in the crockpot with potatoes for other easy family meals that cook themselves while you go about your day.
How to save leftovers
To freeze leftovers, cool the soup and portion into airtight containers or use silicone freeze trays for single servings. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Using freeze-and-serve portions prevents waste and makes future meals easy.
Below is the full slow cooker vegetable beef soup recipe, including approximate nutrition information. Enjoy!
