Tomato Herb Lean Beef Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup
Ground beef soup brings deep, savory richness without requiring a complicated prep routine. Browning the meat on the stovetop first develops flavor and allows excess fat to be drained before the rest of the ingredients simmer together. Crushed tomatoes create a balanced, gently acidic base that softens and hydrates the dried herbs over a gentle four-hour cook, while baby spinach stirred in at the finish adds fresh color and tender texture.
Why this one works
- Browning the beef ahead of time builds a rich foundation and keeps the broth clean.
- Gentle slow cooking allows dried Italian herbs to infuse thoroughly into the crushed tomato base.
- Adding the spinach right at the finish preserves its bright color and tender bite.
- Straightforward assembly makes it easy to set up for a warm, hearty meal.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef Browning thoroughly and draining excess fat ensures a clean, well-balanced broth.
- 28 ounces (800g) crushed tomatoes Provides rich body and natural acidity for the soup base.
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth Lends depth and savory liquid volume to balance the thick tomato puree.
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach Stir in right at the end; the residual heat of the broth wilts the leaves in seconds.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) dried Italian herbs Simmers with the broth to evenly distribute classic herbal seasoning throughout the pot.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Sumac Lemon Lean Beef Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Skillet for browning the ground beef
- Slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-step instructions
The workflow is simple: take a few minutes at the stove to brown and drain the ground beef, then transfer everything except the greens into your slow cooker. Let the appliance do the simmering, and fold in the spinach right before dishing it out.
- 1Step 1
Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- 2Step 2
Add the cooked beef, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian herbs into the slow cooker.
- 3Step 3
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- 4Step 4
Stir in fresh baby spinach just before serving until wilted. Serve hot.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Dijon Herb Lean Beef Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Break the ground beef into small, uniform crumbles while browning to ensure even distribution in every spoonful.
- Drain the rendered fat thoroughly from the skillet so the finished broth stays light and flavorful.
- Keep the slow cooker lid closed during the four-hour cooking time to maintain steady heat.
- Wait until moments before serving to fold in the baby spinach so the leaves stay tender rather than overcooked.
Ways to make it your own
- Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or grated hard cheese at the table.
- Serve alongside toasted garlic bread for dipping into the herb-scented tomato broth.
Serving suggestions
Ladle this soup hot into deep bowls. It pairs naturally with slices of rustic crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the savory beef and tomato broth.
Storage & reheating
Allow leftover soup to cool slightly before transferring it into an airtight container for refrigeration. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, keeping in mind that the spinach will soften further upon reheating.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I add the spinach at the beginning of the slow cooking time?+
It is best added right before serving. Fresh baby spinach wilts almost instantly in hot liquid and retains much better texture and color when not simmered for hours.
Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?+
Yes. Browning cooks the meat fully and lets you drain off excess rendered fat before combining it with the tomatoes and broth.
With tender beef, fragrant herbs, and vibrant greens in every ladle, this tomato beef soup is an uncomplicated, satisfying option for any weeknight meal.
Tomato Herb Lean Beef Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup
A comforting slow cooker soup combining browned lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, savory broth, Italian herbs, and fresh baby spinach.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 28 ounces (800g) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon (15g) dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian herbs into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Stir in fresh baby spinach just before serving until wilted. Serve hot.
Nutrition
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