Crockpot Hamburger Soup

Crockpot Hamburger Soup

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 white onion — medium dice
• 1 clove garlic — mashed & minced
• 3 carrots — medium slices
• 3 stalks celery stalks — medium slices
• 3 russet potatoes — peeled, medium dice
• 1 can diced tomatoes — 28 oz
• ¼ cup rice — uncooked
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cube beef bouillon cube
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

• As needed parsley (optional) — chopped, optional
• As needed Parmesan cheese (optional) — grated, optional

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring and breaking the beef into crumbles, until no pink remains, browned bits form in the skillet, and the beef reaches 160°F. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.16 oz ground beef, 1 onion, 1 garlic clove
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Using a knife and cutting board, slice carrots and celery and peel and cube potatoes into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces, about 10 minutes.3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 3 potatoes
3. Fill the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, and water. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bouillon until evenly combined. The vegetables and meat should be mostly covered; add a small amount of extra water only if necessary.28 oz tomatoes, ¼ cup rice, 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 3 cups water, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 bouillon cube
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, then reduce to LOW and cook another 4 hours, until the carrots and potatoes are fork-tender, the rice is tender, and the soup has thickened. Keep the lid closed except when checking for doneness near the end.
5. Adjust and Serve: Stir the soup well. If it is thicker than desired, add hot water ¼ cup at a time until it reaches the preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Turn the slow cooker to WARM, garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.hot water as needed, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese