Crockpot soup recipe

This Hearty Crockpot Vegetable Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences, from vegetarian to vegan, and even includes optional ground beef for those who enjoy a bit of meat. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a delicious, aromatic meal that’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables. This soup is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a great option for a healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (optional)
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (or 2 (15-ounce) cans mixed vegetables, drained)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen Lima beans (or 1 (15-ounce) can Lima beans, drained)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (or 1 (15-ounce) can niblet corn, drained)
• 2 cups carrots, sliced (or 1 (15-ounce) can carrots, drained)
• 4 pounds peeled and diced whole tomatoes (or 4 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes and okra
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional: Italian seasoning for added flavor

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef (if using): If you’re using ground beef, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and set the browned beef aside.

2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion and slice the carrots. If using fresh or frozen vegetables, make sure they are thawed and ready to go.

3. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the browned ground beef (if using), diced onion, mixed vegetables, Lima beans, corn kernels, carrots, diced tomatoes, tomatoes and okra, water, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. If you prefer a quicker option, you can cook it on high for 2 hours.

5. Taste and Adjust: After 4 hours, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more salt or pepper.

6. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

Top Tips

1. Prep Ahead: Chop all the vegetables the night before to save time in the morning. This way, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

2. Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over medium-low heat until hot throughout.

3. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase the variety.

4. Customize with Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to give the soup an extra boost of flavor. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

5. Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with a little water to the soup and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

6. Serve with Croutons: Add some croutons made from bread or crackers to give the soup a crunchy texture.

Variations

1. Spicy Twist: Add a can of diced green chilies or some red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.

2. Creamy Version: Mix in some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking time for a creamy, comforting soup.

3. Mediterranean Flavor: Add some Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to give the soup a Mediterranean twist.

4. Asian-Inspired: Add some soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Roast the carrots and celery in the oven before adding them to the soup for a deeper, richer flavor.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: This soup is a nutrient-dense meal option, rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. The optional ground beef adds protein, while the tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit different dietary needs, making it a great option for meal prep or family dinners.