Hearty Crockpot Beef and Noodle Soup
Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Crockpot Beef and Noodle Soup – a perfect solution for chilly days or busy weeknights. This flavorful dish combines lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and egg noodles, simmered together with aromatic spices and a rich, savory broth. The slow cooking process melds all flavors beautifully, giving you a nourishing soup that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Served in generous portions, this recipe makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal-prepping your week ahead, enjoy every spoonful of this wholesome soup.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
medium onion
1 (coarsely chopped)
celery stalk
1 (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
dry beefy mushroom soup mix
1.25 oz (dry)
diced tomatoes
14.5 oz (undrained)
water
3 cups (none)
salt
1/2 tsp (none)
pepper
1/4 tsp (none)
frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups (thawed and drained)
fine egg noodles
1 cup (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2
In a 4-6 quart slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef with chopped onion, celery, beefy mushroom soup mix, diced tomatoes with their juices, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soften.
4
Approximately 20 minutes before serving, add the thawed mixed vegetables and uncooked egg noodles. Stir to incorporate them into the soup.
5
Increase the heat setting on the slow cooker to HIGH and cover. Cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6
Serve hot in bowls, and enjoy the heartiness of this nourishing soup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Crockpot Beef and Noodle Soup?
It is a warm, comforting slow cooker meal featuring lean ground beef, vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich, savory broth.
How long does this soup need to cook in the slow cooker?
The soup base should cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, with an additional 15 to 20 minutes on high after adding the noodles and vegetables.
Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain off the excess fat before putting it in the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 4-6 quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this beef and noodle soup recipe.
When should I add the egg noodles?
Add the uncooked egg noodles approximately 20 minutes before you are ready to serve the soup.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of fine egg noodles.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes undrained, including their juices for extra flavor.
What kind of vegetables are in this soup?
The recipe includes chopped onion, sliced celery, and two cups of frozen mixed vegetables.
Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them?
Yes, the frozen mixed vegetables should be thawed and drained before being added to the slow cooker.
How much water is required for the broth?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water to be mixed with the other soup components.
What provides the main seasoning for the broth?
The primary flavor comes from a 1.25 oz package of dry beefy mushroom soup mix along with salt and pepper.
How should I prepare the celery?
The celery stalk should be cut into 1/4-inch slices before being added to the cooker.
Can I cook this soup on high for the entire duration?
The recipe instructions specify cooking on low for 6-8 hours to allow flavors to meld, only switching to high for the final 20 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this hearty soup is excellent for meal-prepping and can be portioned out for the week ahead.
What should I do after adding the noodles and vegetables?
Increase the heat setting to high, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could substitute other ground meats, though it will change the flavor profile.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be coarsely chopped.
Can I add more spices to the soup?
Yes, while the recipe uses salt and pepper, you can adjust seasonings to your personal preference.
How do I know when the noodles are done?
The noodles are done when they are tender and cooked through, usually after 15-20 minutes on high heat.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, the generous portions and ease of preparation make it ideal for feeding a group.
What if I don't have beefy mushroom soup mix?
You can use a similar dry beef-based soup mix, though beefy mushroom provides a specific savory depth.
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, the noodles are added uncooked directly into the slow cooker for the final stage of cooking.
How do I avoid a greasy soup?
Ensure you drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning it in the skillet.
What is the texture of the vegetables?
The slow-cooked celery and onions soften completely, while the frozen mixed vegetables are added late to remain crisp-tender.
Can I add more water if the soup is too thick?
Yes, if you prefer a thinner broth or the noodles absorb too much liquid, you can stir in a bit more water.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, its hearty ingredients and warm broth make it a classic comfort food dish.
How should I stir the ingredients?
Stir well when first combining the base ingredients and again when adding the noodles and vegetables to ensure even distribution.
Can I use fresh mixed vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables may require a longer cooking time than the 20 minutes allotted for thawed frozen vegetables.
How is the soup served?
The soup should be served hot in bowls for the best dining experience.