Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone recipe with ground beef, vegetables, beans, and pasta. Easy, hearty, and healthy soup perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family meals. Simple slow cooker minestrone with Italian-seasoned tomatoes, ditalini pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Comforting homemade soup recipe with protein, fiber, and rich flavors.

Ingredients

• For the soup:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup diced sweet yellow onion
  • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrot
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 28-ounce can crushed Italian seasoned tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, carrot, zucchini, celery, garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the cannellini beans, kidney beans, uncooked ditalini pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on HIGH until pasta is al-dente.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish individual bowls with extra Parmesan if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone combines hearty ground beef with tender vegetables, beans, and pasta for a filling and comforting soup. It’s packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The slow-cooked flavors make it rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

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Tips

• Brown the beef first to enhance flavor and reduce excess grease.
• Stir occasionally during cooking if possible to ensure even flavor distribution.
• For a thicker soup, slightly reduce the amount of broth or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
• Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but leave out the pasta when freezing. Cook and add pasta fresh when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes, just slightly mash the diced tomatoes while cooking for a smoother texture.

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Serving

Serve the minestrone hot in bowls with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

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Suggestions

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving for extra color and flavor.
• This soup is great for meal prep—store in single-serving containers for easy lunches.
• Serve with a light salad for a balanced dinner.